Jim Acosta net worth of $4 million to $10 million places him among well-paid journalists. Jim Acosta has built a remarkable career in journalism, earning both fame and fortune. Best known for his time as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, Acosta made headlines for his bold questioning of politicians, including former President Donald Trump.
Over the years, he has gained a reputation as a fearless journalist. His estimated net worth is between $4 million and $10 million, primarily from his salary at CNN, book sales, and other ventures. Acosta’s financial success is a testament to his dedication to journalism.
After more than 18 years at CNN, he left the network in January 2025 following a schedule change that shifted him from his usual time slot. Despite his departure, his influence in media remains strong, and he continues to be an advocate for press freedom.
Jim Acosta Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Abilio James Acosta |
| Date of Birth | April 17, 1971 |
| Age | 53 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | James Madison University (B.A.) |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, TV Anchor |
| Notable Works | The Enemy of the People (2019) |
| Marital Status | Divorced (ex-wife: Sharon Mobley Stow) |
| Children | 2 |
Who is Jim Acosta?
Jim Acosta is a renowned journalist, best known for his fearless approach to political reporting. He gained national attention as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, covering multiple administrations. Acosta made headlines for his heated exchanges with former President Donald Trump, particularly during press briefings. His work has been praised for challenging political figures and advocating for media freedom.
Acosta has also contributed as CNN’s chief domestic correspondent and news anchor. In 2019, he published The Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America, a book highlighting the challenges journalists face in modern media. After spending nearly two decades at CNN, he left the network in January 2025 when his time slot was changed. Today, Acosta remains a respected figure in journalism, focusing on political analysis and writing.
Jim Acosta Early Life and Background
Jim Acosta was born in Washington, D.C., on April 17, 1971, and grew up in Virginia. His father, originally from Cuba, arrived in the United States at age 11 as a refugee during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
His mother has Irish and Czech ancestry, giving him a diverse cultural background. Acosta attended Annandale High School, where he developed an early interest in broadcast journalism. He pursued his passion at James Madison University, earning a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a minor in political science in 1993.
During college, he worked for WXJM, a student-run radio station, and later at WSVA, a local radio station in Virginia. These early experiences helped shape his career, preparing him for the challenges of high-pressure journalism. Acosta’s strong work ethic and commitment to truth-telling made him one of the most recognized journalists in the industry.
Jim Acosta Amazing Career and Sources of Income
Jim Acosta began his career in radio broadcasting before transitioning to television news. His early work included roles at WMAL in Washington, D.C., and NBC-affiliate WBIR-TV in Tennessee. From 2003 to 2007, he worked as a CBS News correspondent, covering major events like the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina.
In 2007, Acosta joined CNN, where he rose to prominence. By 2012, he became CNN’s national political correspondent, covering the 2012 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney. In 2018, he was promoted to chief White House correspondent, where he became famous for challenging the Trump administration.
His income primarily came from his CNN salary, estimated between $700,000 and $2 million per year. Additionally, his 2019 book generated significant revenue. Acosta’s net worth, estimated between $4 million and $10 million, is also supported by real estate investments.
Jim Acosta Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight | 73 kg (160 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Build | Athletic |
Jim Acosta Relationship Status
Jim Acosta has kept his personal life private, especially regarding his relationships. He was previously married to Sharon Mobley Stow, a registered nurse. The couple tied the knot in 1994 and had two children together. However, after 23 years of marriage, they divorced in 2017. Since then, Acosta has not publicly confirmed any new relationships.
Although there have been speculations about his dating life, he has not shared any details. His focus has remained on his career, journalism, and media work. Unlike many public figures, Acosta prefers to keep his romantic life out of the spotlight. Given his dedication to work, it is likely that he prioritizes his professional responsibilities over dating. His absence from social media regarding personal affairs suggests he values privacy and discretion in his personal relationships.
Jim Acosta Net Worth and Financial Growth
Jim Acosta’s net worth has grown significantly over the years, thanks to his CNN salary, book sales, and real estate investments. His estimated net worth falls between $4 million and $10 million, depending on different sources. His financial growth has been steady, driven by his high-profile journalism career and other income streams.
- Early Career Earnings – Before joining CNN, Acosta worked for CBS News, which provided him with a solid foundation.
- CNN Salary Growth – His salary increased as he took on bigger roles, including chief White House correspondent.
- Book Sales Impact – His 2019 book, The Enemy of the People, contributed significantly to his income.
- Investment Strategies – Acosta has invested in real estate, helping him secure long-term financial stability.
His career transitions, along with smart financial moves, have allowed him to build a comfortable financial portfolio.
Jim Acosta Net Worth from CNN and Salary
Jim Acosta’s primary source of income has been his long-standing career at CNN. His salary varied depending on his position, but at its peak, it ranged between $700,000 and $2 million per year.
- Early CNN Salary – When he joined CNN in 2007, his earnings were moderate but increased as he took on bigger assignments.
- Chief White House Correspondent Salary – By 2018, when he was promoted to CNN’s chief White House correspondent, his salary reportedly reached $1 million annually.
- Final CNN Paycheck – Before leaving CNN in 2025, his salary was estimated at around $2 million per year, including bonuses.
Even though Acosta left CNN in January 2025, his career earnings from the network played a major role in his financial success.
