Joe Gatto is a name that brings instant smiles. Best known for his time on Impractical Jokers, he has entertained millions with his over-the-top pranks and quick wit. But beyond the laughter, many wonder—how much is Joe Gatto worth? From his comedy troupe beginnings to his rise on TV, Joe has built an impressive career.
Let’s take a deep dive into his financial worth and how he turned making people laugh into a multi-million-dollar fortune.
Joe Gatto Net Worth
So, how much money does Joe Gatto really have? Joe Gatto’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million. This wealth comes from multiple sources, but his biggest moneymaker has been Impractical Jokers earnings. The hit show brought in huge viewership, leading to high salaries, television royalties, merchandise sales, and live show ticket sales.
Beyond TV, Joe earned money through stand-up tour revenue, podcast profits, and book sales (e.g., The Dogfather). His work outside of Impractical Jokers continues to contribute to his entertainment industry compensation. Over the years, Joe has built a steady stream of income, making him one of the most recognized comedians in the business.
Early Life and Education
Joe Gatto was born on June 5, 1976, in Staten Island, New York. Growing up in an Italian-American household, he often used humor to entertain his family and friends. His ability to make people laugh started at a young age, but no one knew he would turn it into a comedy career income.
Joe attended Monsignor Farrell High School, where he met his future comedy partners. Later, he pursued a degree in accounting at LIU Post. While crunching numbers wasn’t his passion, this education gave him financial knowledge that likely helped manage his investment portfolio diversification later in life.
The Tenderloins Formation
Before Impractical Jokers, Joe and his childhood friends—Sal Vulcano, Brian Quinn, and James Murray—formed the comedy troupe The Tenderloins in 1999. They started with sketch comedy, performing at small venues and later posting videos online. Their comedy quickly gained traction, winning NBC’s “It’s Your Show” competition in 2007 with a $100,000 prize.
Despite this early success, breaking into mainstream entertainment wasn’t easy. The group struggled financially and juggled odd jobs to support their comedy ensemble finances. But persistence paid off, leading to their biggest break in 2011.
Impractical Jokers Success
In 2011, Impractical Jokers premiered on truTV, changing everything for Joe and his friends. The hidden-camera prank show quickly became a fan favorite, pulling in millions of viewers. The success led to multiple seasons, spin-offs, and even a theatrical movie in 2020.
With rising popularity came rising paychecks. By the later seasons, each cast member was reportedly earning around $50,000 per episode, contributing to Joe Gatto salary. The show’s syndication, residual payments from reruns, and international success further padded their bank accounts. Joe Gatto’s career earnings skyrocketed thanks to the show’s longevity and loyal fanbase.
Other Television Ventures
Beyond Impractical Jokers, Joe appeared in other TV projects. He was a panelist on TBS’s “The Misery Index”, a game show hosted by Jameela Jamil. He also made guest appearances on talk shows, podcasts, and various specials, keeping his presence strong in the reality TV star earnings.
Though his TV work beyond Impractical Jokers wasn’t as massive, these opportunities added to his post-2022 career portfolio. Whether on-screen or behind the mic, Joe kept finding ways to entertain his audience.
Stand-Up Comedy and Live Performances
Joe didn’t just stick to TV—he took his humor on the road. Live comedy tours became a significant part of his income, especially after his resignation from Impractical Jokers (2022). His show, “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy”, sold out venues across the country. Fans were eager to see him live, proving that his appeal wasn’t just tied to the show.
Live performances provided a steady stream of income through ticket sales, VIP experiences, and Cameo video earnings. Plus, it allowed Joe to connect with fans in a way that TV couldn’t.
Authorship and Publications
Joe is more than just a comedian—he’s also an author. In 2020, he published “The Dogfather: My Love for Dogs, Dessert, and Growing Up Italian.” The book mixes personal stories, humor, and his deep love for dogs.
The book became a hit among his fans, adding another revenue stream from intellectual property to his portfolio. While it wasn’t a massive bestseller, it helped expand his brand beyond TV and live performances, bringing in audiobook royalties.
Personal Life
Off the stage, Joe’s life is just as interesting. He was married to Bessy Gatto, and together they have two children. Family has always been a big part of his life, and his decision to leave Impractical Jokers in 2021 was largely due to family priorities.
Joe is also well-known for his love of dogs. He actively promotes the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” movement, encouraging people to adopt pets from shelters. While he’s no longer on TV every week, his social media monetization keeps fans engaged with glimpses into his personal life.
Joe’s career took a big turn in December 2021, when he announced his departure from Impractical Jokers. His decision was unexpected, but he shared that he needed to focus on family matters.
However, Joe didn’t stay away from comedy for long. In 2023, he and Bessy reconciled, and he returned to stand-up comedy and podcasting. His fans were thrilled to see him back, proving that his career was far from over. He also leveraged his industry longevity to expand his brand partnerships (e.g., SeatGeek).
Conclusion
Joe Gatto’s journey from a Staten Island kid to a millionaire comedian is truly inspiring. With a net worth of around $7 million, he has built a career out of making people laugh. From Impractical Jokers per-episode fee to merchandise sales and financial investments, Joe has found multiple ways to stay relevant and successful.
Though he stepped away from his biggest project, he continues to entertain in new ways. Whether it’s through comedy club appearances, Patreon subscription income, or crossover income from pet advocacy platforms, one thing is certain—Joe Gatto isn’t done making us laugh just yet.
FAQs
Is Joe Gatto still friends with Sal?
Yes, Joe Gatto and Sal Vulcano remain close friends. Despite Joe leaving Impractical Jokers in 2021, their bond, formed during their early days with The Tenderloins, continues strong. They often support each other’s projects and share their friendship with fans.
How much did Joe Gatto make per episode?
During his time on Impractical Jokers, Joe Gatto reportedly earned around $50,000 per episode. This substantial salary contributed significantly to his overall net worth, reflecting the show’s popularity and success.
What does Joe Gatto do for a living now?
After departing from Impractical Jokers, Joe Gatto has focused on his stand-up comedy career, performing live shows across the country. He’s also involved in podcasting, co-hosting “Two Cool Moms,” and has authored a children’s book titled “The Dogfather: My Love for Dogs, Dessert, and Growing Up Italian.” These ventures keep him active in the entertainment industry.
How much are the Jokers worth?
As of recent estimates, each member of the original Impractical Jokers cast—Joe Gatto, Sal Vulcano, Brian “Q” Quinn, and James “Murr” Murray—has a net worth of approximately $7 million. Their wealth primarily stems from their work on the show, live tours, and various individual projects.
