Jesse Williams, widely known for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy, has amassed significant wealth throughout his career. But what is Jesse Williams’ net worth in 2025, and how does he maintain such financial success?
In this article, we’ll explore his income sources, salary details, and how his wealth compares to other top earners in Hollywood
. We’ll also dive into his financial journey, from his acting career to his activism, giving you a closer look at how Jesse Williams manages his money. Keep reading to uncover all the details.
Jesse Williams Quick Facts:
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jesse Wesley Williams |
| Popular Name | Jesse Williams |
| Birth Date | August 5, 1981 |
| Age | 43 (as of March 2025) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed race (African-American, Swedish) |
| Education | Temple University (African-American Studies, Film & Media Arts) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Aryn Drake-Lee (divorced in 2017) |
| Children | 2 (Sadie, Maceo) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Two younger brothers |
| Parents | Reginald Williams (father), Johanna Williams (mother) |
| Height | 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in) |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, directing, producing, activism |
What is the Net Worth of Jesse Williams in 2025?
Jesse Williams is reported to have a net worth of $12 million as of 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his extensive career in television and film, most notably his role in Grey’s Anatomy.
Williams also earns from his involvement in film production and activism. Compared to other actors in Hollywood, his wealth places him among the middle tier of celebrity finances, especially considering his relatively young age and ongoing career.
His estimated net worth continues to rise thanks to successful projects and his influence as an activist.
Here are some notable people related to Jesse Williams in terms of career or industry:
- Kerry Washington
- Ellen Pompeo
- Chandra Wilson
- Shonda Rhimes
- Viola Davis
- Grey’s Anatomy
- The Butler (Film)
- BET Humanitarian Award
- Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement
- Two Distant Strangers
For more on top celebrities’ financials, check out the list of the wealthiest stars on our website.
Jesse Williams Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does He Earn?
Jesse Williams has earned a significant income from his long-running role as Dr. Jackson Avery on Grey’s Anatomy. As one of the show’s prominent actors, his salary reached around $521,000 per month during the peak years of his career.
This consistent income from the television series contributed heavily to his wealth. In addition, his income from film roles such as The Butler and The Cabin in the Woods boosted his overall earnings.
Besides acting, Jesse Williams has diversified his income streams through producing and directing. His involvement with projects like Two Distant Strangers, which won an Academy Award, has expanded his financial footprint.
His diverse career also includes voice acting for video games like Detroit: Become Human, which provided additional financial growth.
What is His Source of Wealth?
His wealth is primarily attributed to his multifaceted career in entertainment. The majority of his earnings come from his acting roles, especially his time on Grey’s Anatomy, which ran for 12 seasons and saw him featured in 270 episodes.
However, his career isn’t solely reliant on acting. Williams’ entrepreneurial spirit and passion for activism have also helped build his financial portfolio.
He has ventured into film production, notably as a producer for the short film Two Distant Strangers, which won an Academy Award. His role as an advocate for civil rights has also brought him media attention, enhancing his value as a public figure.
Moreover, Jesse’s work as a voice actor in video games, along with his appearances in commercials and media campaigns, contributes to his growing wealth. These diversified income sources allow him to maintain a steady financial flow even after his departure from Grey’s Anatomy.
His Salary from Grey’s Anatomy
While Jesse Williams’ precise salary per episode isn’t publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that he earned upwards of $500,000 per month from his role as Dr. Jackson Avery. This salary placed him among the highest-paid actors on the show. Over the years, as his role grew in prominence, so did his compensation.
This impressive salary reflects the show’s massive success and Williams’ role as one of the main characters. He was on the show for over a decade, making it a consistent and lucrative source of income throughout his career.
His Financials During His Divorce
Jesse Williams’ financial landscape saw significant changes following his divorce from Aryn Drake-Lee in 2017. At the time, the court ordered him to pay $100,000 per month in child and spousal support. This amount was later negotiated, but the divorce settlement still had a lasting financial impact.
Despite the high settlement, Williams continues to thrive financially. His income from acting, producing, and activism has allowed him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle and stay financially secure post-divorce.
How Did He Build His Wealth Through Activism?
Jesse Williams is not just known for his acting career but also for his commitment to social justice and activism. He has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about racial inequality and systemic injustice.
His financial involvement in activism includes partnerships with various organizations, such as the Advancement Project, and his executive producer role in Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement.
These efforts have not only aligned with his personal values but have also contributed to his public image, which has, in turn, had a positive impact on his financial standing.
Through his activism, Jesse has secured endorsement deals, public speaking engagements, and other financial opportunities, helping him build a reputation as a high-profile activist in addition to being a successful actor.
What Other Ventures Contribute to His Wealth?
Aside from acting, Jesse Williams has pursued various ventures to boost his wealth. These include:
- Film production: He has worked behind the scenes as a producer for films like Two Distant Strangers and other media projects.
- Voice acting: Jesse Williams lent his voice to video games like Detroit: Become Human, diversifying his income sources.
- Endorsements and Media Appearances: Williams has participated in high-profile media campaigns and commercials, adding another revenue stream.
These ventures contribute to his growing wealth and demonstrate his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Jesse Williams has built a significant fortune over the years, thanks to his success in acting, producing, and activism. His diverse career path has not only shaped his public persona but also solidified his financial future.
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