Al Roker’s net worth is estimated at $12 million as of 2026. The beloved NBC Today show meteorologist built his fortune over more than three decades on morning television, combining a landmark weather anchor career with book deals, product endorsements, and savvy business ventures.
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Al Roker Quick Facts
| Full Name | Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 20, 1954 |
| Age | 71 years old |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York City, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Television Weather Anchor, Author, TV Host |
| Net Worth | $12 Million (2026) |
| Spouse | Deborah Roberts (m. 1995) |
| Known For | NBC Today Show weather anchor, 30+ years on morning TV |
How Does Al Roker Make Money? Net Worth Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBC Today Show Salary | $10M+/year | Annual (personal) | Long-term contract as weather anchor and co-host; among highest-paid morning TV personalities |
| Book Deals & Royalties | $500K–$1M lifetime | Cumulative | Multiple books including cookbooks and children’s books |
| Endorsements & Appearances | $500K–$1M/year | Annual (personal) | Brand partnerships, speaking engagements, TV specials |
| Al Roker Entertainment | Variable | Annual (gross) | Production company founded 1994; produces TV content for multiple networks |
| Estimated Net Worth | $12 Million (2026) | ||
Early Life and Education
Albert Lincoln Roker Jr. was born on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York City, the oldest of six children in a working-class family. His father, Albert Lincoln Roker Sr., drove a bus for the New York City Transit Authority, and his mother, Isabel, was a homemaker. Growing up in a large family in Queens instilled in Roker a work ethic and warmth that would later make him one of the most beloved personalities on American television.
Roker attended Xavier High School in Manhattan, a Jesuit institution. He developed an early interest in meteorology after watching local weather forecasters on television. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from the State University of New York at Oswego, graduating in 1976. During his college years, he worked at the campus radio and TV stations, sharpening the broadcasting skills that would define his career.
Career: The Rise to Today Show Stardom
After graduating from SUNY Oswego, Roker began his broadcasting career at small television stations across the country. He held positions at stations in Washington D.C. and Cleveland before landing at WNBC in New York City in 1983, where he became the weekend weather anchor. His natural charm and ability to make weather segments entertaining quickly earned him a loyal New York audience.
In 1996, Roker joined NBC’s flagship morning program, the Today show, as its weather anchor — a position he has held for nearly 30 years. His on-screen chemistry with hosts like Katie Couric, Matt Lauer, and later Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and others made him a beloved fixture of American morning television. His outdoor crowd interactions, whether at Rockefeller Plaza or covering major national events, became signature moments of the program.
Beyond weather, Roker has served as a Today show correspondent covering major events including the Olympics, presidential inaugurations, and natural disasters. He founded Al Roker Entertainment in 1994, a production company that has produced content for MSNBC, The Weather Channel, Discovery Channel, and others.
Health Journey
Al Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery in March 2002, at which point he weighed approximately 320 pounds. He lost more than 100 pounds in the years following the surgery and became an advocate for healthy living. In November 2022, Roker was hospitalized for several weeks due to blood clots in his leg and lungs — a serious health scare that kept him off the Today show for months. He returned to the program in January 2023 to a warm public welcome, using the experience to raise awareness about blood clot risks.
Personal Life
Al Roker has been married to ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts since September 16, 1995. Together they have two children: daughter Leila (born 1998) and son Nicholas (born 2002). Roker also has a daughter, Courtney, from his first marriage to TV producer Alice Bell, which ended in 1994. The family resides in New York City.
Awards and Recognition
Roker has won multiple Emmy Awards during his career, including several for Outstanding Morning Program for the Today show. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2014. In 2023, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey named a street “Al Roker Way” near 30 Rockefeller Plaza in his honor.
Net Worth Over Time
Roker’s wealth has grown steadily alongside his career at NBC. In the early 2000s, his net worth was estimated at $2–3 million. By 2010, it had climbed to approximately $5 million as his Today show contract renewals brought increasingly lucrative terms. His production company, book deals, and endorsements pushed the figure toward $10 million by 2020. By 2026, with a reported salary exceeding $10 million annually at NBC, his estimated net worth stands at $12 million — though his relatively modest personal spending habits suggest his true financial picture may be more conservative than flashier celebrity peers.
Little-Known Facts About Al Roker
- He holds the Guinness World Record for the longest live weather report broadcast — a 34-hour marathon in 2014.
- His production company, Al Roker Entertainment, has produced over 200 projects for television since 1994.
- He is an avid cook and has published multiple cookbooks celebrating his love of food and Southern-influenced cuisine.
- Al Roker has appeared in several films and TV shows in cameo roles, including Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014).
- He is a graduate of Xavier High School, which has produced many notable alumni including businessmen and public servants.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Al Roker
What is Al Roker’s net worth in 2026?
Al Roker’s net worth is estimated at approximately $12 million in 2026. The bulk of his wealth comes from his long-running contract as weather anchor and co-host on NBC’s Today show, supplemented by his production company, book royalties, and endorsement deals.
How much does Al Roker earn per year?
Al Roker’s reported annual salary at NBC is estimated at $10 million or more per year, based on industry reporting on top morning show talent contracts. This makes him one of the highest-paid weather personalities in television history.
How long has Al Roker been on the Today show?
Al Roker joined NBC’s Today show as weather anchor in 1996, meaning he has been a fixture on the program for nearly 30 years as of 2026. He previously spent over a decade at WNBC New York before making the move to the national program.
Is Al Roker still on the Today show in 2026?
Yes, Al Roker continues to appear on the Today show as of 2026. After his hospitalization for blood clots in late 2022, he made a triumphant return to the program in January 2023 and has remained an active presence on the show.
Who is Al Roker married to?
Al Roker has been married to ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts since September 16, 1995. The couple have two children together — daughter Leila and son Nicholas — and Al also has a daughter, Courtney, from his first marriage.
What happened to Al Roker in 2022?
In November 2022, Al Roker was hospitalized for blood clots in his leg and lungs — a condition known as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. He spent several weeks in hospital before being discharged and used the experience to raise public awareness about blood clot risks. He returned to the Today show in January 2023.
