Phone: (512) 447-2112
Address: 2204 Willow St, Austin, Texas, USA
Email: [email protected]
Jessica Tarlov earns $2 million yearly at Fox News. She ranks among the network's highest-paid political commentators. Her media career soared after becoming a co-host on "The Five" in early 2022. She brings a liberal perspective to the show's predominantly conservative panel.
Her success extends beyond her Fox News role. Recent estimates place Jessica Tarlov's net worth between $3.5 million and $4 million in 2025. This political strategist and commentator built significant wealth throughout her career.
While some reports indicate annual earnings between $200,000 and $300,000, reliable sources confirm her Fox News salary at $2 million yearly. This compensation reflects her significant value to the network's programming.
Jessica Tarlov’s Salary and Net Worth in 2025
Jessica Tarlov earns a substantial annual salary from her media roles at Fox News in 2025. Her earnings reflect her academic background and growing influence as a political commentator.
How much does Jessica Tarlov make annually?
Jessica Tarlov makes approximately $2 million per year as a prominent political analyst at Fox News. She ranks among the network's valuable political voices with this impressive income.
Some sources mention her earnings between $200,000-$300,000, but reliable industry estimates confirm her Fox News compensation at $2 million. This higher figure came after her promotion to co-host of "The Five" in 2022.
Her salary reflects more than just her screen time. She brings valuable expertise from her academic background and political consulting work. Fox News pays its regular contributors better than occasional guests, especially those appearing on top-rated shows.
Jessica Tarlov Fox News salary breakdown
Jessica Tarlov's Fox News compensation package has several key elements:
- Base salary for her regular contributor role on Fox News programs
- Premium compensation as co-host on "The Five," one of the network's highest-rated shows
- Appearance fees for segments on other Fox News and Fox Business programs
- Contractual bonuses tied to ratings performance and viewer numbers
"The Five" provides much of her income since it consistently ranks among the most-watched cable news programs. Her role as the liberal voice on a mainly conservative panel adds valuable diversity that helps drive the show's success.
Jessica Tarlov net worth and salary over the years
Jessica Tarlov's net worth stands between $3.5 million and $4 million. She built this wealth steadily through her media career and consulting work. Her earnings were more modest before becoming prominent on Fox News.
Her financial growth shows clear progression:
- She earned standard professional consultant rates at Merrill Lynch and Douglas Schoen LLC
- Her original Fox News contributor role in 2014 brought a notable pay increase
- Her salary jumped significantly after joining "The Five" in 2022
- She earns additional income from her position at Bustle Digital Group
Her PhD from the London School of Economics and expertise in political science and communication help her earn premium rates in political commentary. The competitive nature of this field rewards her specialized knowledge well.
From New York to London: Her Academic Foundation
Jessica Tarlov's strong educational background became the foundation for her $2 million Fox News salary. Her academic trip spans two continents and has many advanced degrees. These qualifications gave her the expertise that would later earn her premium compensation as a political commentator.
Bryn Mawr College: The beginning of her academic path
Born in New York City in 1984, Tarlov started her higher education at Bryn Mawr College, a prestigious women's liberal arts institution. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History, which built her foundation in critical thinking and analysis.
Her original academic experience became vital, especially when her junior year abroad shaped her future path. She studied at the London School of Economics, and this experience made her want to continue her education internationally.
London School of Economics: Earning her PhD
After her undergraduate studies, Tarlov went straight into graduate education at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her academic achievements at LSE were remarkable. She completed a Master of Science degree in Public Policy and Administration. Later, she earned a Master of Research degree in Political Science.
From 2008 to 2012, Tarlov finished her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Political Science and Government. Her doctoral research looked at "the impact of political scandal on politicians' careers". This topic showed her analytical approach to understanding political dynamics. She took extra training in survey methods and research methodology to prepare for this challenging research.
How her education shaped her political insight
Her complete academic background gave her unique analytical skills that set her apart as a political commentator. Her extensive training in political science and research expertise help her offer detailed insights on complex political issues.
Her academic credentials give her strong credibility when she discusses policy matters on Fox News and other platforms. Her knowledge of history, political theory, and quantitative research skills shapes her approach to political analysis. These qualities make her a valuable voice that justifies her substantial Fox News salary.
Career Evolution: From Researcher to Media Personality
Jessica Tarlov earned her $2 million Fox News salary through an incredible career transformation. Her success story proves how academic expertise can turn into media stardom with the right career moves.
Early roles at Merrill Lynch and Douglas Schoen LLC
Tarlov started her professional career in 2007 as a project manager at Merrill Lynch. She represented the company's interests at conferences in Paris and Brussels that focused on EU directives.
