Jim Acosta's Net Worth and How Much He Was Making at CNN When He Quit the Network

Jim Acosta, the prominent CNN journalist known for his tenure as the network's chief White House correspondent, has garnered both recognition and controversy over the years. He’s built a reputation for his outspoken coverage of politics, particularly during the Trump administration, where his confrontations with former President Donald Trump made headlines. In light of his high-profile career, many are curious about Jim Acosta’s net worth and his earnings at CNN before he left the network. Let’s explore both.

Jim Acosta's Net Worth

As of 2025, Jim Acosta’s estimated net worth is around $4 million. This figure includes his salary from his long career at CNN, earnings from book deals, speaking engagements, and other professional opportunities. Acosta has spent a significant amount of time as a journalist at CNN, which has undoubtedly contributed to the bulk of his wealth, but he has also diversified his income through other channels.

Jim Acosta’s Salary at CNN

At the time of his departure from CNN, Acosta’s salary was reported to be around $100,000 to $120,000 per year. This is in line with the typical salary for a network correspondent, though it is likely to have been on the higher end given his senior role and high profile. Throughout his time at CNN, Acosta covered major stories and earned accolades for his work, especially his coverage of the Trump administration. His confrontational style with the president led to national attention, and this notoriety likely played a role in his salary.

In addition to his base salary, Acosta likely earned bonuses, royalties from his books, and compensation from public speaking events. His book, The Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America, published in 2020, became a bestseller and no doubt contributed to his wealth.

Why Jim Acosta Left CNN

Jim Acosta left CNN in 2021, after a highly publicized and turbulent period under the Trump administration. He was one of the most visible and vocal journalists at CNN, often challenging the president during press briefings, which earned him both supporters and critics. Despite his popularity and visibility, Acosta’s exit from CNN seemed to be a personal decision.

After leaving CNN, Acosta has continued to maintain a public presence through his journalism, books, and occasional commentary. He has hinted in interviews that his decision to leave was driven in part by a desire for more flexibility and opportunities to pursue new projects. While he didn’t explicitly cite dissatisfaction with the network itself, Acosta has noted that the demands of covering the White House in a highly polarized climate took a toll on him both professionally and personally.

Post-CNN Career

After leaving CNN, Jim Acosta continued to engage with the media world. He became a frequent guest on various news programs and continued to promote his book. Acosta has also appeared at speaking engagements and has taken on roles that allow him more freedom, possibly giving him the flexibility to pursue other journalistic projects or new media ventures.

As for his current earnings, it’s likely that Acosta is still drawing income from a combination of speaking fees, media appearances, and his writing. His profile remains high, particularly due to the ongoing political climate, which has kept Acosta in the public eye even after his departure from CNN.

Conclusion

Jim Acosta’s net worth of around $4 million reflects his successful career as a journalist, author, and public figure. His salary at CNN, while not exorbitantly high for a network correspondent, was boosted by his significant contributions to the network's political coverage. Acosta’s exit from CNN marked the end of a defining chapter in his career, but it also opened doors to new opportunities. His legacy as a prominent figure in political journalism is secure, and it’s clear that his post-CNN career is likely to be just as impactful, both financially and professionally.