Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a launching pad for countless comedians, actors, and writers over its nearly five decades of existence. Among its current standout performers is Colin Jost, who has not only made a name for himself as a co-anchor of the popular “Weekend Update” segment but also as a prominent writer and comedian. With a career at SNL that spans nearly two decades, many fans wonder: how much does Colin Jost actually make from his contributions to the iconic show?
In this article, we’ll delve into the various revenue streams that make up Colin Jost’s net worth, including his work at SNL, other television appearances, book sales, and even his recent stint at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Colin Jost’s Career with SNL: A Longstanding Partnership
Colin Jost’s journey with Saturday Night Live began long before he appeared in front of the camera. Jost initially joined the show as a writer in 2005, contributing to many of its most memorable sketches. Over time, he worked his way up to becoming the co-head writer and eventually joined the cast as a co-anchor for the show’s famed “Weekend Update” segment in 2014.
From Writer to “Weekend Update” Anchor
Jost’s progression from a writer to a headliner is no small feat. The move from the writer’s room to the “Weekend Update” desk is a testament to his comedic skill and deep understanding of what makes audiences respond. As a co-anchor, Jost delivers the week’s top news stories through a comedic lens, a role that requires quick wit, timing, and an ability to resonate with viewers week after week.
His long tenure at SNL has solidified his position as one of the highest-paid cast members, though his actual SNL salary only makes up a portion of his overall earnings.
What is Colin Jost’s Salary at Saturday Night Live?
When it comes to breaking down Colin Jost’s salary at SNL, the numbers can vary widely depending on the source. However, his earnings as an SNL cast member and writer have certainly grown over the years as his role within the show evolved.
Starting Out as a Writer
According to information from Glassdoor, the salary for SNL writers can reach up to $92,000 per year. This figure, while not confirmed as Jost’s starting salary, gives an idea of what early writers typically earn. As Jost’s involvement with the show expanded from writer to co-anchor of “Weekend Update,” his salary would have increased substantially.
Salary as a Cast Member
When Colin Jost transitioned to being an on-screen performer, his pay would have significantly increased. According to Cosmopolitan, first-year SNL cast members make around $7,000 per episode, or $147,000 for a typical 21-episode season. As cast members continue on the show, their salary increases with each successive year. After five years, cast members can earn up to $15,000 per episode (or $315,000 per season).
Reaching the Salary Cap
Long-term cast members like Jost, who have been with the show for nearly 20 years, often earn the maximum salary allowed by SNL contracts. The cap for an SNL cast member is set at $25,000 per episode, which translates to approximately $525,000 for a full season. This figure only reflects his work in front of the camera and does not take into account additional income from his writing contributions or role as a co-head writer.
Colin Jost’s Net Worth: Beyond SNL
Although his work on Saturday Night Live is a significant component of his career, Colin Jost’s net worth extends far beyond his earnings from NBC. As of 2024, Jost’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to Parade.
Revenue from Writing and Book Sales
Jost’s talent for writing has led to lucrative projects outside of SNL. One of his most notable achievements is his bestselling memoir, “A Very Punchable Face”, which has brought in considerable revenue. The memoir, published in 2020, has been a hit among readers and further solidified Jost’s status as a multifaceted comedian and writer.
The success of his memoir, coupled with other writing endeavors, provides Jost with a steady stream of income. His book remains available on major retail sites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop, and continues to generate revenue through both sales and royalties.
Stand-Up Comedy and Guest Appearances
In addition to his work on SNL, Colin Jost has built a successful career as a stand-up comedian, performing live across the country. These performances not only contribute to his income but also help to broaden his audience beyond SNL fans. His comedic style and observational humor have made him a sought-after performer for various high-profile events and guest appearances.
Jost has also made several guest appearances on TV shows and movies, further adding to his earning potential. While these roles don’t command the same salary as his SNL work, they offer additional visibility and supplemental income.
Colin Jost’s Involvement in the 2024 Paris Olympics
One of Jost’s most unique recent gigs was his role as a news correspondent for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Covering the surfing events in Tahiti, Jost was part of NBC’s commentary team. His involvement in the international games brought in a significant, albeit undisclosed, amount of money.
Comparing Olympic Salaries
While there’s no official record of how much Jost made for his Olympic stint, comparisons can be made to his co-host, Snoop Dogg, who reportedly earned $500,000 per day for his role in the Olympics coverage. Given that the games ran for 18 days, Snoop’s pay totaled around $9 million. It’s likely that Jost’s compensation was lower, given that he only covered specific events, but it still represented a substantial payday.
Upcoming Projects: Pop Culture Jeopardy! and Beyond
Colin Jost’s future looks even brighter with his upcoming role as the host of Pop Culture Jeopardy! for Amazon Prime Video. While the exact salary for this new role hasn’t been disclosed, comparisons can be drawn to Ken Jennings, who currently makes around $4 million per season hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!. If Jost’s deal is similar, this project could be a major boost to his already impressive net worth.
The Future of Colin Jost’s Career
As Jost continues to diversify his career, his earnings are set to increase. From writing and hosting to his work at SNL, he has established himself as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry. While his time at Saturday Night Live has been long and fruitful, his ventures outside of the show are likely to continue expanding his financial portfolio.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted and Lucrative Career
In summary, Colin Jost’s earnings as an SNL cast member are only a part of his overall income. With a career spanning nearly two decades at SNL, a bestselling memoir, stand-up comedy tours, and new hosting roles on the horizon, Jost has built a substantial net worth estimated at $10 million. As he continues to take on new projects and expand his presence in the entertainment industry, Colin Jost’s financial success will likely keep growing, making him one of the most recognizable and well-compensated comedians in Hollywood.
