Shepard Smith Net Worth

## Shepard Smith’s Net Worth and Career: A Deep Dive

**Table of Contents:**

* [What is Shepard Smith’s Net Worth?](#what-shepard-smiths-net-worth)
* [Early Life and Education](#early-life)
* [Journalism Career Beginnings](#career)
* [Key Career Moments at Fox News](#career)
* [Departure from Fox and Transition to CNBC](#career)
* [Salary and Earnings Over the Years](#salary)
* [Real Estate Holdings](#real-estate)
* [Personal Relationships and Later Life](#relationships)

## What is Shepard Smith’s Net Worth?

Shepard Smith, a prominent figure in American television news, has amassed a net worth of $30 million. His career spans decades, marked by significant roles at major news networks and a reputation for delivering news with a straightforward approach. Smith’s financial success is a reflection of his long tenure, high-profile positions, and the considerable salaries associated with his work.

## Early Life

Born on January 14, 1964, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, Shepard Smith’s early life was shaped by his family’s ties to the cotton trade. He attended a preparatory school before his family’s separation, which led his mother to relocate to Florida. Smith followed, pursuing journalism studies at the University of Mississippi, though he left before completing his degree to start his career as a reporter. This decision underscores his early dedication to the field.

## Career

Shepard Smith began his journalism career at local TV news stations, including NBC affiliates in Panama City Beach and Fort Myers, Florida. He later worked for a Fox News affiliate in Miami, where he hosted “A Current Affair.” This early experience laid the foundation for his future success and provided him with the skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced world of television news. Smith’s career took a significant turn when he joined Fox News in its early days, marking the start of a long and impactful association.

## Key Career Moments at Fox News

Smith’s journey with Fox News began in 1996, and within a year, he was reporting on major news stories, including the death of [Princess Diana’s net worth](https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-politicians/royals/princess-diana-net-worth/). His coverage of [Bill Clinton’s net worth](https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-politicians/presidents/bill-clinton-net-worth/) impeachment trial in 1998 further increased his visibility. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, he was a key correspondent, reporting on events such as the Columbine shootings, the execution of Timothy McVeigh, and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. These assignments demonstrated his ability to cover critical and challenging news stories.

In 2003, Smith played a crucial role in helping Fox News achieve third place among all cable news programs in the United States. A survey at the time showed he was a highly trusted news anchor, sharing second place with Dan Rather and Peter Jennings. By 2013, Smith took on a more managerial role, becoming managing director of the Fox News breaking news division while also hosting “Shepard Smith Reporting.” However, his time at Fox was marked by internal debates, especially after the 2016 election. Despite signing a new contract in 2018, Smith left Fox News in 2019 after facing criticism from viewers and even then-President Trump. He was known for his willingness to challenge narratives and provide fact-based reporting, which sometimes put him at odds with other commentators and the network’s broader audience.

## Departure from Fox and Transition to CNBC

In 2020, Shepard Smith began working with CNBC, hosting a new show titled “The News with Shepard Smith.” His move was seen as a significant shift, signaling his desire for a different journalistic approach. After leaving Fox, Smith expressed concerns about authoritarian governments potentially silencing journalists, which was seen as a commentary on the state of news media and free speech. Beyond his news career, Smith has appeared in films, usually as a news anchor, including “Volcano,” and used in documentaries such as “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Bombshell.” He continues to be a respected voice in journalism.

## Salary and Earnings Over the Years

In 2007, Shepard Smith signed a three-year contract with Fox News worth approximately $7.5 million per year. He renewed this contract in 2010 for another three years. In 2013, Smith signed a multi-year deal that gave him a total annual salary of $10 million. By the time he left Fox News in 2019, his reported annual earnings were $15 million. His earnings reflect his importance to the network and his recognized status in the news industry. The specifics of his current salary at CNBC have not been widely publicized.

(Photo by Steven Ferdman/Getty Images)

## Real Estate Holdings

In 2017, Shepard Smith listed his New York City home for $4.9 million. The condo is located in “The Greenwich,” a luxurious building in Greenwich Village. The apartment includes 2,341 square feet and has two bedrooms. Smith originally purchased the condo in 2004 for $1.875 million. Notable features include 13-foot ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, and dark hardwood floors. The Greenwich has housed various celebrities, including Peter Norton, [Michael Kors’s net worth](https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/richest-designers/michael-kors-net-worth/) and [Jon Stewart’s net worth](https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/richest-comedians/jon-stewart-net-worth/).

## Personal Relationships and Later Life

Shepard Smith married Virginia Donald in 1987, but they divorced in 1993. In 2017, Smith publicly came out as gay and announced that he had been in a relationship with Giovanni Graziano since 2012. His personal life has been marked by significant milestones, reflecting broader societal shifts in acceptance and visibility. Smith’s candor and honesty have made him a prominent figure both professionally and personally, demonstrating his ability to address important issues and provide honest reporting.