Matt Lauer Net Worth – Salary, Career, Scandals, Divorce, and Where He Is Now

What Is Matt Lauer Net Worth and Salary?

The net worth of Matt Lauer is estimated at $80 million as of 2026. This includes earnings from TV, real estate, and previous investments. At his peak, Matt Lauer net worth before scandal was said to exceed $150 million.

Matt Lauer salary per year hit $28 million by 2016. His $25 million NBC contract made him the highest-paid TV anchor at the time. However, following his firing, his Matt Lauer fortune today compared to 2017 dropped significantly.

Matt Lauer Net Worth 2026 (Estimated)

 

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Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in New York City in 1957, Matt attended Ohio University. He dropped out to work at WOWK-TV, where he became a television news producer and later an anchor.

He rejoined college and earned his degree in 1997. Before NBC, what was Matt Lauer’s job before the Today Show? He hosted PM Magazine in several cities and worked on local shows in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia.

Rise to Fame at NBC and The Today Show

Matt joined NBC in 1992. He co-hosted “Live at Five” and filled in on Today before becoming co-anchor in 1997. He worked alongside Katie Couric, Hoda Kotb, and others.

Matt Lauer was a longtime co-anchor of Today for 20 years. Lauer did interviews with world leaders, covered Olympic Games and 9/11, and hosted “Where in the World is Matt Lauer” annually.

Matt Lauer’s Salary and NBC Severance Package

Matt’s 2012 NBC contract boosted his pay to $25 million annually, making him a TV host wealth leader. At one point, people asked, how much did Matt Lauer make per year on Today Show? The answer: between $25M–$28M.

After the 2017 NBC termination, many wondered, did Matt Lauer get a severance package from NBC? Despite having time left, NBC confirmed no contract termination payout was made. He got nothing beyond his final paycheck.

Sexual Assault Allegations and Firing from NBC

Lauer was fired in 2017 after sexual misconduct allegations were reported. An NBC employee said he acted inappropriately during the Sochi Olympics harassment report in 2014.

This marked the start of the #MeToo media scandal for NBC. Why was Matt Lauer fired from the Today Show? Due to claims of inappropriate sexual behavior at NBC. His abrupt end to career shocked viewers.

Fallout and More Accusations

Soon after, more accusations from female employees emerged. Reports claimed NBC execs ignored warnings. NBC executive cover-up rumors made headlines.

Who accused Matt Lauer of misconduct? Multiple women from NBC’s past and present. How did Matt Lauer respond to the sexual assault allegations? He denied some, admitted others, and stayed mostly silent.

Divorce, Personal Life, and Settlement

Matt was married to Annette Roque, a former Revlon model. Their marriage faced trouble years earlier, but the scandal ended it. Who is Annette Roque and why did she divorce Matt Lauer? The allegations led to their split.

In 2019, they reached a divorce settlement of $20 million. Lauer also gave her the Annette Roque Bright Side Farm in Water Mill. He also had a past Kristen Gesswein relationship in the 1990s.

Real Estate Holdings and Asset Sales

Matt had a vast Hamptons real estate portfolio. In 2016, he bought the Sag Harbor compound from Richard Gere for $36.5M. People often ask, did Matt Lauer sell the Richard Gere house? Yes, in 2022 for $40.9M.

He also sold a New York City apartment for $8M in 2018. In 2017, he bought a 16,000-acre New Zealand farm. His real estate investments post-NBC remained valuable despite public backlash.

Matt Lauer’s Life After Scandal

After his firing, Lauer entered a media blackout post-scandal. Reports said he moved to his Sag Harbor 25-acre estate and avoided the public eye.

He lives a Matt Lauer recluse lifestyle. Some say he spends time in New Zealand, rarely traveling. Where does Matt Lauer live now? Mostly in the Hamptons or at his overseas ranch.

Controversies Beyond NBC – New Zealand & PETA Accusations

Even post-NBC, issues followed. PETA sheep abuse claims surfaced at his ranch. Officials opened a probe.

The Matt Lauer New Zealand ranch controversy led to a review by the government. They checked if he passed the good character test for property buyers, required by law.

Is a Comeback Possible for Matt Lauer?

Rumors of a Today Show comeback circulated. Reports linked him to a new project or team-up with Hoda Kotb. Did Matt Lauer try to return to NBC? Yes, briefly, but it didn’t happen.

Is Matt Lauer making a comeback to television? It seems unlikely. His reputation decline and unresolved claims remain barriers.

 

FAQs About Matt Lauer

Q1. What is Matt Lauer net worth in 2026?

His current value is estimated at $80 million net worth, down from a pre-scandal peak of $150M.

Q2. How did Matt Lauer lose his $150 million net worth?

Legal fees, asset sales, and divorce payments reduced it. Many call it a financial fall.

Q3. How much did Matt Lauer pay his wife in the divorce?

He paid $20 million plus full rights to their farm property.

Q4. What does Matt Lauer do for a living now?

Nothing public. He’s living privately and hasn’t returned to media work.

Q5. Is Matt Lauer still living in New Zealand?

Yes, part-time. His ranch in New Zealand remains under his ownership.

Q6. How is Matt Lauer remembered in the news industry?

He is known as a former Today Show host with a respected past and a controversial fall.

 

Final Thought

The net worth of Matt Lauer reflects a career of highs and lows. Once a broadcast journalism career icon and NBC News anchor, his fall from grace reminds us how quickly fame can fade. From TV host wealth to legal controversy, his story remains a defining chapter in media history.