Ever wondered how much Bill O’Reilly has made throughout his career?
With decades in media, he built a fortune as a top cable news host, bestselling author, and radio personality. But his financial journey isn’t just about earnings—it’s also about controversies and career shifts.
Let’s break down his wealth, salary, and financial status.
Bill O’Reilly Quick Facts
FACT | DETAIL |
---|---|
Real Name | William James O’Reilly Jr. |
Popular Name | Bill O’Reilly |
Birth Date | September 10, 1949 |
Age | 75 years old (as of March 2025) |
Birthplace | Manhattan, New York, USA |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | N/A |
Education | Marist College, Boston University, Harvard University, Chaminade High School, Queen Mary University of London |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | Maureen McPhilmy (divorced in 2011) |
Children | Madeline O’Reilly, Spencer O’Reilly |
Dating | N/A |
Siblings | 1 (Sister: Janet) |
Parents | Winifred Angela (Drake) and William James O’Reilly |
Height | 1.93 m |
Net Worth | $85 million |
Source of Wealth | Television, Books, Radio, Podcasting |
What is the Net Worth of Bill O’Reilly in 2025?
As of 2025, Bill O’Reilly’s net worth is estimated at $85 million. His fortune comes from years in broadcasting, book sales, and independent media ventures. Compared to other media figures, his wealth remains substantial despite financial controversies.
For perspective, here are some notable figures in the same space:
- Fox News
- Tucker Carlson
- The New York Times
- Sean Hannity
- Newsmax TV
- Jon Stewart
- CBS News
- ABC News
- Glenn Beck
- Harvard University
Want to explore more about the wealth of top media personalities? Check out the highest-paid TV hosts for a deeper dive.
Bill O’Reilly Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did He Earn His Wealth?
Bill O’Reilly built his fortune through multiple income streams. His biggest financial breakthrough came with The O’Reilly Factor, the highest-rated cable news show for 16 years. His salary peaked at $25 million per year.
Beyond television, he is a prolific author. His Killing series became bestsellers, adding millions to his earnings. He also hosted The Radio Factor and later launched No Spin News, a successful podcast. These ventures continue to bring in revenue.
What Was His Salary at Fox News?
At Fox News, Bill O’Reilly was among the highest-paid TV hosts. His annual salary hit $25 million, making him one of the most influential figures in news media.
His pay was higher than Tucker Carlson’s, who later replaced him at Fox. Despite Carlson growing his audience, he earned significantly less than O’Reilly.
After his exit from Fox in 2017, O’Reilly received a $25 million severance package, equivalent to a year’s salary.
What Are His Major Financial Controversies?
O’Reilly’s financial status has also been affected by legal settlements. In 2017, reports revealed he and Fox News paid a total of $82 million in sexual harassment settlements.
One individual received a $32 million settlement, the largest reported payout. These financial troubles led to Fox News firing him and several advertisers pulling support.
His divorce also became a costly affair. He sued his ex-wife Maureen McPhilmy for $10 million, claiming financial deception. However, details on the final settlement remain private.
How Do His Earnings Compare to Other Media Figures?
Compared to other conservative media figures, O’Reilly remains financially successful. While his earnings once surpassed those of many competitors, others have since caught up.
- Sean Hannity now earns around $30 million per year from Fox News.
- Tucker Carlson reportedly made much less at Fox before launching his own platform.
- Glenn Beck, another conservative commentator, followed a similar independent path.
- Jon Stewart, a longtime media rival, has also earned substantial wealth through TV and books.
Although O’Reilly’s financial peak was during his Fox News tenure, his earnings remain impressive post-television.
What Are His Current Income Sources?
Even after leaving Fox News, O’Reilly continues to earn millions. His income streams include:
- Podcast & Streaming: No Spin News generates significant revenue.
- Book Sales: His Killing series remains popular.
- Radio Show: The O’Reilly Update is a widely syndicated program.
- Media Appearances: Regular guest spots on Newsmax TV and other platforms.
These ventures allow him to remain financially independent, proving that his career did not end with Fox News.
How Did His Career Impact His Financial Success?
Bill O’Reilly’s financial success is directly tied to his media dominance. His bold, opinion-driven style helped shape modern cable news.
He was instrumental in making Fox News a ratings leader. His departure left a gap that even top hosts struggled to fill. His influence extended beyond TV, with bestsellers and speaking engagements adding to his wealth.
Even amid controversy, O’Reilly remains a major name in conservative media, keeping his financial standing strong.
Conclusion
Bill O’Reilly’s financial journey has been one of immense highs and dramatic lows.
From record-breaking TV salaries to major legal settlements, his wealth tells a complex story.
Whether you like him or not, his financial success is undeniable.
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