With a career spanning more than two decades, Ryan Seacrest has become one of television’s most recognizable figures, building a considerable fortune through numerous high-profile hosting roles and business ventures.
His rise to prominence began in 2002 as the host of American Idol. After 23 seasons, he reportedly earns $12 million per season for the ABC reboot of the show. Seacrest expanded into radio in 2004, where he continues to host On Air With Ryan Seacrest and American Top 40. According to Forbes, his combined radio earnings were $15 million in 2015, a figure that has likely grown since.
In 2005, he began hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest, an annual gig for which he earned a reported $1 million in 2013. His contract for the New Year’s Eve special has been extended through 2029.
Seacrest joined E! in 2006, signing a reported three-year, $21 million contract to host E! News and contribute to red carpet events and NBC programs, including the Today Show and Olympic coverage, before leaving in 2012. That same year, he launched Ryan Seacrest Productions, the company behind the highly successful reality series Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which provided a significant, though undisclosed, source of income through its long run.
From 2017 to 2023, Seacrest co-hosted Live! with Kelly and Ryan, earning a reported $10 million per season. His departure from the morning show paved the way for his latest role as the host of Wheel of Fortune, following Pat Sajak’s retirement in 2024. For the iconic game show, Seacrest reportedly secured a contract for $28 million per season, making him one of the highest-paid personalities on television.
Beyond hosting, his income is supplemented by his tequila brand, Casa Dragones, a spokesperson role for Health-Ade kombucha, and a children’s book co-authored with his sister. He also gives back through his non-profit, the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.
Collectively, these ventures contribute to an estimated net worth of $500 million, with reported annual earnings of approximately $75 million, underscoring his enduring success in the entertainment industry.
