David Muir net worth sits at approximately $25 million as of 2025. The face of ABC’s World News Tonight has built his wealth through his successful broadcasting career spanning over two decades. His annual salary from ABC contributes significantly to his financial standing, along with other income streams that have helped him build his fortune over the years.
David Muir Net Worth
David Muir has accumulated a wealth estimated at $25 million through his work as one of America’s top news anchors. The ABC News mainstay earns his money primarily from his role hosting World News Tonight and co-anchoring 20/20.
Money experts calculate net worth by adding up everything someone owns (assets) and subtracting what they owe (debts). For Muir, this includes his salary, properties, investments, and personal belongings minus any mortgages or loans.
Muir ranks among the wealthier television journalists in the United States, though not at the very top of the list. His $25 million puts him in good company with other respected news personalities, though behind some of the industry’s biggest names like Anderson Cooper or Sean Hannity, who have built media empires beyond straight news reporting.
David Muir’s wealth comes from several different streams, with his ABC News salary forming the foundation of his income:
- ABC Base Salary: Muir’s primary income source is his multimillion-dollar contract with ABC News for anchoring World News Tonight and co-anchoring 20/20. This base salary makes up the bulk of his annual earnings.
- Performance Bonuses: Like many top television personalities, Muir likely receives performance bonuses tied to ratings achievements and special coverage events.
- Speaking Engagements: As a recognizable news figure, Muir commands substantial fees for speaking at corporate events, universities, and journalism conferences when his schedule permits.
- Special Project Compensation: Major special reports, documentaries, and exclusive interviews often come with additional compensation beyond his regular salary.
This journalistic focus may mean he earns less than some entertainment-oriented television personalities, but it has helped him build credibility as a serious news professional – an asset that translates into long-term career stability and earning power.
American journalist in ABC World News
David Muir serves as the anchor and managing editor of ABC’s World News Tonight, the network’s flagship nightly newscast. He took over this prestigious position in September 2014, replacing Diane Sawyer as the face of ABC’s evening news coverage.
Beyond his nightly news duties, Muir also co-anchors the news magazine program 20/20 alongside Amy Robach. This combination of roles makes him one of the most visible journalists in American television.
During his time at ABC News, Muir has become known for his straightforward delivery and his commitment to on-the-ground reporting. Unlike some anchors who rarely leave the studio, Muir frequently travels to cover major stories firsthand, reporting from disaster zones, conflict areas, and sites of breaking news around the world.
Age and Background
Born on November 8, 1973, David Muir is currently 51 years old. He grew up in Syracuse, New York, in a Roman Catholic family. His early interest in news broadcasting emerged when he was just a child – he would reportedly practice reading the news into a fake cardboard microphone.
Muir graduated from Onondaga Central Junior-Senior High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Ithaca College in 1995. During college, he also studied at the Institute on Political Journalism at Georgetown University and spent a semester abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain, where he became fluent in Spanish.
David Muir’s rise through the ranks of broadcast journalism features several notable achievements that have shaped his professional journey:
- Joining ABC News (2003): Muir started at ABC as an overnight news anchor before becoming the lead correspondent for World News Now.
- World News Tonight Anchor (2014): After serving as weekend anchor and Diane Sawyer’s primary substitute, Muir was named anchor and managing editor of the flagship nightly newscast.
- Historic Cuban Coverage: Muir was the first American journalist to report from Havana following the restoration of U.S.-Cuban diplomatic relations.
- Award-Winning Reporting: His coverage of the Haiti earthquake earned him multiple Emmy Awards, showcasing his skill in crisis reporting.
- Presidential Interviews: Muir has conducted several high-profile interviews with presidents and world leaders, including a notable one-on-one with Donald Trump.
Beyond these milestone moments, Muir has covered major world events including the Syrian refugee crisis, terrorist attacks in Paris, and numerous natural disasters. His international reporting has taken him to more than 30 countries.
Estimated Annual Earnings
David Muir’s annual salary from ABC News is reportedly around $5 million per year, according to industry sources. This places him among the upper tier of television journalists, though not at the very top of the pay scale.
