When you picture American Idol — you can’t help but think of the show’s iconic host, Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since its very first season, when Kelly Clarkson was crowned the inaugural winner.
With the competition show in its 23rd season, fans are curious how much money Ryan makes for hosting American Idol.
How Much Money Does Ryan Seacrest Make on ‘American Idol’?
When Ryan first started his role in 2002, he reportedly earned $5 million per year, according to the Hollywood Reporter. In 2009, he renegotiated his contract to $15 million, and by 2011, he reportedly secured a major raise, boosting his annual salary to $45 million.
Celebrity Net Worth reported Ryan has an estimated yearly salary of $75 million from all of his yearly business ventures. He has been hosting American Idol for more than two decades and it seems like he has no plans of leaving the show any time soon.
“Sometimes I’m comforting #IDOL contestants, sometimes I’m celebrating with them … and other times, I’m just entertaining them with how bad I am at everything except hosting,” he wrote via Instagram in March 2025 as the show was airing.
What Else Does Ryan Seacrest Host?
American Idol isn’t the only hosting gig on Ryan’s current lineup. Ryan stepped into Pat Sajak’s shoes after his 41-season reign on the iconic show Wheel of Fortune when he was named as Pat’s replacement as host in June 2023.
“I am truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Ryan confirmed via Instagram on June 27, 2023. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vana on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
In his message, he added a special tribute to the longtime host. “Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease,” he continued in his statement. “I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
Ryan has also been hosting Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve since 2005. After Dick died in 2012, Ryan took over as the host and takes home about $1 million for the gig, according to Forbes. Additionally, the media mogul use to oftenthe red carpet to cover events for E! including the Oscars and the Emmys. However, he stepped back from the role in the last few years.
Ryan formerly joined Kelly Ripa as cohost of Live With Kelly and Ryan in 2017. The ABC morning show brought in an estimated $85 to $90 million a year, according to Forbes. Kelly — who has been on the show since 2001 — reportedly made $15 million a year from the show. Ryan announced his exit from the show after six years on February 16, 2023, and cohosted his final show that April.
“I’ve spent my entire career talking, talking on radio and talking on television,” Ryan reflected during his final episode of the morning program. “Words are my bread and butter, my wheelhouse, but today it’s hard to put into words how deeply I’ve appreciated being here and being with you, being invited into your homes every day to try and deliver a smile or a laugh or two … I’m honored to be part of this family.
