April 08, 2025 – Pete Hegseth, the newly minted U.S. Secretary of Defense and former Fox News host, has long been a polarizing figure in American media and politics.
With his recent transition from a lucrative television career to a high-profile government role, curiosity about Pete Hegseth’s net worth and salary has surged.
How much is Pete Hegseth worth today, and how has his financial journey evolved?
This comprehensive article explores Pete Hegseth’s net worth in 2025, his past earnings, and the sources behind his fortune—aiming to answer all your questions about this military veteran turned public figure.
From Fox News to the Pentagon: Pete Hegseth’s Career Shift
Pete Hegseth’s rise to prominence began with his military service, followed by a decade-long stint at Fox News, where he co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend.
Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 with a degree in politics and later earned a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013.
His Army National Guard service included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, earning him two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
In 2014, Hegseth joined Fox News as a contributor, quickly becoming a conservative darling.
By 2017, he was a weekend co-host, a role he held until November 2024, when President-elect Donald Trump nominated him as Secretary of Defense.
Confirmed in January 2025, Hegseth traded his multi-million-dollar media gig for a government salary—a move that’s reshaped his financial profile.
So, what is Pete Hegseth’s net worth and salary now, and how did he build his wealth?
Pete Hegseth Net Worth in 2025: How Much Is He Worth?
As of April 2025, Pete Hegseth’s net worth is estimated at $8 million, based on financial disclosures, public records, and industry analyses.
This figure reflects a blend of his Fox News earnings, book royalties, speaking fees, and real estate holdings, tempered by personal expenses like divorce settlements and a significant pay cut in his new role.
While estimates vary—some pegged his worth as high as $27 million in 2022—his current $8 million net worth aligns with his disclosed income from 2023-2024 and his scaled-back earnings as a Cabinet official.
Fox News Salary: The Golden Years
Hegseth’s financial peak came during his Fox News tenure.
Financial disclosures filed in January 2025, ahead of his confirmation, revealed he earned $4.6 million in salary from Fox between January 2023 and November 2024—roughly $2.3 million annually.
Sources like Forbes and ABC News corroborate this, noting his role as a top earner at the network.
Before his 2017 promotion to co-host, Hegseth likely pulled in $500,000-$1 million yearly as a contributor, but his weekend anchor gig catapulted his income into the millions.
Government Salary: A Steep Pay Cut
As Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth’s net worth and salary took a hit.
His current annual salary is $250,600, per federal pay scales—a 90% drop from his Fox News earnings.
While this shift slashes his yearly income, it’s a trade-off for prestige and influence, not to mention potential post-office opportunities like book deals or speaking engagements (though ethics rules limit outside income during his tenure).
Books and Speaking Fees: Boosting the Bottom Line
Hegseth’s wealth isn’t just from TV.
Between 2023 and 2024, he earned $900,000 from 41 speaking engagements, with fees ranging from $7,500 to $27,500 per event, according to his disclosure.
Conservative groups like Turning Point USA and the NRA fueled this income stream.
His five books—including The War on Warriors (2024) and Battle for the American Mind (2022)—added $700,000 to $2.5 million in advances and royalties, with each title netting between $100,000 and $1 million.
These ventures have been key drivers of Pete Hegseth’s net worth.
Real Estate and Assets
Hegseth’s asset portfolio bolsters his wealth.
He owns a $3.4 million home in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, bought in 2022, now valued at over $4 million.
A Baltimore rental property, sold in 2023, netted him $100,000 to $1 million.
His disclosure lists stocks in companies like Lockheed Martin and Apple (each worth $1,000-$15,000) and Bitcoin holdings of $15,000-$50,000.
His wife, Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox producer, contributes additional assets, including IRAs and a deferred compensation plan valued at $900,000-$2.3 million.
Pete Hegseth Net Worth and Salary: The Personal Cost
Hegseth’s financial story isn’t without setbacks.
His 2017 divorce from second wife Samantha Deering, amid an affair with Rauchet (whom he married in 2019), reportedly cost him a $2.9 million lump sum and $180,000 monthly in alimony and child support for their three kids.
This, plus supporting a blended family of seven children (four his, three Rauchet’s), has dented his net worth.
Yet, his income streams have kept him afloat.
How Does Pete Hegseth Stack Up?
Compared to peers, Hegseth’s $8 million net worth is modest.
Sean Hannity boasts $250 million, while Dan Bongino, another Fox alum turned Trump appointee, sits at $10 million.
Hegseth’s military and media blend sets him apart, but his government pivot caps his earning potential—for now.
Post-tenure, his net worth could soar with speaking gigs and books, a la Mike Pompeo ($5 million post-State Department).
The Future of Pete Hegseth’s Net Worth and Salary
At 44, Hegseth’s financial future hinges on his Pentagon tenure.
His $250,600 salary limits short-term growth, but his profile could yield millions later.
A bestselling memoir or return to media could push Pete Hegseth’s net worth past $15 million by 2030, analysts suggest.
For now, his wealth reflects a mix of past hustle and current sacrifice.
Final Take: Pete Hegseth’s Financial Legacy
Pete Hegseth’s net worth in 2025—$8 million—tells a tale of media riches, personal costs, and a bold career shift.
His Fox News salary once made him a conservative cash cow, but as Secretary of Defense, he’s betting on legacy over lucre.
From books to real estate, Pete Hegseth’s net worth and salary showcase a man who’s navigated war, TV, and Washington—emerging with millions and a mission.
Whether you’re Googling “Pete Hegseth net worth and salary” or just curious, his story proves wealth is just one measure of his impact.
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