Colin Jost, best known for his quick wit and comedic timing on Saturday Night Live (SNL), has built an impressive net worth of $10 million as of 2025. As a writer and co-anchor of SNL’s Weekend Update segment, Jost’s sharp humor and relatable delivery have made him a household name. Beyond his SNL fame, Jost’s financial success is a result of diverse income streams, including book sales, stand-up comedy, and even a peculiar investment in a Staten Island Ferry.
Born on June 29, 1982, in Staten Island, New York, Colin Kelly Jost’s rise from a Harvard Lampoon president to a comedy heavyweight is a tale of talent, resilience, and smart financial moves. His net worth may be dwarfed by his wife, Scarlett Johansson’s $165 million fortune, but Jost’s financial journey is impressive in its own right.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Colin Jost was raised in Staten Island by his mother, Kerry Kelly, a former Chief Medical Officer at the New York City Fire Department, and his father, Daniel A. Jost, a former teacher. His academic path was as promising as his comedic talent. Jost attended the prestigious Regis High School in Manhattan, known for its rigorous curriculum, before heading to Harvard University. At Harvard, he served as the president of the Harvard Lampoon, a breeding ground for some of the most successful comedic writers in Hollywood.
Jost’s career in writing took off shortly after his 2004 graduation. He briefly worked as a reporter and copy editor for the Staten Island Advance before securing a writing gig on Nickelodeon’s Kappa Mikey. However, his big break came in 2005 when he submitted a writing packet to Saturday Night Live and was hired as a writer at just 22.
The SNL Journey: From Writer to Weekend Update Anchor
Jost’s career at SNL started behind the scenes, but his sharp writing quickly earned him a reputation as one of the show’s most talented writers. He served as SNL’s head writer from 2012 to 2015 and returned to the position in 2017. The real turning point in Jost’s career came in 2014, when he replaced Seth Meyers as co-anchor of Weekend Update. Alongside Michael Che, Jost brought a fresh dynamic to the segment, blending his trademark deadpan humor with biting political commentary.
How Much Does Colin Jost Make from SNL?
SNL’s salary structure is notoriously opaque, but estimates suggest that first-year cast members earn around $7,000 per episode, while veterans can make up to $25,000 per episode. Given Jost’s long tenure and dual role as head writer and Weekend Update anchor, industry insiders believe he earns at the higher end of this range, likely making around $525,000 per season. This salary, combined with bonuses for writing and producing, forms a significant part of his net worth.
A Best-Selling Author: A Very Punchable Face
In July 2020, Jost released his memoir, A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir, which quickly became a New York Times Best Seller. The book’s candid and self-deprecating humor resonated with readers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at SNL and Jost’s own insecurities, including his struggles with self-image.
While the exact figures of his book deal remain undisclosed, celebrity memoirs typically secure six to seven-figure advances, especially for well-known personalities like Jost. The book’s success not only added to his financial portfolio but also solidified his status as a versatile writer beyond sketch comedy.
Television and Film Appearances
Beyond SNL, Colin Jost has appeared in several films and TV shows, further diversifying his income. His notable appearances include roles in How to Be Single (2016) and Tom & Jerry (2021). While his acting credits are not as extensive as his writing career, they have contributed to his financial success and visibility outside of SNL.
Jost’s ability to juggle writing, acting, and live performances has been instrumental in maintaining a steady cash flow, ensuring that his net worth continues to grow.
A Quirky Investment: The Staten Island Ferry
One of Jost’s most unusual investments came in 2022 when he teamed up with former SNL castmate Pete Davidson and comedy club owner Paul Italia to purchase a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for $280,100. The trio’s plan to transform the ferry into a floating entertainment venue was ambitious, if not entirely practical. In a 2024 interview, Jost humorously admitted that the purchase was “the dumbest and least thought-through” decision he’d ever made.
While the ferry project is yet to yield returns, the move showcased Jost’s willingness to take risks and his desire to give back to his hometown in a uniquely entertaining way.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner
In April 2024, Colin Jost hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a high-profile gig often reserved for the biggest names in comedy. Although the host’s role is typically unpaid, the exposure was invaluable, reinforcing Jost’s position as a leading comedic voice in the U.S.
Personal Life: Marriage to Scarlett Johansson
Colin Jost’s personal life became a tabloid favorite after he began dating Scarlett Johansson in 2017. The couple married in an intimate ceremony in October 2020. Johansson’s net worth, estimated at $165 million, significantly outstrips Jost’s, but the couple’s combined financial power makes them one of Hollywood’s most financially formidable duos.
Their financial dynamic is refreshingly straightforward, with Jost often making self-deprecating jokes about being married to one of the highest-paid actresses in the world. Despite their financial disparity, the couple’s genuine chemistry has made them a fan favorite.
Net Worth Breakdown: How Colin Jost Made $10 Million
Colin Jost’s estimated $10 million net worth is a combination of:
- SNL Salary: Approximately $525,000 per season.
- Book Sales: Likely six-figure earnings from A Very Punchable Face.
- Stand-Up Comedy: Earnings from live shows and tours.
- Film and TV Appearances: Acting fees and royalties.
- Investments: Including the Staten Island Ferry and potential real estate.
His diversified income sources and smart financial management have ensured a steady growth in his net worth, even as he continues to expand his horizons in writing and acting.
Legacy and Future Prospects
With nearly two decades on SNL and a growing presence in TV and film, Colin Jost’s career trajectory seems far from slowing down. His ability to navigate both the writer’s room and the spotlight with equal ease suggests that his net worth will continue to rise in the coming years.
Jost’s blend of intelligence, humor, and business acumen makes him not just a comedic talent but also a savvy entrepreneur. As he explores new opportunities in media and potentially more high-profile hosting gigs, Colin Jost’s financial future looks as bright as his comedic one.
In a world where comedic careers can be fleeting, Jost’s adaptability and wit ensure that his $10 million net worth is just the beginning.