Her next move came in 2008 when she joined Douglas Schoen LLC in New York as a Democratic strategist. She spent over five years in this role and advised clients from the US and abroad on messaging strategies.
Political strategist and PR consultant work
Tarlov's influence grew in 2012 as she led a six-person research team at Douglas Schoen LLC. She took charge of publications and designed surveys for polling projects. Her PR skills shone through her work on Boris Johnson's 2012 re-election campaign for Mayor of London. She managed social media strategies and added content to the BackBoris2012 website.
Joining Fox News as a contributor in 2014
Tarlov made her Fox News debut in 2014 and became a regular guest quickly. Political analyst Douglas Schoen played a key role by encouraging the network to feature her on air. Her consistent appearances over several years led Fox News to name her an official contributor in 2017.
Becoming co-host of The Five in 2022
Tarlov's Fox News career peaked in January 2022 when she became a rotating co-host of The Five with Harold Ford Jr.. The show made TV history as the first non-primetime program to top both viewer ratings and the A25-54 demographic.
Other Income Sources and Public Influence
Jessica Tarlov has built multiple income streams beyond her Fox News position through various professional roles that boost her public influence and add to her financial success.
Her role at Bustle Digital Group
Jessica Tarlov leads as Senior Vice President of Research and Consumer Insight at Bustle Digital Group (BDG). She heads a team that blends business strategy with custom research.
Her work helps understand consumer behavior, with a focus on millennial and Gen Z audiences.
BDG's partners connect better with these demographics through her team's analytical strategies that go beyond typical digital media approaches. This executive role without doubt adds to her Fox News income, though specific numbers aren't public.
Book publications and writing contributions
Tarlov's book "America in the Age of Trump: Opportunities and Oppositions in an Uncertain World" came out in July 2017.
She writes regularly for several major outlets:
- FoxNews.com
- The Daily Beast
- The New York Daily News
- Forbes
These writing projects create another revenue stream alongside her TV work.
Public speaking and consulting engagements
Tarlov spent over five years as a Democratic strategist at Douglas Schoen, LLC before her media career took off. She advised both domestic and international clients about messaging strategies.
Her client roster included big names like Victor Pinchuk, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, CNN, and Margaritaville. She now co-hosts "Raging Moderates" podcast with Scott Galloway. As a political expert, she speaks at various forums and events, especially when connecting with younger audiences.
Conclusion
Jessica Tarlov's rise from academic researcher to Fox News star now earns her $2 million annually. Her story shows how expert knowledge paired with media savvy can create substantial financial success in TV news.
She built her career step by step. Starting at Bryn Mawr College, she went on to earn her PhD from the London School of Economics. This academic background sets her apart from other political commentators and explains her premium pay at Fox News.
Her professional growth stands out. She started at Merrill Lynch, moved to Douglas Schoen LLC as a Democratic strategist, and steadily built her credibility before switching to television. Fox News saw her potential and made her co-host of "The Five" in 2022. This promotion substantially increased her earnings.
Tarlov's smart approach includes more than just her Fox News work. She serves as an executive at Bustle Digital Group, writes books, and contributes to various publications. These roles add to her income and boost her public profile.
Tarlov's financial success teaches clear lessons about career growth. She didn't chase overnight fame. Instead, she invested in education, made strategic moves, and became an expert in her field. Her net worth of $3.5-4 million shows what years of focused professional development can achieve.
Her path gives a clear roadmap to aspiring political commentators and media personalities. Build real expertise first. Turn that knowledge into media opportunities next. Then vary your professional activities to maximize both earnings and influence.
Her story proves that careful career planning plus deep knowledge leads to both financial rewards and public impact.
FAQs
Q1. What is Jessica Tarlov's current salary at Fox News?
Jessica Tarlov's current salary at Fox News is approximately $2 million annually, reflecting her role as a prominent political commentator and co-host of "The Five."
Q2. How did Jessica Tarlov's educational background contribute to her career?
Jessica Tarlov's educational background, including her PhD from the London School of Economics, provided her with specialized knowledge in political science and research methodology, which significantly enhanced her credibility as a political analyst.
Q3. When did Jessica Tarlov join Fox News as a regular contributor?
Jessica Tarlov began appearing on Fox News in 2014 and was officially named a contributor in 2017, before becoming a co-host of "The Five" in 2022.
Q4. What other professional roles does Jessica Tarlov have besides her work at Fox News?
Besides her Fox News position, Jessica Tarlov serves as Senior Vice President of Research and Consumer Insight at Bustle Digital Group, has published a book, contributes to various publications, and co-hosts a podcast called "Raging Moderates."
Q5. What is Jessica Tarlov's estimated net worth?
As of 2025, Jessica Tarlov's net worth is estimated to be between $3.5 million and $4 million, reflecting her successful career in media and political commentary.
