Colin Jost Net Worth 2025: $10M Fortune, SNL Salary, & Real Estate Assets

Colin Jost has one of the most unique career trajectories in comedy. He bypassed the traditional stand-up circuit to become a literary heavyweight in comedy, graduating from Harvard to lead the writer’s room at “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) before becoming the face of the show’s iconic “Weekend Update.” His financial success is the culmination of nearly two decades of consistent high-level work in television, combined with lucrative book deals, stand-up touring, and high-profile film appearances.

While he often plays the self-deprecating straight man on television, Jost’s actual net worth proves he is a successful mogul in his own right, though his assets and financial spotlight often merge with those of his wife, global superstar Scarlett Johansson.

Quick Facts Box: Colin Jost’s Net Worth

 

Metric	Value (Estimated 2025)
Net Worth	$10 Million
Primary Sources	SNL Salary (Writer, Co-Anchor, Former Head Writer), Stand-up Touring, Memoir (A Very Punchable Face), Film/TV roles.
SNL Peak Salary	Estimated $25,000 per episode (approx. $525,000 per season).
Major Asset	Co-ownership of New York City real estate, including a Park Avenue penthouse (shared with wife).
Key Achievement	Longest-serving “Weekend Update” anchor in SNL history.

Staten Island to Harvard Lampoon: Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in 1982, Colin Jost’s early life in Staten Island, New York, was not one of Hollywood glamour. His mother was the chief medical officer for the NYC Fire Department, and his father was a long-time teacher, providing a stable, middle-class upbringing.

His path to comedy stardom was through academia. He attended the prestigious Regis High School in Manhattan before enrolling at Harvard University. Here, his career beginnings took off as he served as the president of The Harvard Lampoon, the university’s famous humor magazine. This achievement immediately established his credentials as a sharp, intellectual comedic writer, a track that would later differentiate his style from other comedians.

After graduating from Harvard in 2004, Jost worked briefly as a reporter before submitting a writing packet to SNL. In 2005, at just 22, he was hired as a staff writer for “Saturday Night Live,” bypassing the traditional comedy club route entirely.

Key Income Sources: From Writer’s Room to Anchor Desk

Colin Jost’s net worth is primarily the result of his continuous, long-running tenure at SNL, coupled with strategic ventures into other media.

1. Saturday Night Live (SNL) Salary

This remains Jost’s most consistent and foundational income source. He quickly climbed the ranks, serving as a co-head writer from 2012-2015 and again from 2017-2022.

• Peak Earnings: As a veteran writer and the co-anchor of the highly popular “Weekend Update,” Jost’s yearly earnings from the show are substantial. It’s estimated that he earns at the highest tier for a cast member/anchor, around $25,000 per episode, translating to approximately $525,000 per season (based on 21 episodes).

2. Stand-up and Live Appearances

Outside of SNL, Jost maintains an active stand-up comedy schedule, with national tours generating consistent monthly earnings and ticket revenue. He also earned money from hosting high-profile events, such as the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards alongside Michael Che in 2018.

3. Memoir and Published Works

Jost’s 2020 memoir, A Very Punchable Face, was a New York Times Best Seller, reportedly earning him a lucrative six-figure book deal. This and his contributions to The New Yorker magazine provide additional, significant income sources.

4. Film and Television Roles

While not his main focus, Jost has added to his yearly earnings through acting and writing in films like Staten Island Summer (which he wrote and starred in) and appearances in movies like Coming 2 America and Tom & Jerry.

Official Social Links Table

 

Assets and A High-Profile Lifestyle

Colin Jost’s lifestyle and assets have become increasingly high-profile since his marriage to actress Scarlett Johansson in 2020.

House/Mansion

Jost’s personal wealth allowed him to acquire significant assets long before his marriage.

• Hamptons Home: He purchased a home in the prestigious Hamptons for around $2.15 million in 2015.

• New York City Penthouse: In a joint investment that reflects their combined financial power, Jost and Johansson purchased a luxurious $13 million penthouse on Park Avenue in New York City in 2025, which serves as a major house/mansion asset.

Car Collection and Investments

While Jost’s public persona isn’t defined by a flashy car collection or expensive brand endorsements, he has engaged in unique, high-value investments that have generated media attention, including:

• Staten Island Ferry: In a highly publicized (and reportedly financially troubled) venture with Pete Davidson, Jost purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry at auction for $280,100 in 2022, with plans to convert it into an entertainment venue. This complex investment highlights his focus on local, long-term real estate ventures, despite the early controversies and ongoing maintenance costs.

Career Timeline Table

 

Year(s)	Event / Achievement	Financial Impact
2004	Graduates from Harvard University; works as a reporter.	Career Beginnings outside comedy.
2005	Hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live.	Start of consistent, multi-decade SNL Salary.
2012-2015	Promoted to co-Head Writer of SNL.	Increased salary and managerial responsibility.
2014	Debuts as co-anchor of “Weekend Update.”	Transition to on-screen talent; peak $25K/episode salary tier.
2020	Publishes memoir A Very Punchable Face.	Significant one-time earnings from six-figure book deal.
2021	Becomes longest-serving “Weekend Update” anchor.	Achievement cementing his legacy and brand value.
2025	Purchases $13M Park Avenue Penthouse (with wife).	Major real estate asset acquisition.

PAA-Optimized FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is Colin Jost’s net worth in 2025?

Colin Jost’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million as of 2025, earned primarily through his long tenure as a writer and anchor on “Saturday Night Live,” lucrative book sales, and stand-up tours.

How much does Colin Jost make per episode of SNL?

Colin Jost’s monthly earnings from SNL are based on his status as a veteran cast member/anchor. It is reported he earns at the highest tier, approximately $25,000 per episode, resulting in around $525,000 per season.

How did Colin Jost make his money besides SNL?

In addition to his SNL salary, major income sources include the sales of his best-selling memoir, A Very Punchable Face, extensive revenue from stand-up comedy touring, and earnings from film and television writing/acting roles.

How much is the ferry Colin Jost and Pete Davidson bought?

Colin Jost and Pete Davidson purchased the decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for $280,100 at auction in 2022. They plan to turn it into an entertainment venue, though the project has faced delays and significant maintenance costs.

Conclusion: The Financially Savvy Comedian

Colin Jost’s net worth of $10 million is a testament to the fact that longevity, intellectual rigor, and diversification pay handsome dividends in the comedy world. His foundation was built on an exceptional career beginnings at Harvard and a dedicated two-decade run at SNL, securing him a high yearly earnings floor. His strategic investments in New York real estate—including his Hamptons home and his share of the $13 million Park Avenue penthouse—demonstrate a focus on building substantial, tangible assets. Colin Jost’s journey from a writer’s desk to a multimillion-dollar lifestyle proves he is not just a successful comedian, but a financially savvy professional who has successfully leveraged his comedic achievements into lasting wealth.