Chris Hedges has built a career as a renowned journalist, author, and public speaker. His in-depth reporting and political activism have made him a prominent figure in media and academia.
However, when it comes to Chris Hedges net worth, details remain largely undisclosed.
Despite his career spanning The New York Times, Truthdig, and RT America, his financial situation is not widely publicized.
What we do know is that his income comes from multiple sources, including journalism, book sales, and teaching positions.
In this article, PBC will take a deep dive into his financial standing, earnings from his journalism career, and the various ways he sustains his wealth.
Chris Hedges Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Chris Hedges |
| Popular Name | Chris Hedges |
| Birth Date | September 18, 1956 |
| Age | 68 (as of 02/15/2025) |
| Birthplace | St. Johnsbury, Vermont, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Education | Colgate University, Princeton University, Harvard University, Starr King School for the Ministry |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Eunice Wong |
| Children | 4 |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | One brother |
| Parents | Thelma Louise Hedges, Thomas Hedges |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Source of Wealth | Journalism, Books, Speaking, Teaching |
What is the Net Worth of Chris Hedges in 2025?
While Chris Hedges’ net worth is not publicly available, it is clear that his financial journey is vastly different from mainstream media personalities. Unlike some high-earning journalists who transition into television or corporate media, he has remained dedicated to independent journalism and political activism.
His wealth is derived from multiple sources, including book sales, teaching positions, and public speaking engagements. However, due to his strong stance against corporate influence, his income does not match that of celebrity journalists in mainstream news networks.
Related figures in his field:
- The New York Times
- Truthdig
- RT America
- Princeton University
- Noam Chomsky
- Robert Scheer
- Democracy Spring
- Green Party
- Amnesty International
- Scheerpost
For more on the most financially successful figures in media, check out the wealthiest public figures.
Chris Hedges Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does He Earn from His Journalism Career?
Chris Hedges spent 15 years at The New York Times, covering conflicts in Latin America, the Middle East, and the Balkans. His time at the newspaper significantly contributed to his reputation as a fearless journalist, but his salary at the time was modest compared to TV news anchors.
After leaving mainstream media, he became a columnist for Truthdig and later worked with Scheerpost. While these platforms provide income, they do not offer the same lucrative salaries found in corporate journalism.
What Are His Main Sources of Income?
Chris Hedges’ financial model is built on multiple income streams:
- Journalism – Writing for Truthdig, Scheerpost, and other independent outlets
- Books – His works such as War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning generate royalties
- Public Speaking – Lectures and discussions at universities and events
- Teaching – Positions at Princeton University and Rutgers University
How Do His Books Contribute to His Finances?
Hedges is a best-selling author, with books like American Fascists and Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt. Book sales contribute significantly to his income, although they do not place him in the league of the world’s highest-paid authors.
Since he writes about political and social justice issues, his readership is highly engaged, ensuring a steady flow of royalties and speaking invitations.
Does He Earn from Public Speaking and Media Appearances?
Chris Hedges regularly speaks at universities, political conferences, and activist events. Although speaking fees vary, his engagements with institutions like Princeton University and various left-wing organizations provide a stable income.
He also hosted On Contact on RT America, but the show was discontinued in 2022. While this gig likely offered a consistent salary, it did not align with high-paying media contracts from mainstream outlets.
How Did His Exit from Mainstream Media Affect His Finances?
Hedges left The New York Times in 2005 after criticizing the Iraq War. His decision to move away from corporate journalism impacted his income, but he gained financial independence.
Unlike many mainstream journalists who rely on network salaries, he built a model based on book sales, independent journalism, and academia.
What Is His Financial Relationship with Alternative Media?
After leaving The New York Times, he found a home in independent media. His work with Truthdig, Scheerpost, and RT America provided him with platforms to express his views freely.
However, these alternative media platforms do not provide the same financial security as major news corporations.
Does Teaching at Universities Contribute to His Wealth?
Hedges has taught prison education programs at Princeton and Rutgers. His teaching career is not only a passion but also a stable source of income.
Unlike celebrity professors who secure lucrative book deals and academic contracts, his work remains more focused on social justice rather than financial gain.
How Has His Political and Activist Work Influenced His Finances?
Chris Hedges is a longtime political activist. His involvement in protests, movements, and political campaigns has shaped his career, but it has also affected his earnings.
Unlike politicians or media figures who gain financial backing through endorsements or corporate ties, he has prioritized integrity over wealth.
How Does He Sustain His Financial Independence?
Hedges relies on diversified income streams, including journalism, teaching, books, and speaking engagements.
His financial independence allows him to write and speak freely, avoiding conflicts of interest that often come with corporate-funded journalism.
Conclusion
Chris Hedges has built a financially sustainable career without relying on corporate media.
While his net worth is not publicly disclosed, his diverse income sources allow him to maintain independence.
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