What You Can Earn as a TV News Host: An Analysis of "The Five" Salaries and a Guide to the Profession
The world of cable news captivates millions, and top-rated shows like "The Five" on Fox News feature personalities who have become household names. This prominence naturally leads to questions about their compensation. While reaching the salary heights of a top-tier national host is the pinnacle of a long and demanding career, the profession of a news host or political commentator offers a dynamic and potentially lucrative path.
This article will break down the estimated salaries of the hosts of "The Five" and then provide a comprehensive analysis of the broader career, including average salaries, key influencing factors, and the job outlook for aspiring broadcast professionals.
The Unique Case of "The Five": Understanding Top-Tier Talent Salaries
Before diving into general industry data, it's crucial to address the specific query about the hosts of "The Five." The salaries of high-profile media personalities like Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Jesse Watters, Jeanine Pirro, and their rotating co-hosts are not standard, publicly listed figures. They are the result of private, intensely negotiated contracts between the talent and the network.
These figures are based on a combination of factors unique to this level of the industry:
- Show Ratings: "The Five" is consistently one of the highest-rated shows in all of cable television, driving immense advertising revenue for Fox News.
- Individual Brand: Each host has a distinct brand, a loyal following, and often, other projects like books, podcasts, or additional TV shows that increase their value.
- Negotiating Power: An established track record of success gives hosts significant leverage in salary negotiations.
While exact numbers are confidential, industry reports and expert estimations provide a reliable glimpse. According to sources like *Forbes* and *Celebrity Net Worth*, the annual salaries for the main hosts are estimated to be in the multi-million dollar range:
- Greg Gutfeld: As one of the network's most prominent stars, hosting both "The Five" and his own late-night show, *Gutfeld!*, his estimated annual salary is reportedly in the range of $15 to $30 million.
- Jesse Watters: Host of "The Five" and his own primetime show, *Jesse Watters Primetime*, his estimated salary is around $10 million per year.
- Dana Perino: A former White House Press Secretary and co-host of *America's Newsroom*, Perino's value is immense. Her estimated salary is approximately $6 million annually.
- Jeanine Pirro: A former judge and district attorney, her unique legal and political expertise earns her an estimated salary of around $5 million per year.
These figures represent the absolute peak of the profession and are a result of decades of experience, powerful personal branding, and undeniable influence on network ratings.
What Does a TV News Host or Political Commentator Do?
Beyond the on-air personality, a TV news host's job is a demanding one. Their primary responsibility is to inform, engage, and facilitate discussion for a television audience. Daily and weekly tasks often include:
- Research and Preparation: Deeply researching topics for discussion, from breaking news to political policy and cultural trends.
- Segment Planning: Collaborating with producers to structure the show, write scripts, and prepare interview questions.
- On-Air Delivery: Presenting information clearly, delivering monologues or commentary, and moderating debates between co-hosts and guests.
- Interviewing: Conducting live or pre-taped interviews with newsmakers, experts, and politicians.
- Brand Building: Maintaining a professional presence on social media, participating in public events, and often writing books or columns to extend their influence.
Average TV News Host Salary
While the salaries for "The Five" are astronomical, the earnings for the vast majority of broadcast professionals are more grounded. Salaries vary dramatically based on market size and experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists was $57,500 in May 2022. For the broader category of Broadcast Announcers, the median pay was $47,380.
However, these figures include reporters and announcers in small radio and local TV markets. A more detailed salary spectrum looks like this:
- Entry-Level (Small Market): A reporter or anchor at a local station in a small town might start in the $35,000 to $55,000 range.
- Mid-Career (Medium to Large Market): An established anchor in a top-50 market (like Denver or St. Louis) can earn $80,000 to $180,000+.
- Senior-Level (Major Market/National): An anchor in a top-5 market (like New York or Los Angeles) or a host on a national cable network can earn anywhere from $250,000 to well over $1 million. The hosts of "The Five" exist at the very top of this tier.
Data from Salary.com shows the median salary for a News Anchor in the U.S. to be around $60,195, but notes that the range typically falls between $48,310 and $79,219, again highlighting the strong influence of market size.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several key factors determine earning potential in this competitive field.
Level of Education
A bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Broadcasting, or Political Science is typically the minimum requirement. While a master's degree isn't always necessary, an advanced degree can significantly boost credibility and salary, especially for specialized commentators. For example, a law degree (like Jeanine Pirro's J.D.) or a Ph.D. in economics or political science allows a host to command expert status and a higher fee.
Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most critical factor. A journalist's career is a ladder. Most start as reporters in small markets, honing their skills in writing, on-camera presence, and source development. With each move to a larger market, their experience, visibility, and salary increase. The multi-decade careers of the hosts on "The Five" are a testament to this progression.
Geographic Location
In broadcasting, location is synonymous with market size. The highest salaries are concentrated in major media hubs like New York City and Washington, D.C., where the national networks are headquartered. A lead anchor in Omaha will earn a fraction of what a comparable host in New York earns because the station's advertising revenue and audience reach are vastly different.
Company Type (Network and Market Rank)
Working for a flagship station of a major network (ABC, NBC, CBS) in a top-10 market will pay significantly more than working for an independent station in a small market. At the top of the pyramid are the major cable news networks—Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC—which have national reach and the largest revenue streams, allowing them to pay multi-million dollar salaries to attract and retain top talent.
Area of Specialization and Personal Brand
For commentators and hosts on panel shows like "The Five," a unique specialization or brand is a massive salary driver. Whether it's Dana Perino's expertise from the White House, Greg Gutfeld's specific blend of political satire, or Judge Pirro's legal analysis, this distinct perspective makes them invaluable. A host who builds a large, loyal following and can prove they move the ratings needle has immense negotiating power.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for broadcast journalists is evolving. According to the BLS, employment for News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists is projected to decline by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. This is largely due to the consolidation of traditional broadcast and print media outlets.
However, this data tells only part of the story. While traditional roles may be shrinking, the demand for skilled communicators, sharp analysts, and engaging content creators is shifting to digital platforms. Opportunities are growing rapidly in:
- Streaming news services
- Podcasting
- Online news publications and video channels
- Corporate media and communications
The skills honed as a broadcast professional—clear communication, critical thinking, on-camera confidence, and compelling storytelling—are highly transferable to this new media landscape.
Conclusion
The multi-million dollar salaries of the hosts of "The Five" represent the absolute zenith of the broadcast journalism profession, earned through decades of experience, high-stakes negotiations, and the ability to draw massive audiences. While these figures are not the norm, they illuminate the potential at the highest levels.
For those considering a career as a TV host or political commentator, the path is competitive and demanding. Success hinges on a combination of education, relentless experience-building, and developing a unique, authoritative voice. Starting salaries may be modest, but for those who can successfully navigate the ladder from small markets to the national stage, the career can be both intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding in a media landscape ripe with new opportunities.