Bret Baier is a well-known American journalist and television host, currently serving as the anchor of Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier. As of 2024, Bret Baier’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million, and he earns an annual salary of approximately $20 million. His wealth comes from his long-standing career as a journalist, various real estate investments, and successful book publications.
Full Name | William Bret Baier |
Date of Birth | August 4, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Rumson, New Jersey, USA |
Nationality | American |
Occupation | Journalist, News Anchor, Author |
Education | Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from DePauw University |
Notable Shows | Special Report with Bret Baier (Fox News) |
Years Active | 1998–present |
Spouse | Amy Baier (m. 2004) |
Children | Two sons, Paul and Daniel Baier |
Net Worth (2024) | $70 million |
Salary | $20 million annually |
Books | Special Heart, Three Days in January, To Rescue the Republic |
Awards | Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Notable Events | Covered 9/11 Pentagon attack, reported from Iraq and Afghanistan |
Bret Baier Net Worth
As of 2024, Bret Baier’s net worth is estimated to be around $70 million. His wealth primarily comes from his career as a prominent journalist and anchor at Fox News, where he hosts Special Report with Bret Baier. His annual salary is reported to be $20 million, which includes a base salary and performance bonuses. In addition to his television career, Baier has earned substantial income from his best-selling books, such as Special Heart and Three Days in January. He also benefits from strategic real estate investments, owning properties in Washington, D.C., Florida, and New Jersey. Baier’s continued success and influence at Fox News, along with his ventures outside television, are significant contributors to his growing net worth.
Year | Net Worth |
---|---|
2020 | $55 million |
2021 | $60 million |
2022 | $65 million |
2023 | $68 million |
2024 | $70 million |
Income Sources
Bret Baier’s wealth comes from several streams, primarily his career at Fox News and his ventures outside of television. Here’s a breakdown of his main income sources:
- Fox News Salary:
Baier’s annual salary at Fox News is reported to be around $20 million after his contract extension in 2021, which significantly increased from his earlier salary of $7 million. This reflects his importance at the network as the host of Special Report and chief political anchor. - Book Sales:
Baier has written multiple best-selling books, which have not only contributed to his wealth but also helped establish him as a respected political commentator and author. The success of his books has added significantly to his net worth. - Real Estate Investments:
Baier is known to have made strategic investments in real estate. He has owned luxury properties in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Florida. Notably, he purchased a 10,668 square-foot mansion in Washington, D.C. for $5.5 million and sold it in 2021 for $6.5 million. He is also involved in a construction project in D.C. that could further increase his wealth. - Television Appearances and Productions:
As a seasoned journalist, Baier has appeared on various TV shows beyond his Fox News role, including House of Cards. His work as a producer for his segments and shows adds another revenue stream.
Early Life
Bret Baier was born on August 4, 1970, in Rumson, New Jersey, and grew up in a Roman Catholic household. He attended Marist School, a private Catholic high school in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated in 1988. After high school, he went on to study at DePauw University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and political science in 1992. During his college years, Baier was active in the Sigma Chi fraternity and played football, although a knee injury cut his athletic career short.
Professional Life
Bret Baier began his journalism career at a local television station in Rockford, Illinois, followed by a stint at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 1998, he joined Fox News as the Atlanta bureau chief, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in news reporting. One of his defining career moments came on September 11, 2001, when he covered the terrorist attack on the Pentagon. This led to his promotion as the Pentagon correspondent for Fox News, where he reported on military affairs, including multiple trips to Afghanistan and Iraq.
In 2006, Baier became Fox News’ Chief White House Correspondent, covering President George W. Bush’s second term. By 2009, he succeeded Brit Hume as the anchor of Special Report, a position he has held since, establishing himself as one of the most trusted figures in political journalism. Throughout his career, Baier has moderated key political debates, conducted interviews with numerous U.S. Presidents including Donald Trump and Barack Obama, and reported on major international events.
Books and Publications
Beyond television, Baier has also achieved success as an author. His first book, “Special Heart: A Journey of Faith, Hope, Courage, and Love” (2014), details his family’s emotional journey through his son’s heart surgeries. Other books include “Three Days in January” (2017), “Three Days in Moscow” (2018), and “To Rescue the Republic” (2021), all of which reflect his interest in historical and political narratives.
Personal Life
Bret Baier married Amy Baier in 2004, and they have two sons, Paul and Daniel. Their son Paul was born with a severe congenital heart defect, requiring multiple open-heart surgeries, a struggle Baier has openly shared in his first book. Their family’s experience has been a significant part of their lives, and they attribute their faith and strong family values as sources of strength during difficult times.
Baier is a practicing Roman Catholic and attends Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown. His wife Amy is also involved in philanthropy, serving as a congenital heart disease ambassador and working with the Children’s National Hospital.
Achievements and Recognition
Baier’s contributions to journalism have earned him numerous awards, including:
- The Kenneth Y. Tomlinson Award for Outstanding Journalism.
- The Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism from the National Press Foundation.
- The Urbino Press Award for excellence in journalism.
His reporting has made him a trusted figure in political journalism, and Special Report consistently ranks as one of the top-rated news shows in its time slot.
Real Estate and Other Assets
Bret Baier has built an impressive real estate portfolio over the years. In addition to his Washington, D.C. mansion, he owns properties in New Jersey and Florida. His total assets are estimated to be around $32 million. Baier also owns several luxury cars, including a Jaguar F-TYPE worth $220,000 and a Mercedes-Benz GLA worth $55,000.
Conclusion
Bret Baier’s success in journalism, along with his strategic financial decisions, has led to a substantial net worth of $70 million in 2024. His wealth is supported by his high salary at Fox News, successful book publications, and real estate investments. Beyond his professional life, Baier is a devoted husband and father, actively involved in his community and philanthropic efforts.