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Lester Holt, a familiar face on American television, has made quite a name for himself in the world of broadcast journalism. But just how much has his successful career impacted his bank account? Let’s dive into Lester Holt net worth and the journey that led him to become one of the most trusted news anchors in the United States.
Biography Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lester Don Holt Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Marin County, California |
| Profession | Broadcast Journalist, News Anchor |
| Current Position | Anchor of NBC Nightly News |
| Notable Achievements | First Black person to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast |
Early Life
Born on March 8, 1959, at Hamilton Air Force Base in Marin County, California, Lester Holt came from a diverse background. His father was African American from Michigan, while his mother had Jamaican roots. Holt’s early years were shaped by his father’s military service, which included a four-year stint at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska during the Vietnam War.
Holt’s interest in broadcasting was sparked early on, thanks to his older brother who worked as a disc jockey at a local radio station in Anchorage, Alaska. This early exposure to the world of media would later play a crucial role in shaping Holt’s career path.
Lester Holt’s Education
Holt’s educational journey took him from Cordova High School in Rancho Cordova, where he graduated in 1977, to California State University, Sacramento. Although he majored in government, Holt never completed his degree. However, his success in the field of journalism led to him receiving an honorary degree from his alma mater in 2015.
Lester Holt’s Wife
Behind every successful man is a supportive partner, and for Lester Holt, that partner is Carol Hagen. The couple tied the knot in 1982 and have been going strong ever since. Their enduring relationship has been a constant throughout Holt’s rising career in journalism.
Lester Holt’s Age
As of 2025, Lester Holt is 66 years old. Born on March 8, 1959, Holt has spent more than four decades in the broadcasting industry, proving that age is just a number when it comes to delivering top-notch news coverage.
Where Does Lester Holt Live Now?
Lester Holt calls Manhattan home. In 2007, he purchased a luxurious apartment with 11-foot-tall ceilings and a 48-foot-long terrace offering views of Madison Square Park for $3.3 million. In 2017, Holt sold this property for a handsome $6.6 million, likely upgrading to an even more impressive residence befitting his status as one of America’s top news anchors.
Timeline of Career and Achievements
- 1981: Hired as a reporter for WCBS-TV in New York City
- 1982: Became a reporter and weekend anchor on KNXT in Los Angeles
- 1983: Returned to WCBS-TV as a reporter and weekend anchor
- 1986: Moved to WBBM-TV in Chicago, where he spent 14 years anchoring the evening news
- 2000: Joined MSNBC
- 2003: Assumed full-time duties at NBC News
- 2007: Became weekend anchor for NBC Nightly News
- 2011: Named principal anchor of Dateline NBC
- 2015: Appointed permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News
- 2016: Moderated the first presidential debate
- 2017: Conducted a consequential interview with President Trump
- 2018: Ranked as the most trusted TV news anchor in America
- 2021: Given the title of managing editor of NBC Nightly News
The Journey to Success
Lester Holt’s path to becoming one of America’s most respected journalists wasn’t always smooth sailing. He started his career in radio, working as a disc jockey at a country and western station. This early experience taught him the importance of versatility in broadcasting, a skill that would serve him well throughout his career.
Holt’s big break came when he joined CBS in 1981. Over the next 19 years, he worked his way up from local reporter to international correspondent. His time at CBS saw him covering major events around the world, from the troubles in Northern Ireland to the conflicts in Somalia and Haiti.
In 2000, Holt made the move to MSNBC, which would eventually lead to his current position at NBC News. His hard work and dedication paid off in 2015 when he was named the permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News, making history as the first Black person to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast.
Building the Lester Holt Net Worth
Lester Holt’s impressive net worth of $35 million didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of decades of hard work, smart career moves, and his ability to connect with viewers. His annual salary of $10 million from NBC is a testament to his value as a trusted news anchor.
But Holt’s income isn’t limited to his anchoring duties. He’s also made appearances in several TV shows and films, including “Primal Fear,” “30 Rock,” and “House of Cards”. These side gigs have likely contributed to his overall wealth.
Moreover, Holt has shown a knack for real estate. In 2007, he purchased a Manhattan apartment for $3.3 million and sold it a decade later for $6.6 million, nearly doubling his investment. Such smart financial moves have undoubtedly played a role in building his Lester Holt net worth.
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $35 million |
| Annual Salary | $10 million |
| Major Income Source | NBC News |
The Value of Trust
One of the key factors contributing to Lester Holt’s success and, by extension, his Lester Holt net worth, is his reputation for trustworthiness. In 2018, a poll ranked Holt as the most trusted TV news anchor in America. This level of public trust is invaluable in the world of journalism and has undoubtedly contributed to his high-profile position and substantial salary at NBC.
Lester Holt’s Impact on Journalism
Holt’s influence extends beyond his success. As the first Black person to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast, he’s broken barriers and paved the way for greater diversity in broadcast journalism. His moderation of the first presidential debate in 2016 was another milestone in his career, further cementing his status as a respected figure in American journalism.
The Future of Lester Holt’s Net Worth
Given Holt’s continued success and prominence in the field of journalism, it’s likely that his net worth will continue to grow. As of 2025, at 66 years old, Holt shows no signs of slowing down. His position as both anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News suggests that he’ll remain a key figure in broadcast journalism for years to come.
Conclusion
Lester Holt net worth of $35 million is a reflection of his successful career in broadcast journalism. From his early days as a radio disc jockey to his current position as one of America’s most trusted news anchors, Holt has consistently demonstrated his value in the industry. His story is not just about financial success, but also about breaking barriers, earning trust, and making a lasting impact on American journalism.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Lester Holt’s influence – both on the journalism industry and on his own net worth – is far from over. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and a testament to the rewards of hard work, integrity, and perseverance in the fast-paced world of news media.
