Karen Kilgariff has become a household name in the podcasting world, thanks to her co-hosting role on My Favorite Murder.
Beyond comedy and writing, her financial success stems from multiple ventures, including podcasting, book sales, and TV writing.
But how much does she really earn? Let’s break down Karen Kilgariff’s wealth, salary, and financial journey.
Karen Kilgariff Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Karen Kilgariff |
| Popular Name | Karen Kilgariff |
| Birth Date | May 11, 1970 |
| Age | 54 |
| Birthplace | Petaluma, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | St. Vincent de Paul High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Laura Kilgariff (Older sister) |
| Parents | Jim Kilgariff (Father), Patricia Kilgariff (Mother, deceased 2016) |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Source of Wealth | Podcasting, Writing, TV Production, Live Shows |
What is the Net Worth of Karen Kilgariff in 2025?
As of 2025, Karen Kilgariff’s net worth is estimated at $20 million. Her financial success is largely driven by her podcast, My Favorite Murder, which consistently ranks among the most profitable shows in the industry.
To put things into perspective, My Favorite Murder earns over $15 million annually, making it one of the highest-earning podcasts globally. In 2019, she and her co-host Georgia Hardstark secured a $10 million deal with Stitcher, further boosting her earnings.
Compared to other major figures in the podcasting and entertainment world, her wealth is impressive. Here are some notable personalities and entities related to her career:
- Georgia Hardstark
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Pete Holmes
- Marc Maron
- Joe Rogan
- Comedy Central
- FX Network
- Stitcher
- Exactly Right Podcast Network
- The Rosie Show
Looking at her financial trajectory, she remains a key figure in the entertainment world. To explore more about the wealthiest figures in media, check out our complete list of high-earning celebrities.
Karen Kilgariff Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn from My Favorite Murder?
My Favorite Murder is a financial powerhouse. Since its launch in 2016, the show has amassed millions of listeners and lucrative sponsorships. The podcast’s revenue primarily comes from:
- Advertising Deals – With a massive audience, sponsors pay premium rates.
- Merchandise Sales – T-shirts, mugs, and other branded items contribute significantly.
- Live Shows & Tours – My Favorite Murder has hosted sold-out events worldwide.
- Subscription & Patreon – Exclusive content for paying members adds to earnings.
At its peak, My Favorite Murder was the second-highest-earning podcast in the world, just behind The Joe Rogan Experience.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
While My Favorite Murder is her most profitable venture, Karen Kilgariff has other significant income streams:
- Podcasting – Earnings from My Favorite Murder and Do You Need a Ride?
- Exactly Right Podcast Network – She co-founded the network, generating additional revenue.
- Book Sales – Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered became a New York Times Bestseller.
- TV Writing & Production – Former head writer for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Pete Holmes Show.
- Comedy & Acting – Appearances on Mr. Show, The Book Group, and stand-up performances.
How Did She Build Her Financial Success?
Her journey to financial success wasn’t instant. She started in stand-up comedy in the 1990s before transitioning into TV writing. She was a head writer for major shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Rosie Show, giving her steady income before she shifted to podcasting.
The launch of My Favorite Murder in 2016 marked a turning point. The show’s success, combined with her business strategy of launching the Exactly Right Podcast Network, solidified her financial growth.
What Was Her Podcast Deal with Stitcher?
In 2019, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark signed an exclusive $10 million deal with Stitcher. This agreement ensured My Favorite Murder’s distribution and secured a lucrative revenue stream for both hosts.
This deal placed them among the highest-paid podcasters, proving how the true-crime genre continues to be a moneymaker in digital media.
How Does She Benefit Financially from Exactly Right Podcast Network?
Karen Kilgariff isn’t just a podcast host; she’s also a co-founder of Exactly Right Podcast Network. The network produces multiple hit podcasts and generates revenue through:
- Ad sales across multiple shows
- Exclusive content deals
- Expanding its catalog with new talent
As an executive and content creator, she continues to profit from the network’s growth.
How Does She Monetize Her Brand Beyond Podcasting?
Beyond podcasting, she earns from:
- Merchandise sales – My Favorite Murder merch is a top seller.
- Live events – World tours bring in ticket and VIP package sales.
- Speaking engagements – She appears at industry events and panels.
Her ability to diversify income sources has played a crucial role in sustaining her $20 million net worth.
What Are Her Biggest Financial Achievements?
Some of Karen Kilgariff’s major financial highlights include:
- My Favorite Murder generating $15 million+ annually
- Signing a $10 million Stitcher deal in 2019
- Winning six Daytime Emmy Awards
- Establishing Exactly Right Podcast Network
- Co-authoring a New York Times Bestseller
Her ability to evolve from comedy writing to digital media entrepreneurship makes her one of the most successful figures in podcasting.
Conclusion
Karen Kilgariff’s financial journey showcases the power of podcasting, writing, and business strategy.
Her earnings from My Favorite Murder, Exactly Right Podcast Network, and book sales solidify her position in the entertainment world. Want to stay updated on more celebrity finances?
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