Erin Burnett is a prominent American television journalist and news anchor who anchors the prime-time CNN program Erin Burnett OutFront. With a career spanning investment banking, financial journalism at CNBC and Bloomberg, and international reporting on major global events, she has become a fixture of cable news. Viewers frequently search for details concerning her background, career trajectory, financial standing, and personal life.
Born on July 2, 1976, in Mardela Springs, Maryland, Burnett grew up as the youngest of three daughters to Esther and Kenneth Burnett. Her father worked as a corporate attorney. She attended St. Andrew's School, a boarding institution in Middletown, Delaware, before enrolling at Williams College in Massachusetts. At Williams College, she competed in field hockey and lacrosse while studying political science and economics, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in political economy in 1998.
Early Financial Career and Move to Media
Before breaking into major television news, Burnett started her professional life in the financial sector. She worked as an analyst for Goldman Sachs, focusing on investment banking. That foundational background in finance shaped her reporting style, allowing her to break down complex market trends and fiscal policies with ease.
She transitioned to media as a writer and booker for CNN's Moneyline before moving to Bloomberg Television. At Bloomberg, she served as an anchor and stocks editor, managing daily financial coverage. Her expertise caught the eye of CNBC, where she spent several years co-anchoring Squawk on the Street and hosting Street Signs. During her CNBC tenure, she established a reputation for aggressive reporting, notably covering regulatory issues and global markets.
Joining CNN and Erin Burnett OutFront
In 2011, Burnett made a high-profile move back to CNN, launching her signature nightly program, Erin Burnett OutFront. The show focuses on breaking news, political analysis, and international investigations.
Her field reporting has taken her across the globe. She has anchored live broadcasts from countries facing severe political turmoil, conflict zones, and disaster areas, including Afghanistan, Israel, Mali, Rwanda, and Ukraine. Beyond her nightly show, she has moderated presidential primary debates, hosted town halls, and produced numerous investigative documentaries focusing on economic realities in the Middle East and Africa.
Net Worth, Salary, and Physical Statistics
Burnett's compensation reflects her long tenure in prime-time cable news. Her annual salary at CNN is estimated at $6 million, contributing to an estimated net worth of $20 million. Her wealth stems from decades of high-level broadcasting contracts, early investment banking earnings, and speaking engagements.
Regarding her physical stats and background details:
- Age: 50 years old.
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 6 inches.
- National Identity: American, born in Maryland with Irish, Scottish, and English ancestry.
Personal Life and Family
Burnett married finance executive David Rubulotta on December 21, 2012, after meeting on a blind date in 2003. The couple has three children: a son born in 2013, a daughter born in 2015, and a second son born in 2018. While she maintains a high-profile media presence, she largely keeps her family life private, balancing demanding prime-time television schedules with raising her children in New York City.
You can read more about industry standards and journalism ethics through the Society of Professional Journalists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Erin Burnett go to college?
She graduated from Williams College in Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political economy.
What was Erin Burnett's first major television role?
Her early breakthrough in television came at Bloomberg Television, where she worked as an anchor and stocks editor before moving to CNBC.
Does Erin Burnett have children?
Yes, she shares three children with her husband, David Rubulotta.
What is the focus of her CNN show?
Erin Burnett OutFront centers on domestic politics, international affairs, breaking news stories, and in-depth investigative reports.