Carley Shimkus Fox News Salary: From Model to Fox News – Her Actual Salary and Success Story

Carley Shimkus earns around $80,287 per year at Fox News. Her compensation breaks down to $38.60 hourly, $1,543 weekly, and $6,690 monthly. Glassdoor reports the average Fox News anchor makes $68,263.

Some sources suggest Shimkus's earnings could reach between $96,000 and $150,000, which is by a lot higher than the industry standard of $58,318. Her salary surpasses California's average news anchor pay of $75,000. The former model's success extends beyond her yearly income, with her net worth now estimated between $1 million and $2 million.

This piece will explore how she changed her career path to become a successful Fox News personality. We'll take a closer look at her actual earnings, career growth, and what made her financially successful.

Carley Shimkus Salary at Fox News: What She Really Makes

The buzz about Carley Shimkus's Fox News salary shows different numbers from many sources. Let's look at what this talented journalist really makes at the network.

Reported salary range from multiple sources

ZipRecruiter and Market Realist give us the most reliable figure for Carley Shimkus's earnings at $80,287 per year. This comes to about $38.60 per hour, $1,543 weekly, or $6,690 monthly. Some sources say she makes between $70,000 and $80,000 yearly, which matches the ZipRecruiter estimate. Tidingsinfo puts her yearly earnings at $98,849 as a co-host and reporter.

Some less trustworthy sources throw out much bigger numbers. One claims she makes between $200,000 and $400,000 yearly, though nobody can confirm this. Another questionable source suggests she earns between $1 million and $5 million, which doesn't match up with better sources.

How her salary compares to industry averages

The numbers show Carley Shimkus makes more than most people in her position. Glassdoor tells us Fox News anchors and reporters usually make around $68,263. This puts her reliable salary estimate about 17% above what her typical colleagues earn.

Fox News pays its anchor/reporter positions between $75,000 and $141,000 each year. The average base salary sits at about $100,000 yearly. The most reliable reports put Shimkus's salary at $80,287, which lands her in the lower-middle range for her position at Fox.

Factors influencing her earnings at Fox

Here's what shapes Shimkus's paycheck at Fox News:

  • Experience and tenure – She started as a production assistant in 2009 and worked her way up to co-host, building valuable experience
  • On-air role – Her job as co-host of Fox & Friends First pays better than her earlier reporting work
  • Geographic considerations – Working in a major media market boosts her pay, as ZipRecruiter notes location makes a big difference in this field
  • Education and expertise – Her journalism degree from Quinnipiac University gives her solid credentials

People in similar roles at Fox News can earn up to $141,000 yearly if they perform well. Shimkus might see her earnings grow as she builds her reputation at the network.

Career Journey: From Intern to Fox & Friends First Co-Host

Carley Shimkus's remarkable rise at Fox News shows how dedication and hard work can turn a basic job into a thriving broadcasting career.

Starting as a production assistant in 2009

Shimkus's trip at Fox News started in 2009. She joined Fox Business Network (FBN) as a production assistant right after getting her Broadcast Journalism degree from Quinnipiac University.

She had already interned at Fox News in Washington D.C. during college. The experience proved to be a great way to get insights. "They really put me to work in such a positive way and taught me a lot about TV".

Her original role was a greenroom greeter for Fox Business. This entry-level job involved working with producers and taking guests from the lobby to greenrooms. She embraced this modest position wholeheartedly.

"It's an entry-level position, but a very good job. I loved it, and I loved being a part of it". She also worked with radio personality Don Imus on "Imus in the Morning" during this time.

Becoming a reporter and contributor

After her stint as a production assistant, FBN promoted her to associate producer. Her career kept growing as she became a field producer for the "Man on the Street" segment. She then moved to on-camera work as a reporter for Fox News Headlines 24/7. She showed her adaptability across different formats and shows throughout this time.

Landing the co-host role on Fox & Friends First

Fox News made a big announcement in October 2021. Shimkus would take over from Jillian Mele as co-host of Fox & Friends First with Todd Piro. This role held special meaning since she grew up watching Fox & Friends before school.

Gavin Hadden, FNC's vice president of morning programming, said: "Carley brings great experience to this role developed over nearly a decade at Fox News Media and we are excited to have her join 'Fox & Friends First'".

Other shows and appearances on Fox News

Shimkus has managed to keep a strong presence across Fox News platforms beyond her main hosting duties. She gives regular news updates on Fox & Friends and covers social media trends, entertainment news, and consumer business topics.

She steps in as a substitute anchor on various FNC programs and co-hosts for Fox Nation streaming service. One of her notable appearances included co-hosting "Countdown to All-American New Year" with Griff Jenkins in 2018.

Carley Shimkus Net Worth and Income Sources

Carley Shimkus has grown her wealth well beyond her Fox News paycheck by creating multiple revenue streams that boost her television career.

Estimated net worth in 2024

Recent financial reports show Carley Shimkus's net worth stands between $1 million and $2 million in 2024. Multiple trusted sources back up these numbers consistently. Her wealth comes from her successful run as a journalist and news anchor at Fox News.