For comparison, his ABC colleague George Stephanopoulos reportedly earns about $15 million annually, while NBC’s Lester Holt commands approximately $7 million per year. The variance reflects different roles, ratings, performance, and the competitive landscape for top talent.
Muir’s salary breaks down to roughly $96,000 per week or about $19,200 per episode of World News Tonight, assuming he anchors five nights weekly. This doesn’t include his compensation for 20/20 or special assignments.
While Muir doesn’t rank among the highest-paid personalities in all of television (talk show hosts and some cable news commentators earn significantly more), his compensation reflects his value to ABC as the face of their most-watched news program. World News Tonight has led in ratings during much of Muir’s tenure, strengthening his position in salary negotiations.
Personal Life
David Muir maintains a relatively private personal life compared to many television personalities. What we do know comes from occasional glimpses he shares and reports from credible sources.
Muir enjoys spending time with his family when not on air. He shares a close bond with his older sister and her children, occasionally posting photos with his nieces and nephews on social media. He’s described himself as a “cool uncle” who tries to stay connected despite his busy schedule.
As for hobbies, Muir enjoys fitness and outdoor activities. He’s been spotted jogging in Central Park and has mentioned swimming as a favorite exercise. Travel ranks among his passions, though he often visits destinations for work rather than leisure.
Muir supports several causes without making them central to his public identity. He has worked with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and has highlighted the organization on social media. Education initiatives also appear to interest him, as he regularly speaks at college commencements and journalism schools.
Unlike some news personalities who cultivate larger-than-life public personas, Muir seems to value normalcy away from the camera – a quality that resonates with many viewers who appreciate his down-to-earth approach.
Assets
David Muir lives a comfortable but not extravagant lifestyle by celebrity standards. His primary residence sits on Skaneateles Lake in upstate New York, near his hometown of Syracuse. He purchased this lakefront property for approximately $7 million, according to real estate records.
While Muir likely maintains a residence in Manhattan for work purposes, he appears to consider his Skaneateles home his true sanctuary. The property reportedly features historic architecture, having been built in the 1800s, with careful renovations to preserve its character while adding modern amenities.
As for cars, Muir has been photographed driving a BMW, though he doesn’t appear to collect luxury cars like some celebrities. His taste seems to run toward quality rather than flashy possessions.
For someone in Muir’s position, this likely includes:
- Retirement Accounts: High-income professionals often maximize contributions to tax-advantaged retirement plans.
- Stock Market Investments: A mix of individual stocks and funds would be standard for someone with Muir’s income level.
- Real Estate Equity: His Skaneateles Lake property represents a significant asset, likely increasing in value over time.
- Possible Angel Investments: Some high-earning professionals invest in startups or small businesses, though there’s no public information about Muir doing so.
Without access to Muir’s financial statements, we can only make educated guesses based on typical wealth management strategies for high-income earners in his position. Unlike some celebrities who publicly discuss their investments or launch venture funds, Muir keeps his financial decisions private.
David Muir House
The crown jewel of David Muir’s real estate holdings is his historic property on Skaneateles Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Public records show he purchased this 4,300-square-foot home for approximately $7 million in 2019.
The property dates back to the 1890s and sits on over 6 acres with extensive lakefront footage on one of New York’s most pristine lakes. The house features classic Victorian architecture with careful updates that preserve its historic character.
Choosing this location reflects Muir’s connection to his roots – Skaneateles is just about 20 minutes from Syracuse, where he grew up and began his broadcasting career. The area represents a much more peaceful setting than Manhattan, giving the anchor space away from the intensity of network news.
The Bottom Line
David Muir’s $25 million net worth reflects two decades of dedicated work in television journalism. From local news in Syracuse to the anchor desk at ABC’s World News Tonight, he’s built his wealth through salary growth and smart financial decisions.
Unlike some television personalities who chase quick fame, Muir has followed a journalist’s path – focusing on reporting skills, building credibility, and earning advancement through consistent performance.
His lifestyle choices – like investing in a historic property near his hometown rather than collecting mansions – suggest a grounded approach to his success. This same authenticity comes through in his broadcasting style, which prioritizes the news over personal celebrity.
The next time you watch World News Tonight, you’ll know a bit more about the anchor delivering your evening news – a journalist who has built both a respected career and a solid financial foundation through years of dedicated work.