Inside Lester Holt’s Net Worth After Stepping Down From NBC Nightly News

Lester Holt, a pillar of American broadcast journalism for more than two decades, is officially stepping away from the anchor desk of NBC Nightly News. His final broadcast airs on Friday, May 30, closing a historic chapter that saw him rise as the first Black solo anchor of a nightly network newscast. As Holt transitions to focus full-time on Dateline NBC, many are taking a closer look at the legacy he’s leaving behind—and the impressive fortune he’s built over the years.

A Storied Career and a Historic Milestone

Holt’s broadcasting career spans more than 40 years, but it was in 2015 that he etched his name into history as the permanent anchor of NBC Nightly News, following the departure of Brian Williams. That appointment made him the first African American to solo-anchor a weekday evening newscast on a major U.S. network, joining the ranks of legends like John Chancellor and Tom Brokaw.

Now at 65, Holt is pivoting toward long-form journalism and investigative storytelling with Dateline NBC, where he has already served as a co-anchor and lead correspondent since 2011. His decision marks not just a personal shift, but also a changing of the guard in American evening news. Starting June 2, Tom Llamas—currently host of Top Story and a regular substitute for Holt—will officially take over the anchor chair.

Lester Holt’s Net Worth in 2024

With such a distinguished and lengthy career, Holt has amassed a sizable net worth. According to recent estimates, Lester Holt’s net worth stands at approximately $35 million. The bulk of that wealth comes from his time with NBC, where he reportedly earned a salary in the ballpark of $10 million per year at the height of his Nightly News tenure.

In addition to his work on Nightly News and Dateline, Holt’s earnings include special projects, documentary appearances, and public speaking engagements. His long-standing reputation for credibility and composure, particularly during election coverage and major national events, has made him a valuable asset to NBCUniversal for nearly 25 years.

From MSNBC to Network Mainstay

Lester Holt joined NBCUniversal in 2000 as an anchor for MSNBC, following a nearly two-decade stint at CBS. After the tragic death of David Bloom in 2003, Holt was tapped to anchor Weekend Today, a position that quickly expanded to include the weekend editions of NBC Nightly News in 2007.

When the anchor chair became vacant in 2015, Holt was the obvious and trusted choice to take over full-time. He did so with professionalism and grace, especially during a turbulent time in NBC’s newsroom following Williams’ suspension. Since then, he’s helmed the network’s flagship news program through presidential elections, global pandemics, and social justice reckonings—all while maintaining one of the highest trust ratings among American news anchors.

Public Reaction and His Reflections

As news of his departure spread, longtime viewers and fellow journalists praised Holt for his calm demeanor, journalistic integrity, and barrier-breaking career. Reflecting on his exit from the evening news desk, Holt told Variety, “What I know is that journalism is still a noble profession. But one of tremendous responsibility. There is no room for arrogance if we are to succeed in our mission. There is however room for compassion.”

Speaking on his future with Dateline NBC, Holt explained his motivation for making the shift: “I’ve done a lot of things that are outside of what many would think is a traditional Dateline, but I want to do more of those. I want to be able to tell a producer, ‘Yes, I’ll be there for that interview next week,’ because I won’t be jumping.” This statement alludes to the constraints of being tied to a daily news cycle, and the freedom that comes with stepping away from the rigid structure of nightly news.

A Changing Landscape in Network News

Holt’s exit leaves ABC’s David Muir as the longest-tenured anchor among the “Big Three” network evening broadcasts. Meanwhile, Norah O’Donnell, who stepped down earlier this year from CBS Evening News, continues in her role as a senior correspondent focused on in-depth interviews and special reports. The transition reflects a broader generational shift in network news, as many veteran anchors opt for roles that offer more flexibility and creative freedom.

Tom Llamas, who will now sit in Holt’s former chair, is no stranger to NBC audiences. The seasoned journalist has spent years cultivating relationships with NBC affiliates across the country and frequently appears on Today. His selection to lead NBC Nightly News marks a continuation of the network’s commitment to diversity and journalistic excellence.

Life Beyond the Anchor Desk

Although Holt is stepping back from the nightly grind, he has no plans to slow down. In fact, his transition to Dateline offers him more opportunities to dive deeper into the stories that matter. Dateline NBC has long evolved from its early days of studio-bound news features to become a respected investigative platform with true-crime storytelling, long-form interviews, and immersive field reports.

Holt’s journalistic values—compassion, accuracy, and fairness—are well suited to this format. In recent years, he’s led Dateline specials covering police reform, mass shootings, and wrongful convictions—areas where empathy and nuance are essential. He has also voiced his eagerness to “exercise some different news muscles,” a sign that he views this next chapter as more of a reinvention than a retirement.

What’s Next for Lester Holt?

Holt’s legacy is already secure. From anchoring presidential debates to moderating town halls and covering breaking global events, his contributions to American journalism are numerous. But it’s not just the work that defines him—it’s the trust he earned.

As he steps into his full-time role at Dateline, viewers can expect more in-depth storytelling from a journalist who has always valued substance over flash. He remains one of the most respected voices in journalism and a role model for aspiring broadcasters from all backgrounds.

And for those wondering if this is the beginning of the end for Holt’s career? He’s made it clear: he’s not stepping away from journalism, just stepping into a role that better aligns with his passions.

Final Thoughts

Lester Holt’s departure from NBC Nightly News isn’t a goodbye—it’s an evolution. With a net worth of $35 million and a remarkable career spanning decades, Holt has nothing left to prove. Yet his decision to focus on long-form, impactful journalism at Dateline NBC speaks volumes about his dedication to the craft.

As NBC transitions to a new chapter with Tom Llamas at the helm, the legacy Lester Holt leaves behind is one of trailblazing leadership, quiet strength, and journalistic excellence. And while he may be exiting the spotlight of nightly news, his voice—and his impact—will continue to shape how stories are told and understood across America.