Bill O’Reilly has been a dominant force in political media for decades.
Best known for The O’Reilly Factor, he shaped cable news commentary with his direct and often controversial approach.
But how much wealth has he accumulated over the years?
His time at Fox News was highly lucrative, but his exit came with financial consequences.
Let’s break down Bill O’Reilly’s net worth, salary, and financial journey.
Bill O’Reilly Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | William James O’Reilly Jr. |
| Popular Name | Bill O’Reilly |
| Birth Date | September 10, 1949 |
| Age | 75 years old (as of March 2025) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Marist College, Boston University, Harvard University, Chaminade High School, Queen Mary University of London |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Maureen McPhilmy (divorced in 2011) |
| Children | Madeline O’Reilly, Spencer O’Reilly |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | 1 (Sister: Janet) |
| Parents | Winifred Angela (Drake) and William James O’Reilly |
| Height | 1.93 m |
| Net Worth | $85 million |
| Source of Wealth | Television, Books, Radio, Podcasting |
What is the Net Worth of Bill O’Reilly in 2025?
As of 2025, Bill O’Reilly’s net worth is estimated at $85 million. His wealth primarily comes from television, book sales, and digital media. At Fox News, he was one of the highest-paid TV hosts, earning $25 million per year. Even after his departure, he continues to generate income through his books, podcasts, and guest appearances.
While O’Reilly remains wealthy, he faces financial challenges. Legal settlements totaling $82 million impacted his net worth. In contrast, his former colleagues like Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity have expanded their financial empires post-Fox News.
Notable Related Figures & Companies:
- Tucker Carlson
- Sean Hannity
- Glenn Beck
- Jon Stewart
- Newsmax TV
- The First TV
- CBS News
- ABC News
- Roger Ailes
- Jesse Watters
Interested in more insights on high-earning personalities? Check out this list of the world’s wealthiest figures.
Bill O’Reilly Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did He Earn at Fox News?
At his peak, Bill O’Reilly was among the highest-paid news anchors in the U.S. His annual salary at Fox News was $25 million. He was the face of The O’Reilly Factor, a show that dominated cable news ratings for 16 years. His high salary reflected not just viewership numbers but also his influence on political discourse.
Compared to his successors, Tucker Carlson earned significantly less when he took over O’Reilly’s slot. This indicates how much Fox valued O’Reilly’s presence. However, his controversial exit in 2017 changed everything.
What Are His Main Sources of Income?
Even after leaving Fox News, O’Reilly continues to earn millions from various sources:
- Books – His Killing series, co-authored with Martin Dugard, has been a commercial success.
- Radio & Podcasts – No Spin News and The O’Reilly Update continue to generate revenue.
- Guest Appearances – He frequently appears on Newsmax TV and The First TV, maintaining his presence in conservative media.
- Speaking Engagements – His collaboration with Dennis Miller for public debates and tours remains a revenue stream.
How Did His Career Impact His Finances?
O’Reilly’s financial journey started in journalism. He worked at CBS News and ABC News, gaining experience before transitioning to prime-time commentary. His tenure at Fox News was his most profitable era, where he built a loyal audience and a powerful media brand.
His early career awards, including two Emmy Awards, helped establish his credibility. However, his outspoken personality often put him at odds with critics and competitors.
How Did His Fox News Departure Affect His Finances?
In 2017, Fox News terminated O’Reilly following sexual harassment allegations. This had immediate financial consequences:
- Loss of Salary – He lost his $25 million per year paycheck.
- Legal Settlements – Reports indicate he and Fox News paid $82 million to settle multiple lawsuits.
- Advertising Fallout – Over 60 companies pulled ads from The O’Reilly Factor, leading to its cancellation.
Despite this, he received a $25 million severance package, helping cushion the financial impact.
What Financial Controversies Has He Faced?
O’Reilly’s financial troubles are closely tied to legal settlements. He faced multiple lawsuits, with the most notable being a $32 million settlement to one woman. These controversies not only affected his net worth but also led to his agent dropping him.
While he denied all allegations, the public scrutiny damaged his reputation, limiting his future earning potential.
What Are His Current Financial Ventures?
Since leaving Fox News, O’Reilly has rebuilt his career in alternative media:
- Podcasting Success – No Spin News remains a key source of income.
- Newsmax & The First TV – He continues to appear on these networks, keeping him relevant.
- Ongoing Book Sales – His Killing series still performs well in the market.
Although he no longer commands the salary he once did, his diversified income streams keep him financially stable.
What Is His Financial Legacy?
Bill O’Reilly’s influence in media is undeniable. He set the standard for opinion-driven cable news, paving the way for personalities like Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters. His career has been a mix of financial highs and legal setbacks, but his ability to remain relevant speaks to his adaptability.
Looking ahead, his wealth will likely remain steady, unless another controversy significantly impacts his brand.
Conclusion
Bill O’Reilly’s financial journey is a mix of massive earnings, high-profile controversies, and strategic reinvention.
His legacy in media is secure, but his finances continue to evolve.
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