Lester Holt: A Legendary Voice In Journalism

Lester Holt's Financial Milestones: Net Worth and Salary

Let’s talk about Lester Holt, the man who’s become a household name in American journalism. With a net worth of $35 million, this trailblazing news anchor has built a career that speaks volumes about dedication and integrity. Lester has been the face of "NBC Nightly News" since 2015, a position he held until 2025. But his journey didn't start there. Way back in the early 1980s, Holt was making waves at WCBS-TV in New York. He then moved to MSNBC in 2000, where his star continued to rise. Eventually, he became a weekend anchor for NBC News, proving that hard work and talent always pay off.

Fast forward to 2015, when Lester made history as the first African American to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast. He stepped into the big chair at "NBC Nightly News," replacing Brian Williams. His calm and composed approach to delivering the news earned him widespread respect. Not only did he cover breaking stories with precision, but he also moderated presidential debates, including the memorable first showdown between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in 2016. His coverage of Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Egypt revolution showcased his ability to report from the heart of chaos while maintaining his composure. Lester’s contributions to journalism haven’t gone unnoticed—he’s picked up multiple Emmys and the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism along the way.

How Much Does Lester Holt Make?

Now, let’s break down the numbers. Lester Holt’s annual salary at NBC is a cool $10 million. This figure reflects his multifaceted role within the network. He’s not just the anchor of "NBC Nightly News" and "Dateline NBC"—he’s also involved in other key projects, making him an indispensable part of the team. His paycheck is a testament to the value he brings to the table, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

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Where It All Began: Lester Holt's Early Life

Born Lester Don Holt Jr. on March 8, 1959, in Marin County, California, Lester grew up in Sacramento. He was one of four siblings and comes from a diverse background, with Jamaican, Indian, and European roots. After graduating high school in 1977, he attended California State University in Sacramento, where he studied government. Though he never officially graduated, his education laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. While in college, Lester found his passion for broadcasting by landing a gig as a disc jockey at a local country and western radio station. This early experience sparked his interest in the world of media.

How Lester Holt Found His Calling in Journalism

As Lester navigated his early career, he realized that news presenting offered the best path forward in broadcasting. Even though he enjoyed his time as a disc jockey, he noticed that most full-time opportunities in the industry were tied to news. So, he set his sights on journalism and joined CBS in the early 1980s. His first big break came at WCBS-TV in New York City, where he served as an anchor for a year. From there, he moved to a CBS affiliate in Los Angeles, working as a weekend anchor and reporter. After a year in LA, he returned to New York, continuing to climb the ranks. By 1986, he was a prominent figure at a CBS News affiliate in Chicago, where he anchored the evening news and covered global conflicts as a correspondent. His 14 years in Chicago were pivotal in shaping him into the journalist we know today.

Building a Legacy at NBC

Lester’s journey at NBC began in 2000 when he joined MSNBC. By 2003, he was a full-time substitute anchor for both "NBC Nightly News" and "Today." He reached another milestone in 2005 when he became the co-anchor of "Weekend Today." Then, in 2007, he took the helm as the anchor for the weekend edition of "NBC Nightly News." But the biggest moment came in 2015 when he became the permanent weekday anchor, replacing Brian Williams, who had faced scrutiny over misrepresentations related to the 2003 Iraq War.

While Lester’s tenure at "NBC Nightly News" was largely successful, there were challenges. In 2018, NBC lost its lead in total viewership to ABC News, a shift that some attributed to the lack of celebrity-status anchors at NBC. Additionally, Lester faced criticism during the 2016 presidential debates when he moderated a face-off between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. Some accused him of bias, though he was a Republican at the time. Later, he changed his party affiliation to "Independent." Despite these controversies, President Trump himself praised Holt’s performance during the debates. However, tensions arose in 2017 when Trump accused Holt of doctoring an interview regarding the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

In 2025, Lester announced his decision to step down as anchor of "NBC Nightly News" in the summer of that year. His legacy, however, remains firmly intact.

Exploring Lester Holt's Other Ventures

Beyond the world of news, Lester has dabbled in acting, appearing in films like "The Fugitive," "U.S. Marshals," and "Primal Fear." He’s also made guest appearances on TV shows such as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Due South," "Early Edition," "Warehouse 13," and "30 Rock," often playing himself. In addition to his on-screen roles, Lester has hosted dog shows and documentaries, including "Mystery of the Crystal Skulls" on the History Channel. His versatility extends beyond journalism, showcasing his creativity and adaptability.

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A Glimpse into Lester Holt's Family Life

Lester Holt is married to Carol Hagen, and together they have two sons. One of their sons, Stefan Holt, has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a successful news anchor. Stefan has even started a family of his own, making Lester a proud grandfather. On a personal note, Lester is a Christian and enjoys playing the bass guitar, a hobby that reflects his musical side.

Lester Holt's Luxurious Real Estate Ventures

In 2017, Lester made headlines when he sold his Manhattan condo for $6.4 million. The sale was managed by his wife, Carol, who is a real estate agent. He originally purchased the elegant apartment in 2007 for $3.22 million. Located in the luxurious Grand Madison building, the condo boasts 11-foot ceilings and a private balcony offering stunning views of Madison Square Park. Large windows bathe the space in natural light, and it even features a built-in espresso maker—a perk for any coffee lover. Built in 1906, the Grand Madison is renowned for its Beaux-Arts-style architecture, making it a piece of living history.