Jim Acosta Net Worth from Books and Investments
Aside from his CNN salary, Jim Acosta made a substantial amount from book sales and investments. His 2019 book, The Enemy of the People, was a New York Times bestseller, generating significant revenue.
- Book Royalties – The book sold thousands of copies, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to his wealth.
- Speaking Engagements – As an author, Acosta has been invited to political forums and media discussions, which further increased his income.
- Real Estate Investments – He has invested in multiple properties, securing passive income through real estate.
- Stock Market and Savings – While not much is known about his stock investments, it is likely that he has diversified his financial portfolio.
Through a combination of journalistic work, books, and smart investments, Acosta has built long-term wealth.
Jim Acosta Net Worth Compared to Other Journalists
Jim Acosta net worth of $4 million to $10 million places him among well-paid journalists but below the wealthiest media personalities.
- Anderson Cooper – With a net worth of around $50 million, Cooper surpasses Acosta significantly, partly due to family inheritance.
- Wolf Blitzer – His net worth is approximately $20 million, placing him higher than Acosta due to his longer tenure at CNN.
- Rachel Maddow – The MSNBC host has a net worth of $35 million, largely from her contract extensions and book sales.
- Tucker Carlson – With a $420 million fortune, Carlson’s financial success far exceeds Acosta’s due to high television ratings and investments.
While Acosta may not be one of the richest journalists, his strong financial standing reflects his career accomplishments.
Jim Acosta Net Worth and Lifestyle
Jim Acosta leads a comfortable yet modest lifestyle, focusing on his work, writing, and media projects rather than luxury.
- Residence – Acosta owns real estate properties, primarily in Washington, D.C., and nearby states.
- Cars and Travel – He prefers luxury but practical vehicles, often spotted driving mid-range premium cars.
- Fashion and Appearance – Known for his sharp suits and professional attire, Acosta maintains a classic journalist look.
- Hobbies and Interests – He enjoys political debates, writing, and public speaking, often appearing at media events and discussions.
Acosta’s lifestyle reflects his journalistic values, prioritizing career success over extravagance.
Jim Acosta Net Worth Future Financial Plans
Jim Acosta’s financial future remains bright, with opportunities to increase his wealth through new ventures.
- Potential Return to Journalism – He may return to news reporting or launch his own media platform.
- Book Deals and Writing – Acosta’s success as an author suggests he may write more political books in the future.
- Speaking Engagements – He can increase his income through paid appearances at conferences and universities.
- Media Consulting – With his experience, Acosta could work as a political analyst or consultant for news agencies.
Despite leaving CNN, Acosta is expected to remain financially active and continue growing his net worth.
Jim Acosta on Social Media
| Platform | Username | Followers (Estimated) |
| Twitter/X | @Acosta | 2.4 million |
| @JimAcosta | 500,000+ | |
| Jim Acosta Official | 300,000+ |
Acosta is highly active on social media, where he shares political insights, news updates, and personal opinions. He frequently engages with his followers on Twitter, making it his most active platform.
His Instagram page features behind-the-scenes moments from his career in journalism. Despite leaving CNN, his influence on social media remains strong, with a loyal audience following his career moves and political commentary.
Fun Facts About Jim Acosta
- Acosta’s father fled Cuba as a refugee, shaping his strong views on democracy and journalism.
- He worked in radio before transitioning to television, starting at WMAL in Washington, D.C.
- During the Trump administration, Acosta was banned from the White House after a heated press briefing.
- He has interviewed world leaders, including former Cuban President Raúl Castro in 2016.
- His book, The Enemy of the People, became a New York Times bestseller in 2019.
- He left CNN in 2025 after rejecting a different time slot, ending his 18-year career there.
- Despite controversies, Acosta remains a strong advocate for press freedom and journalistic integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jim Acosta
What is Jim Acosta’s net worth?
Jim Acosta’s net worth is estimated between $4 million and $10 million, based on earnings from CNN, book sales, and real estate investments.
Why did Jim Acosta leave CNN?
Acosta left CNN in January 2025 after the network moved Wolf Blitzer into his time slot, offering him a different schedule, which he declined.
What book did Jim Acosta write?
In 2019, Acosta wrote The Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America, focusing on press freedom and media challenges.
Who is Jim Acosta’s ex-wife?
Jim Acosta was married to Sharon Mobley Stow, a registered nurse, from 1994 to 2017. They have two children together.
What is Jim Acosta’s height?
Acosta is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall, with an athletic build and black hair.
What was Jim Acosta’s role at CNN?
Acosta served as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, chief domestic correspondent, and weekend news anchor during his 18-year career.
Did Jim Acosta clash with Donald Trump?
Yes, Acosta had several confrontations with Trump during press briefings, particularly over issues like immigration policies and freedom of the press.
Conclusion of Jim Acosta Net Worth
Jim Acosta has had a distinguished career in journalism, known for his fearless reporting and strong stance on press freedom. His time at CNN, along with his book sales and real estate investments, contributed to his net worth of $4 million to $10 million.
Despite leaving CNN in 2025, Acosta remains a highly respected journalist, influencing political discourse and media integrity. His legacy as a bold and unwavering reporter continues to inspire journalists worldwide.
