William Zabka, best known for playing Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, has built a successful career in Hollywood.
Over the years, his financial status has evolved significantly, from 1980s teen movie star to co-executive producer of a hit Netflix series.
This article delves into William Zabka net worth, his salary, and his financial journey, including his earnings from acting, producing, and directing.
William Zabka Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | William Michael Zabka |
| Popular Name | William Zabka |
| Birth Date | October 20, 1965 |
| Age | 58 (as of 2/27/2025) |
| Birthplace | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Czech descent |
| Education | El Camino Real Charter High School, California State University |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Stacie Zabka (m. 2008) |
| Children | Two |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | One brother, one sister |
| Parents | Stanley Zabka, Nancy Zabka |
| Height | 1.80 meters |
| Net Worth | 4 Million USD |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Film Production |
What is the Net Worth of William Zabka in 2025?
As of 2025, William Zabka net worth is estimated to be around $4 million.
His earnings come primarily from acting, producing, and directing. Cobra Kai, the Netflix series where he reprises his role as Johnny Lawrence, significantly boosted his financial status.
Compared to his Karate Kid co-star Ralph Macchio, who has a net worth of around $8 million, Zabka’s wealth is modest.
However, his involvement as a co-executive producer of Cobra Kai adds long-term financial stability. His earnings also include revenue from commercial directing and independent filmmaking.
Related Celebrities in the Industry
- Ralph Macchio
- Martin Kove
- Pat Morita (posthumous)
- Will Smith (executive producer of Cobra Kai)
- Xolo Maridueña
- Jacob Bertrand
- Peyton List
- Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos
- Jon Hurwitz (co-creator of Cobra Kai)
- Josh Heald (co-creator of Cobra Kai)
For more details on other high-earning celebrities, check out this comprehensive list of wealthy public figures.
William Zabka Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does He Earn from Acting and Production?
William Zabka’s earnings primarily come from Cobra Kai, where he reportedly makes $100,000 per episode. With each season averaging 10 episodes, that brings his yearly salary to approximately $1 million per season.
His early career earnings from The Karate Kid franchise remain undisclosed, but the film’s success (grossing over $100 million) undoubtedly contributed to his wealth. Beyond acting, his work as a co-executive producer on Cobra Kai provides additional revenue, ensuring financial security beyond acting roles.
What Are His Main Sources of Income?
Zabka’s wealth is not just from acting. His diversified income streams include:
- Television & Film Acting (The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, National Lampoon’s European Vacation)
- Producing & Directing (Most, Rascal Flatts music videos, commercials for Verizon & Little Tikes)
- Royalties & Residuals (The Karate Kid franchise)
- Streaming Deals (Netflix acquisition of Cobra Kai)
How Does He Invest and Manage His Wealth?
Like many actors, Zabka has made smart real estate investments. He owns:
- A home in Burbank, California, purchased for $256,000 in 1996 (now worth around $1 million).
- A property in Brentwood, Tennessee, bought for $1.025 million in 2020.
However, he lost a home in the LA Palisades/Eaton fires in 2025, marking a significant financial setback.
How Has His Career Resurgence Affected His Finances?
Zabka’s financial trajectory changed dramatically with Cobra Kai. After spending years in independent filmmaking, the revival of his Johnny Lawrence character gave him mainstream financial success.
- YouTube Red Deal (2017-2018): The show’s initial platform offered him his first major paycheck since the ‘80s.
- Netflix Acquisition (2020): Wider audience reach led to an increase in salary and royalties.
- Merchandising & Brand Deals: Cobra Kai’s success led to new financial opportunities.
What Expensive Assets and Properties Does He Own?
Apart from his real estate investments, Zabka has spent on:
- Film production projects (Most, Cobra Kai)
- High-end film equipment for his directing work
- Luxury cars and Hollywood lifestyle expenses
How Does He Compare Financially to Other Karate Kid Actors?
Compared to Ralph Macchio, who has a higher net worth (~$8 million), Zabka’s earnings are slightly lower. This difference comes from:
- Macchio’s longer TV career (My Cousin Vinny, Ugly Betty, etc.)
- Different career choices: Zabka focused on filmmaking over mainstream acting in the 1990s and 2000s.
- Executive producer roles: Zabka and Macchio both serve as co-executive producers of Cobra Kai, which increases their earnings beyond acting.
Has He Ever Faced Financial Struggles?
Like many Hollywood actors, Zabka has had financial ups and downs:
- The 1990s and early 2000s saw fewer acting roles, leading him to independent filmmaking.
- His transition to directing meant relying on commercial work rather than Hollywood blockbusters.
- Typecasting issues prevented him from landing diverse roles, affecting his income streams.
However, Cobra Kai provided a significant financial revival, ensuring his current stability.
Conclusion
William Zabka’s financial journey showcases the ups and downs of Hollywood fame.
From earning millions in Cobra Kai to smart real estate investments, he has built a solid financial foundation. Want to stay updated on celebrity finances? Visit Aupeo for more insights!
