Is Paula Zahn’s net worth as impressive as her career? With decades in journalism across major networks like CNN, Fox News, and CBS, she has built a significant financial portfolio.
But how much does she actually make? And how has her salary evolved over the years?
In this article, Aupeo dives into Paula Zahn’s salary, wealth accumulation, and financial standing in 2025.
From her highest-paying contracts to financial challenges, here’s everything you need to know about her earnings.
Paula Zahn Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Paula Ann Zahn |
| Popular Name | Paula Zahn |
| Birth Date | February 24, 1956 |
| Age | 69 (as of March 2025) |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Stephens College (B.A. in Journalism) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Richard Cohen (m. 1987; div. 2007) |
| Children | Haley Cohen, Jared Brandon Cohen, Austin Bryce Cohen |
| Dating | Paul Fribourg (Reported) |
| Siblings | 3 |
| Parents | Norm Zahn, Betty Zahn |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $18 million (Estimated 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Journalism, Television Hosting, Documentaries |
What is the Net Worth Of Paula Zahn in 2025?
Paula Zahn’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $18 million. Her long-standing career in journalism, hosting roles, and television production have contributed significantly to her financial success. Over the years, she has secured lucrative contracts with CNN, Fox News, CBS, and ABC News, earning millions annually.
Compared to other prominent journalists, Zahn’s net worth is substantial but not at the level of media moguls like Anderson Cooper or Diane Sawyer. However, her wealth remains impressive due to her extensive career in news broadcasting and true crime documentaries.
Related Personalities & Entities
- Anderson Cooper
- Diane Sawyer
- Barbara Walters
- Aaron Brown
- Fox News
- CNN
- CBS News
- Investigation Discovery
- ABC News
- Richard Cohen
For more insights on high-earning personalities, check out this list of wealthy media figures.
Paula Zahn Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does She Earn?
Paula Zahn has had an impressive career, with her highest salary reaching $2.1 million per year during her tenure at CNN. Before that, she earned $600,000 per year at Fox News. Her salary varied across networks, increasing as she gained more influence in journalism.
She began her national news career at ABC News in 1987, where she worked as an anchor for World News This Morning and contributed to Good Morning America. By 1990, she moved to CBS News, taking on roles that significantly boosted her earnings.
What Are Her Main Sources of Income?
Zahn’s financial success isn’t solely dependent on journalism. Her main revenue sources include:
- Journalism Salaries: ABC, CBS, Fox News, and CNN
- Hosting & Producing: On the Case with Paula Zahn (Investigation Discovery)
- Public Appearances & Special Hosting Events
Since 2009, Zahn has been the executive producer and host of On the Case with Paula Zahn, a true crime documentary series on Investigation Discovery. This long-running show has been a major contributor to her wealth.
How Has Her Salary Changed Over Time?
Zahn’s salary has evolved significantly over the years:
- ABC News (1987-1990): Entry-level anchor position with modest earnings
- CBS News (1990-1999): Pay increase from co-anchoring CBS This Morning
- Fox News (1999-2001): Reported $600,000 per year
- CNN (2001-2007): Increased to $2.1 million per year
- Post-CNN (2007-Present): Earnings from On the Case with Paula Zahn and PBS projects
Her ability to command high salaries was largely due to her credibility and experience covering major events like 9/11, the Iraq War, and the Winter Olympics.
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Zahn built her wealth through:
- Decades of experience in news broadcasting
- Hosting prime-time news programs
- Exclusive coverage of high-profile events
- True crime documentaries
She worked at major networks for over three decades, ensuring a steady and substantial income.
Has She Faced Any Financial Challenges?
Despite her financial success, Zahn has had some challenges, including a 2007 lawsuit against her ex-husband Richard Cohen. She claimed he mismanaged $25 million of her career earnings. However, the case was dismissed.
Additionally, her divorce from Cohen in 2007 had financial implications, but she continued to thrive professionally with her true crime series.
What Are Her Financial Assets and Investments?
Zahn has made strategic financial moves, including:
- Real estate investments (though not publicly disclosed)
- TV production projects
- Charitable work and philanthropy
She has also been an advocate for breast cancer awareness and actively supports the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
How Does Her Wealth Compare to Other Journalists?
While Zahn has earned millions, she is not among the highest-paid journalists today. Some of her well-known peers have amassed higher fortunes, including:
- Anderson Cooper ($50M+)
- Diane Sawyer ($80M+)
- Barbara Walters ($150M at her peak)
However, Zahn’s impact in journalism, especially in true crime documentaries, has kept her financially stable and respected in the industry.
Conclusion
Paula Zahn has built a solid financial legacy through journalism, hosting, and television production.
With $18 million in estimated net worth, her career spans decades of high-profile reporting and media influence.
Want to read more about celebrity finances? Visit Aupeo for the latest updates on net worth and earnings. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
