Hoda Kotb has been a familiar face on NBC’s Today show for years, winning over audiences with her warmth, charisma, and journalistic talent. 

Over the years, her career has been marked by notable achievements and discussions surrounding salary, particularly in relation to pay disparities in the media industry. 

Her journey highlights both her success and the ongoing conversations about fair compensation in television broadcasting.

Starting Out in Journalism

Kotb’s career in television journalism began long before her time on Today. 

She joined NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline, a role that would establish her as a respected journalist. 

However, her early years in the industry were not without financial struggles.

Kotb has been candid about the challenges she faced regarding salary when she first started. She once admitted that she believed she was “the lowest-paid correspondent” at NBC at the time. In an interview, she reflected on those early years, recalling that she often had to decide which bills to pay first because she couldn’t afford to pay them all at once. Her experience highlighted the gender pay gap that continues to be a point of discussion in many industries, including television journalism.

Joining Today and Career Growth

In 2007, Kotb took on a new role at Today, co-hosting the fourth hour of the morning show alongside Kathie Lee Gifford. Her infectious personality and ability to connect with viewers made her a fan favorite.

Her role on the show continued to evolve, and she became an even more significant presence on the program. In 2017, after longtime anchor Matt Lauer was dismissed from NBC following allegations of misconduct, Kotb was chosen to co-anchor the main show alongside Savannah Guthrie. This historic decision marked a major shift in morning television, as it was the first time Today had two women as co-anchors.

Salary Comparisons and Disparities

When Kotb was promoted to co-anchor, reports indicated that she was earning around $7 million per year. While this was a significant salary increase from her previous earnings, it was still considerably lower than Lauer’s reported annual salary of $25 million before his departure.

Kotb has addressed the pay disparity but has emphasized that her focus has always been on the job itself rather than the paycheck. She once remarked that she never chose jobs based on money and didn’t want to measure her happiness by her earnings. She acknowledged that she was not making as much as her predecessor but expressed satisfaction with her role and the opportunities it provided.

Departure from Today and Salary Speculations

In September 2024, Kotb announced that she would be leaving Today after 26 years with NBC. She cited a desire to spend more time with her family and pursue other projects as the primary reasons for her departure.

However, reports suggested that NBC had proposed a pay cut for Kotb, despite her salary reportedly exceeding $20 million annually in recent years. The network was said to be reassessing large contracts due to industry-wide shifts and declining morning show ratings. Some insiders speculated that this financial decision played a role in her decision to leave.

Discussing her departure, Kotb explained that she wanted to leave on a high note and transition to new opportunities as she approached her 60s. She emphasized that the decision was a personal one, driven by a desire for change and personal growth.

What’s Next for Hoda Kotb?

Despite stepping away from her daily role on Today, Kotb is not leaving television altogether. She continues to work with NBC in a more limited capacity, contributing to exclusive interviews and covering major events, including the upcoming Olympics.

Additionally, Kotb has been exploring other ventures outside of television. She has expressed interest in the wellness industry, with plans to develop a wellness-focused app and organize retreats. She also continues to host her popular podcast, Making Space, which focuses on stories of inspiration and resilience.

Reflections on Salary and Career Choices

Throughout her career, Kotb has been vocal about the difficulties women face in negotiating salaries. She has acknowledged that for many years, she was likely earning far less than her male counterparts but never felt comfortable challenging it. Her experiences shed light on the broader issues of pay equity in the media industry, where women often have to fight harder for fair compensation.

Ultimately, Kotb’s career reflects both professional success and a deeper conversation about compensation in journalism. While she has never allowed money to define her happiness, her journey serves as an important example of the ongoing challenges of pay equity in the workplace.

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