The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Net Worth & Earnings

Updated April 1, 2024

Stephen Tyrone Colbert, an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host, has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Best known for his satirical Comedy Central program, The Colbert Report, and his current role as the host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, Colbert has captivated audiences with his wit, charm, and insightful commentary.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 13, 1964, in Washington, DC, Colbert is the youngest of 11 children. After the tragic death of his father and two brothers in a plane crash, his mother relocated the family to Charleston, South Carolina. Colbert attended the Episcopal Porter-Gaud School, where he discovered his passion for acting through participation in school plays.

Initially aspiring to study marine biology, Colbert's plans changed when he sustained inner ear damage during surgery, resulting in deafness in his right ear. Undeterred, he pursued a career in theater and philosophy, majoring in the latter at Hampden-Sydney College before transferring to Northwestern University as a theater major.

Early Career and Rise to Fame

Colbert's career gained momentum after joining the renowned improvisational comedy group, Second City, in Chicago. He honed his skills and met future collaborators Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello. Together, they created the sketch comedy show Exit 57, which aired on Comedy Central from 1995 to 1996.

Colbert's talent and versatility led to various roles on shows such as The Dana Carvey Show, Saturday Night Live, and Good Morning America. He also worked as a writer and script consultant for VH1 and MTV. In 1997, he joined The Daily Show as a correspondent and writer, winning three Emmys for his contributions.

The Colbert Report and The Late Show

Building on his success on The Daily Show, Colbert launched his own spin-off show, The Colbert Report, in 2005. As the host, he portrayed a politically conservative right-wing pundit, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. The show, co-created by Colbert, Jon Stewart, and Ben Karlin, won an Emmy Award and a Peabody Award.

In 2014, Colbert was chosen as the successor to David Letterman on The Late Show. Since his debut in 2015, Colbert has brought his unique brand of political satire and insightful interviews to late-night television. The show has garnered attention for its political focus and engaging content.

Other Endeavors

Beyond television, Colbert has ventured into various projects and pursuits. He gained widespread attention for his performance at the 2006 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, where he satirized the George W. Bush Administration and the White House Press Corps.

Colbert is also a co-author of the satirical novel Wigfield: The Can-Do Town That Just May Not (2003), showcasing his comedic writing skills alongside his long-time collaborators.

Stephen Colbert's multifaceted career has solidified his status as a beloved comedian and television host. With his sharp wit, insightful commentary, and engaging personality, Colbert continues to entertain and inform audiences around the world.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is a popular channel on YouTube, boasting 9.18 million subscribers. The The Late Show with Stephen Colbert YouTube channel started in 2015.

There’s one question everybody wants answered: How does The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earn money? No one beyond The Late Show with Stephen Colbert really knows, however let's walk through what we know.

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert net worth
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earnings

What is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's net worth?

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert has an estimated net worth of about $8.95 million.

Net Worth Spot's data estimates The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's net worth to be near $8.95 million. While The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's actual net worth is unknown. Our website's point of view predicts The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's net worth at $8.95 million, however The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's actual net worth is unknown.

However, some people have estimated that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's net worth might really be far higher than that. In fact, when including other revenue sources for a YouTuber, some sources place The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's net worth as high as $12.52 million.

Stephen Colbert, the renowned American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host, has made a name for himself through his various television programs. While he is best known for hosting the satirical Comedy Central program The Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014 and the CBS talk program The Late Show with Stephen Colbert since September 2015, Colbert has also diversified his revenue sources beyond YouTube.

Annual Salary

According to various sources, Stephen Colbert has earned a significant annual salary throughout his career. In May 2019, Cheatsheet.com reported that Colbert's annual salary was $6 million. However, in September 2021, Yahoo! Finance revealed that he extended his contract with CBS, with a salary of $15 million per year. More recently, in March 2022, The Things reported that Colbert's annual salary had reached an impressive $16 million.

Television Programs

While YouTube has been a platform for Stephen Colbert's comedic content, his main revenue sources come from his television programs. The Colbert Report, which aired on Comedy Central from 2005 to 2014, showcased Colbert's satirical take on current events and politics. The show's success led to Colbert's transition to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS in September 2015. As the host of The Late Show, Colbert continues to entertain audiences with his unique brand of humor and insightful interviews.

Other Pursuits

Beyond his television career, Stephen Colbert has been involved in various other projects and pursuits. In 2006, he was the featured entertainer for the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, where he delivered a satirical performance that garnered widespread attention and increased viewership for The Colbert Report. Colbert is also a co-author of the satirical novel "Wigfield: The Can-Do Town That Just May Not" (2003), showcasing his talent as a writer.

Stephen Colbert's success and ability to diversify his revenue sources highlight his versatility as a comedian and entertainer. From his annual salary to his television programs and other creative endeavors, Colbert continues to captivate audiences with his wit and charm.

How much does The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earn?

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earns an estimated $2.24 million a year.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert fans often ask the same question: How much does The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earn?

On average, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's YouTube channel attracts 37.27 million views a month, and around 1.24 million views a day.

YouTube channels that are monetized earn revenue by playing ads. YouTubers can earn an average of between $3 to $7 per thousand video views. If The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is within this range, Net Worth Spot estimates that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earns $149.09 thousand a month, totalling $2.24 million a year.

Net Worth Spot may be using under-reporting The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's revenue though. Optimistically, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert could possibly earn as high as $4.03 million a year.

However, it's rare for influencers to rely on a single source of revenue. Influencers may market their own products, secure sponsorships, or earn money through affiliate commissions.