Kenan Thompson has been a household name in comedy for decades. As the longest-tenured cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL), he has built a strong reputation in the entertainment industry.
But how much does he actually earn? More importantly, how has his financial journey evolved over the years?
From his early days on Nickelodeon to securing major endorsement deals and starring in hit movies, Thompson’s income streams go far beyond SNL.
In this article, PBC breaks down his salary, wealth sources, and financial growth to give you a clear picture of how he’s built his fortune.
Kenan Thompson Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kenan Thompson |
| Popular Name | Kenan Thompson |
| Birth Date | May 10, 1978 |
| Age | 46 years old (as of 03/04/2025) |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Education | Woodward Academy, Tri-Cities High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Christina Evangeline (divorced in 2022) |
| Children | Two |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Two siblings |
| Parents | Fletcher Thompson, Elizabeth Ann Thompson |
| Height | 1.74 m |
| Net Worth | Estimated $9 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Comedy, Voice Acting, Endorsements |
What is the Net Worth of Kenan Thompson in 2025?
As of 2025, Kenan Thompson’s net worth is estimated at $9 million. His primary source of income is his role on Saturday Night Live, where he earns an estimated $2-3 million per year. Unlike many other actors, Thompson has remained consistent in his career, securing steady income from TV, film, and brand endorsements.
Comparing his wealth to others in the entertainment industry, he sits among well-established comedians but earns less than comedy legends like Eddie Murphy or Kevin Hart. Still, his financial success remains impressive, considering his long-lasting career on SNL.
Other Notable Celebrities in the Industry:
- Saturday Night Live
- Nickelodeon
- NBC
- Good Burger
- Christina Evangeline
- Primetime Emmy Awards
- Universal Parks & Resorts
- Fandango
- LeBron James
- The Kenan Show
For more insights into Hollywood’s biggest earners, check out this list of top-earning comedians.
Kenan Thompson Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does He Earn?
Kenan Thompson’s biggest paycheck comes from SNL, where he is estimated to earn $2-3 million per year. Given that the highest-paid SNL cast members typically earn $25,000 per episode, his earnings surpass that due to his seniority and popularity.
Apart from his SNL salary, Thompson makes additional income from film roles, endorsements, and producing projects. His long tenure on SNL allows him to command a higher paycheck than most other cast members.
His Salary Per Episode on Saturday Night Live
Kenan started on SNL in 2003 and, over time, has become the longest-tenured cast member in the show’s history. Typically, SNL salaries follow a tiered structure:
- First-year cast members: $3,000 per episode
- Second-year cast members: $4,000 per episode
- Fourth-year cast members: $7,000 per episode
- Fifth-year and beyond: $15,000 per episode
- Top-tier cast members: Up to $25,000 per episode
Since Thompson has been with SNL for over 20 seasons, he likely earns above the $25,000 per episode standard.
What Are His Main Sources of Income?
Thompson earns money from several revenue streams, including:
- Television (SNL, sitcoms, and guest appearances)
- Movies (Good Burger, Fat Albert, Snakes on a Plane)
- Voice acting (The Smurfs, Trolls World Tour)
- Brand endorsements (Nike, Universal Parks & Resorts, Fandango)
His consistent presence in entertainment ensures that his financial flow remains steady.
His Financial Growth Over the Years
Kenan Thompson started his career in Nickelodeon’s All That and Kenan & Kel, earning a modest income. However, his career skyrocketed after joining SNL in 2003. His steady salary increases, brand deals, and additional acting roles have significantly boosted his wealth over time.
His Highest-Paid Projects
While SNL remains his highest-paying gig, Thompson has also earned substantial amounts from:
- Good Burger (1997, 2023 sequel)
- Fat Albert (2004)
- Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004)
- America’s Got Talent (Guest Judge, 2020)
- 74th Primetime Emmy Awards (Host, 2022)
How He Manages His Finances
Unlike many celebrities, Kenan Thompson has avoided financial scandals and seems to manage his wealth wisely. While there’s no public record of major investments, he has been financially stable throughout his career.
His Endorsement Deals and Sponsorships
Thompson has worked with major brands that have added to his wealth:
- Nike (LeBron James Puppet Commercials, 2009)
- Fandango (Brand Spokesperson, 2015)
- Universal Parks & Resorts (Ambassador, 2020)
These endorsement deals have significantly contributed to his overall earnings.
What’s Next for His Career and Finances?
As he continues his work on SNL, Kenan Thompson also explores new ventures. His recent memoir, When I Was Your Age, has expanded his career into publishing. Moving forward, potential film roles, television productions, and comedy specials could further increase his wealth.
Conclusion
Kenan Thompson’s financial journey showcases how consistency in entertainment pays off.
His earnings from SNL, movies, and endorsements have built a strong financial foundation. As he moves forward in his career, his wealth is likely to grow even further.
Want to stay updated on celebrity finances? Visit Pennbookcenter.com for more insights!
