Colin Jost has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Most of this wealth comes from his long tenure as a writer, performer, and Weekend Update co-anchor on Saturday Night Live. While his wife, actress Scarlett Johansson, commands a significantly larger fortune, Jost built his multi-million-dollar portfolio through decades of steady television writing, stand-up comedy, bestselling book sales, and strategic real estate moves.
Understanding how Jost accumulated his wealth requires looking past surface-level celebrity headlines. His financial standing stems from a traditional late-night television career model combined with selective outside projects.
Early Life and Harvard Beginnings
Born in Staten Island, New York, Jost attended Regis High School in Manhattan before heading to Harvard University. During his undergraduate years, he honed his comedic voice by serving as the president of the Harvard Lampoon, a legendary breeding ground for future comedy writers and performers.
Writing for a publication like the Lampoon opened doors immediately after graduation. Instead of grinding through open mics for years without pay, Jost caught the attention of Saturday Night Live producers shortly after finishing college. He joined the writing staff in 2005 at age 23, securing a stable income in the television industry early on.
Saturday Night Live Salary and Head Writer Earnings
The backbone of Jost's financial profile is his longevity at NBC's late-night institution.
- Writing and Head Writer Pay: Jost started as a staff writer, steadily climbing the ranks to become a head writer—a position he held for several years alongside fellow comedian Rob Klein and later Michael Che. Head writers earn higher base compensation due to the grueling weekly oversight of sketches, monologues, and overall show formatting.
- Performer Salary: When Jost joined Michael Che behind the Weekend Update desk in 2014, his earnings shifted. Established Saturday Night Live cast members and co-anchors earn an estimated $25,000 per episode. Across a standard 21-episode season, an anchor slot yields roughly $525,000 annually, excluding his additional writing fees.
After two decades on the show, his cumulative earnings from NBC easily total several million dollars before taxes and agent commissions.
Books, Stand-Up, and Film Projects
Jost hasn't relied solely on his weekly paycheck from Saturday Night Live. He diversified his income through publishing, feature films, and stand-up tours.
- Bestselling Memoir: In 2020, Jost released his memoir, A Very Punchable Face. The book became a New York Times bestseller, bringing in a significant upfront advance and steady subsequent royalties.
- Film Writing and Acting: He co-wrote and starred in the comedy film Staten Island Summer (2015) and has made cameo appearances in movies like Coming 2 America and Tom & Jerry.
- Stand-Up Comedy: Jost regularly performs stand-up comedy in clubs and theaters across the United States, adding a reliable stream of touring revenue to his yearly income.
Real Estate Portfolio and Investments
Like many high-earning New Yorkers, Jost has invested heavily in real estate.
In 2011, he purchased a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan's West Village for $1.77 million. He held onto the property for over a decade before listing it and selling it for $2.32 million, securing a solid return on his capital.
Following his marriage to Scarlett Johansson, the couple has engaged in high-profile real estate transactions together, including the acquisition of multi-million-dollar homes. On a lighter and more eccentric financial note, Jost made headlines alongside fellow Staten Island native Pete Davidson when they purchased a decommissioned, rusted Staten Island Ferry at a public auction for $280,100, turning a local joke into a bizarre shared asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Colin Jost's net worth compare to Scarlett Johansson's?
Colin Jost's net worth is estimated at $10 million, while Scarlett Johansson's net worth is estimated at $165 million. Johansson commands massive box-office blockbusting salaries, making her the higher earner in the household.
How long has Colin Jost been on Saturday Night Live?
Jost first joined the Saturday Night Live writing staff in 2005. He has remained with the show for over two decades, making him one of the longest-tenured figures in the program's modern history.
Did Colin Jost write a book?
Yes. He published his comedic memoir, A Very Punchable Face, in July 2020. The book details his upbringing in Staten Island, his time at Harvard, and his career rise at Saturday Night Live.
What is Colin Jost's salary per episode on SNL?
Established anchor and senior cast members on Saturday Night Live like Jost are reported to earn around $25,000 per episode, translating to over $500,000 per season from performance fees alone.
