Mariska Hargitay has become one of television’s most recognizable faces, thanks to her long-running role as Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU.
But beyond her on-screen presence, she has built an impressive financial empire. With a salary of $500,000 per episode and multiple income streams, she ranks among the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood.
This article dives into Mariska Hargitay net worth, salary, and financial decisions, breaking down how she accumulated her fortune and where she invests her earnings.
Mariska Hargitay Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Mariska Magdolna Hargitay |
| Popular Name | Mariska Hargitay |
| Birth Date | January 23, 1964 |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 03/03/2025) |
| Birthplace | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hungarian-American |
| Education | University of California, Los Angeles, Marymount High School, The Groundlings, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Peter Hermann (m. 2004) |
| Children | August, Amaya (adopted), Andrew (adopted) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Jayne Marie Mansfield, Zoltan Hargitay, Tony Cimber, Tina Hargitay, Mickey Hargitay Jr., Venico Cimber |
| Parents | Mickey Hargitay, Jayne Mansfield |
| Height | 1.71 meters |
| Net Worth | $100 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Producing, Endorsements |
What is the Net Worth Of Mariska Hargitay in 2025?
Mariska Hargitay’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $100 million. This wealth primarily comes from her longstanding role on Law & Order: SVU, where she has been earning a salary of $500,000 per episode, translating to $11-15 million annually.
Her financial success places her among the highest-paid actresses in television, alongside stars like Sofia Vergara and Ellen Pompeo.
Additionally, she has earned from directing, producing, and real estate investments.
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Mariska Hargitay Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
Her Salary Per Episode and Annual Earnings
Mariska Hargitay has been the lead actress on Law & Order: SVU since 1999, making her one of the longest-running TV stars. Her salary per episode is $500,000, which adds up to $11-15 million annually, considering syndication royalties and bonuses.
Her salary has increased significantly over time:
- Before 2009: $375,000 – $385,000 per episode
- After 2009: $400,000 per episode
- Current (2025): $500,000 per episode
This places her among television’s top earners, with comparable salaries to Ellen Pompeo (Grey’s Anatomy) and Sofia Vergara (Modern Family).
Major Sources of Her Wealth
While Law & Order: SVU is her primary income source, Mariska Hargitay has multiple revenue streams:
- Acting: Beyond SVU, she has appeared in ER, Chicago P.D., and Leaving Las Vegas.
- Directing & Producing: She has directed multiple episodes of SVU and produced the HBO documentary I Am Evidence.
- Syndication Royalties: As one of the longest-running characters in television history, she earns from reruns and licensing deals.
- Endorsements & Public Appearances: Her influence extends to brand partnerships and guest appearances.
- Real Estate Investments: She has owned multiple luxury properties in New York and East Hampton.
How She Manages Her Finances and Investments
Hargitay has invested wisely, particularly in real estate:
- NYC Townhouse: Originally bought for $10.7 million, sold at a slight loss for $9.75 million in 2019.
- East Hampton Mansion: Purchased in 2010 for $7.34 million, serving as her primary residence.
Additionally, she actively donates to charities and has used her wealth to fund social causes.
Comparing Her Earnings to Other TV Stars
Mariska Hargitay’s earnings place her in the top tier of television actresses, alongside:
- Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) – $500,000+ per episode
- Ellen Pompeo (Grey’s Anatomy) – $550,000 per episode
- Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show) – $1 million per episode
- Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show) – $1 million per episode
While she doesn’t hold the highest per-episode earnings, her longevity in television gives her a strong financial standing.
Her Financial Impact on the Entertainment Industry
Mariska Hargitay’s success has influenced salary negotiations for other actors. As one of the longest-tenured TV actresses, she helped raise industry pay standards for women in Hollywood.
Additionally, her philanthropic contributions through the Joyful Heart Foundation showcase how she uses her financial power for social change.
How Her Wealth Supports Philanthropy and Social Causes
Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation has raised over $20 million and provided aid to more than 5,000 survivors.
She also actively donates to:
- Domestic violence shelters
- Rape crisis centers
- UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television (where she donated $100,000 for scholarships)
Lessons to Learn from Her Financial Journey
Mariska Hargitay’s career offers valuable financial lessons:
- Diversify income streams: Acting alone isn’t enough; she earns from directing, producing, and real estate.
- Invest wisely: She chooses high-value real estate and strategic financial decisions.
- Use wealth for good: Her philanthropic work sets an example for responsible wealth management.
Conclusion
Mariska Hargitay’s financial journey showcases smart salary negotiations, strategic investments, and a commitment to philanthropy.
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