Being a TV news reporter certainly has its rewards, and Lester Holt is a shining example of that. Lester Holt has been in the journalism game for over four decades, working his way through various cable networks before finding a home at NBC. Since starting his career in the early ‘80s, Lester’s net worth has skyrocketed, and despite announcing his departure from NBC Nightly News, he’s not slowing down. He's taking on a full-time role with Dateline NBC, proving that his passion for journalism is alive and well.
How Much Is Lester Holt Worth?
Lester Holt’s estimated net worth sits at an impressive $35 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. And it’s not just his long career that’s brought him financial success. Each year, Lester pulls in around $10 million from his work at NBC, a testament to his enduring influence in the world of journalism. That’s some serious coin for a guy who started out chasing stories on the streets of San Francisco.
From Radio to Television: Lester Holt's Path to Success
Lester’s journey into journalism didn’t start with a bang, but rather with a modest gig as a radio disc jockey. While studying government at Sacramento State University, he got his foot in the door at CBS, where he worked for 19 years after initially being rejected by NBC. Imagine that—NBC turned down one of the most iconic anchors in TV history. But hey, sometimes the best stories come from unexpected beginnings.
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In 2000, Lester got the call he’d been waiting for—an opportunity to anchor NBC News. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship with the network. By 2003, Lester had become a host on Weekend Today, a role he held until 2015. Along the way, Lester also became a familiar face on NBC Nightly News and regularly hosted Dateline NBC since 2011. His career has been nothing short of remarkable, and it’s clear that Lester has made the most of every opportunity that’s come his way.
Lester’s work hasn’t been limited to just news broadcasts. He’s also made appearances in shows like Primal Fear, 30 Rock, and House of Cards. Even with his hectic schedule, Lester remains grateful for all the opportunities he’s had. “That’s a pretty good little lineup there,” he reflected in an April 2016 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “It allowed me to be compensated well. I had much of the stature of the other anchors here, but it’s not the brass ring. So it wasn’t that I had settled, but it was a recognition that, you know, you’ve been spending so much time climbing up the ladder, maybe you need to stop on the rung you’re on and look out and enjoy the view.”
A New Chapter: Lester Holt Steps Down from NBC Nightly News
After 17 years on air, Lester made the decision to step down from his position at NBC Nightly News in a memo to staffers on February 24, 2025.
“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” he said in the memo. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has. What an amazing ride.”
He continued, “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”
Even though Lester stepped down from NBC Nightly News, his work with Dateline will continue in a new, full-time capacity.
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“But before we play the walk-off music, I have another announcement. I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity whereby I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” the statement continued. “I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.”
Family Life: Does Lester Holt Have Kids?
Lester married his wife, Carol Hagen, in 1982, and together they have two sons: Stefan and Cameron. Both boys have followed in their father’s footsteps in their own ways. Cameron works as an analyst at Morgan Stanley, while Stefan has carved out his own niche in journalism, becoming a news anchor at NBC just like his dad. It’s a family that truly understands the value of hard work and dedication.
