If you’ve ever wondered “How much does Craig Melvin make?”, you’re not alone. Craig Melvin is one of the most recognizable faces on American television — a seasoned journalist, a trusted anchor on NBC News and MSNBC, and now the co-anchor of the flagship Today show. His career has spanned over two decades, and with that comes curiosity about his compensation.
This article dives deep into everything you need to know about Craig Melvin salary, his net worth, career progression, and what factors contribute to his earnings — all in a natural, engaging, and SEO-optimized format.
Craig Melvin Salary
| Year | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Before 2025 co-anchor role | ~$3 million/year |
| Post-2025 Today co-anchor | ~$5 million – $6 million/year (estimated) |
| Net worth (individual/combined) | $6 million – $14 million (varying estimates) |
Who Is Craig Melvin?
Craig Delano Melvin (born May 20, 1979) is an American broadcast journalist best known for his work with NBC News and MSNBC. With an early start in local broadcasting, he’s climbed the ranks to become a household name — most recently as the co-anchor of NBC’s Today show alongside Savannah Guthrie.
Career Timeline
- 2001–2008: WIS-TV anchor and reporter (Columbia, SC)
- 2008–2011: Weekend news anchor at WRC-TV (Washington, DC)
- 2011–present: NBC News / MSNBC anchor & correspondent
- 2018–2025: Today show anchor and Today Third Hour co-host
- 2025–present: Co-anchor, Today main show with Savannah Guthrie
Craig also fills in on NBC Nightly News and contributes to Dateline and other NBC programs, showcasing his versatility and value.
Craig Melvin Salary Breakdown
Base Salary Estimates
Most credible salary figures for Craig Melvin before his 2025 Today co-anchor promotion put his annual salary at approximately $3 million.
This figure reflects his roles on:
- NBC News
- MSNBC
- Today Third Hour
- Fill-in anchoring on various NBC broadcasts
Salary After Today Co-Anchor Promotion
When Craig Melvin was announced as the successor to Hoda Kotb in early 2025, industry insiders suggested his salary would likely increase significantly — to an estimated $5 million – $6 million per year.
For context, Hoda Kotb reportedly made around $7 million annually, showcasing the earning potential of Today co-anchors at that level.
Why the Salary Increase Matters
Craig’s transition from Third Hour host to Today co-anchor is a major career milestone and typically results in:
- A larger contract
- Higher visibility
- More influence and long-term opportunities
- Greater negotiating leverage for future deals
How His Salary Ties In
Unlike salary, net worth reflects total accumulated wealth, including savings, investments, property, and paths outside of regular income.
Different sources offer varying estimates for Craig Melvin’s net worth:
- Around $6 million (individual estimate)
- Combined $14 million with his wife Lindsay Czarniak
- Around $9 million per some entertainment coverage
Net worth figures can differ widely based on methodology and whether associated assets (like real estate) are counted.
What Influences Craig Melvin’s Salary?
Understanding what drives a TV anchor’s salary helps explain why Craig Melvin earns what he does:
Key Earning Factors
- Experience & Reputation: Over 20+ years in journalism.
- Network Position: Major role in morning television and news broadcasts.
- National Profile: Increased visibility leads to higher pay.
- Contract Negotiations: Collective bargaining with NBC impacts salary.
- Market Worth: Anchors on major network shows command top-tier compensation.
Salary Comparison: Today Anchors & Peers
| Anchor | Approx Salary |
|---|---|
| Craig Melvin | $5M–$6M (post-2025 estimate) |
| Hoda Kotb (pre-2025) | ~$7M+ |
| Lester Holt (Nightly News) | ~$10M (industry list) |
Note: Figures above are based on publicly reported estimates and may fluctuate.
FAQs
1. How much does Craig Melvin make per year?
Craig Melvin’s annual salary has been reported at around $3 million in recent years, with potential growth to $5 million–$6 million after his 2025 co-anchoring role on Today.
2. Is Craig Melvin one of the highest-paid news anchors?
While Melvin earns a high salary compared to many broadcast journalists, anchors like Lester Holt command larger figures (around $10 million). However, Melvin’s compensation places him among the upper echelon of network TV anchors.
3. Does Craig Melvin earn money outside of NBC?
Like many media personalities, Craig may earn additional income through speaking engagements, endorsements, and appearances, though his primary income is his NBC contract. (No public figures on those extra earnings are confirmed.)
4. How does Craig Melvin’s salary compare to other Today show hosts?
Craig’s estimated earnings post-promotion position him below some previous hosts like Hoda Kotb but still among the top tier for morning show co-anchors.
5. Does Craig Melvin’s spouse influence his net worth?
Yes. Many sources combine Craig’s and wife Lindsay Czarniak’s financial profiles, which enhances the total estimated net worth figure.
Why This Matters
Large salaries for journalists reflect not just audience appeal but trust and influence. Craig Melvin’s rise symbolizes a blend of experience, versatility, and professionalism — characteristics that major networks reward handsomely.
Learn more about broadcast journalism salaries from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or media industry salary reports.
Conclusion
Craig Melvin’s salary is a powerful testament to his successful career in broadcast journalism. From his start in local news to his national prominence on NBC’s Today show, Melvin has continually increased his value — both in reputation and compensation.