While exact numbers differ, she earns between $70,000 and $80,000 yearly from Fox News. Some sources suggest higher earnings between $96,000 and $150,000.

Book deals and other media ventures

Shimkus has added to her income through smart publishing moves. She wrote "Cooking with Friends," a Fox News Books cookbook that shares over 75 recipes from the Fox family. The book offers both budget-friendly main courses and tempting desserts. Fox News Books teams up with HarperCollins to showcase books by network stars like Shimkus.

Sponsorships and brand collaborations

Shimkus pulls in extra money through social media deals and sponsored content. She follows other TV journalists who use their fame to create new income streams.

In spite of that, her financial growth stays modest compared to colleagues like Kat Timpf, whose net worth shot up from $2 million to almost $7 million between 2023-2024. Shimkus keeps building her wealth steadily without making huge jumps.

Early Life, Education, and Personal Background

Carley Shimkus's path to Fox News success has roots in her remarkable background. She was born in Long Valley, New Jersey on November 7, 1986. Her multicultural heritage shapes her unique view in journalism.

Childhood and family roots

The story of Carley's family reads like a romantic comedy. Her parents Edward and Zulma Shimkus met on a United Airlines flight in 1982. Her dad worked as a chemist with Lithuanian heritage, while her mom served as a flight attendant from Puerto Rico.

Her mom still teases that "it would have been love at first sight if not for his polyester shirt". Carley and her sister Margot grew up in a peaceful setting – their home sat on 100 acres of protected land in Long Valley.

Education at Quinnipiac University

Carley graduated from West Morris Central High School in 2005. She stayed active in student council and discovered her passion for journalism. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism from Quinnipiac University in 2009. A life-changing internship at Fox News in Washington D.C. during her junior year set her career path.

Short-lived modeling career

Her 5'10" height led to a brief modeling stint during high school. She looks back at it fondly, telling Fox Insider, "It was a fun experience but not in the cards for me". Her family still shares a photo of her modeling a gothic Halloween costume for Party City – much to everyone's amusement.

Marriage to Peter Buchignani

Love found Carley during her 23rd birthday celebration when she met Peter Buchignani. Their relationship blossomed in 2013, leading to marriage on August 8, 2015, in New Jersey. Peter played football at Princeton University and now works in securitized products sales at Amherst Pierpont Securities.

Their shared love for University of Michigan football showed at their wedding – they even chose the Michigan fight song for their exit. The couple welcomed their son Brock in February 2023.

Fun facts and personal interests

Carley stays fit through regular exercise. She juggles her morning Fox schedule with motherhood skillfully. "I mean I don't ever sleep, but I get to devote time to two things that I love so much because my early morning schedule allows me to work when he's sleeping," she says.

Her latest venture, a cookbook titled "Cooking with Friends," came out in October 2023. The recipes reflect her rich multicultural heritage.

Conclusion

Carley Shimkus's experience from a brief modeling stint to earning about $80,287 yearly at Fox News shows how dedication and persistence can create remarkable career growth. She has built an impressive net worth between $1 million and $2 million while consistently earning above industry salary averages as she progressed from production assistant to co-host of Fox & Friends First.

Her story stands out especially when you have someone who started at the very bottom of Fox News hierarchy. She began as a greenroom greeter and production assistant in 2009 and steadily worked her way up through various roles. Her current position shows the results of more than a decade of hard work and determination.

Shimkus has expanded her income through cookbook authorship and brand collaborations that showcase her business skills beyond broadcasting. Her multicultural background and journalism education have without doubt shaped her unique viewpoint that appeals to viewers.

Many aspiring journalists find it hard to break into the industry, but Shimkus's success story teaches valuable lessons. She utilized internship opportunities to build connections and stayed patient through entry-level positions. She also developed her on-camera skills until she landed major roles.

The bigger picture shows Shimkus as part of a new generation of television journalists who balance traditional media careers with modern income streams. She has shown her adaptability and determination by maintaining this balance while embracing motherhood recently.

Carley Shimkus's Fox News salary is just one part of a richer success story. She transformed early opportunities into a thriving career through persistence, versatility, and professional growth. Her financial success and professional influence will likely grow as she continues to evolve in her role at Fox News.

FAQs

Q1. What is Carley Shimkus's estimated salary at Fox News?

Carley Shimkus's estimated annual salary at Fox News is approximately $80,287, which is higher than the average industry salary for news anchors.

Q2. How did Carley Shimkus start her career at Fox News?

Carley Shimkus began her career at Fox News as an intern in Washington D.C. during college, then joined as a production assistant in 2009 after graduating from Quinnipiac University.

Q3. What is Carley Shimkus's current role at Fox News?

Carley Shimkus is currently the co-host of Fox & Friends First, a position she has held since October 2021.

Q4. What is Carley Shimkus's estimated net worth?

As of 2024, Carley Shimkus's estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million, accumulated through her journalism career and other ventures.

Q5. Does Carley Shimkus have any other income sources besides her Fox News salary?

Yes, Carley Shimkus has additional income sources including a cookbook she authored titled "Cooking with Friends" and potential earnings from social media collaborations and sponsored posts.

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