Net Worth Overview
- Net Worth: $18 Million
- Salary: $1.5 Million
- Category: Richest Politicians › Republicans
- Birthplace: Anoka, Minnesota, U.S.
- Profession: Journalist, Television Host, Author, Advocate
- Nationality: United States
What Is Gretchen Carlson’s Net Worth and Salary?
Gretchen Carlson, an American television host, broadcast journalist, and author, has an estimated net worth of $18 million and earns an annual salary of $1.5 million. She gained prominence as the host of multiple television programs, including “The Early Show” (2002 – 2005) on CBS News, “Fox & Friends” (2005 – 2013) on Fox News, and “The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson” (2013 – 2016) on Fox News.
Beyond television, Carlson is a women’s rights advocate and author, actively working toward workplace equality and the fight against sexual harassment.
Early Life and Education
Gretchen Elizabeth Carlson was born in Anoka, Minnesota, to Lee Carlson, a car dealership president, and Karen Carlson, a homemaker and schoolteacher. The family-owned Main Motor Sales Co. since 1919. Raised Lutheran, she was the second of four children.
Carlson was a violin prodigy, studying at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis and Juilliard School of Music in New York. She competed in various musical competitions and was part of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony (1980–1984).
After graduating from Anoka High School, Carlson attended Stanford University, where she studied organizational behavior and graduated in 1990. She was also a pageant competitor, winning Miss Minnesota in 1988 and Miss America in 1989.
Broadcast Journalism Career
Carlson’s pageant fame helped her break into broadcast journalism.
- Early Career (1990s – 2000s)
- Started at WRIC-TV (ABC affiliate, Richmond, Virginia) as a co-anchor and political commentator.
- Moved to WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio, working as a media commentator.
- Worked at stations in Cleveland, Ohio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas before securing a national role in 2000 as a CBS national correspondent.
- National Spotlight (2002 – 2016)
- Co-anchored the Saturday edition of “The Early Show” (CBS, 2002 – 2005) with Russ Mitchell.
- Joined Fox News in 2006, initially as a weekend substitute host on “Fox & Friends”.
- Became the full-time co-anchor of “Fox & Friends” (2006 – 2013) alongside Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade.
- In 2013, she left “Fox & Friends” and hosted “The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson” (2013 – 2016).
- She became the first cable news anchor to appear on-air without makeup, making a statement about women in the media industry.
Roger Ailes Lawsuit and #MeToo Movement
In July 2016, Carlson filed a landmark sexual harassment lawsuit against Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, alleging that she was fired for rejecting his advances.
- Fox News’ parent company, 21st Century Fox, settled the lawsuit, awarding Carlson $20 million and issuing a public apology.
- Her case encouraged dozens of other women to come forward against Ailes, leading to his resignation.
- This moment is credited as one of the key events that ignited the #MeToo movement in 2016.
Advocacy and Women’s Rights Work
Carlson has since dedicated her career to women’s rights and workplace reform:
- “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Harassment Act” (2017) – Worked with a bipartisan coalition to introduce legislation against workplace harassment.
- Gretchen Carlson Leadership Initiative – A program that provides advocacy training for underserved women across the U.S.
- Women Moving Millions Initiative – Encourages women worldwide to donate $1 million or more to support gender equality causes.
- TED Talks – Delivered talks on sexual harassment, workplace inequality, and women’s empowerment.
Books and Writing Career
Carlson is a published author, with her books focused on women’s empowerment and personal resilience:
- “Getting Real” (2015) – A memoir detailing her pageant journey, career in journalism, and personal struggles.
- “Be Fierce: Stop Harassment and Take Your Power Back” (2017) – Addresses workplace harassment and gender discrimination. Profits were donated to the Gift of Courage Fund.
Personal Life
In October 1997, Carlson married Casey Close, a sports agent, and they have two children. The family resides in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Portrayals in Media
Carlson’s lawsuit against Ailes has been dramatized in both film and television:
- “The Loudest Voice” (2019, Showtime Miniseries) – Naomi Watts portrayed Carlson.
- “Bombshell” (2019, Film) – Nicole Kidman played Carlson, with the film highlighting Ailes’ misconduct at Fox News and its fallout.
Conclusion
Gretchen Carlson’s journey from Miss America to a high-profile journalist and women’s rights advocate showcases her resilience and impact. With a net worth of $18 million, her legacy extends beyond television, shaping discussions on workplace equality and media accountability.
