Hoda Kotb is set to earn 'way more' than her previous $7M salary after shock departure from Today show
- Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected]
Hoda Kotb is poised to earn significantly more than her previous salary, after her shock departure from the Today show.
The 60-year-old TV star recently left her role as the co-host of the NBC morning show — where she reportedly earned $7 million per year — and an industry insider has now claimed that Hoda's earnings are set to skyrocket in the coming months and years.
'She's going to earn way more than she did at the Today show,' a source told Us Weekly on Wednesday.
'Now that she's not full-time at NBC, Hoda's going to be working with brands and can be paid to endorse them.'
'She also could make several hundred thousand dollars for speaking engagements on subjects like, "changing your life at 60."'
Meanwhile NBC bosses are reportedly eyeing Scarlett Johansson, 40, for Hoda's replacement, with rumors of a $5 million-a-year contract in the mix.
Hoda Kotb, 60, is poised to earn significantly more than her previous salary, after leaving the Today show; Pictured in New York on January 10 - her last day on the Today show
Hoda left her role on the TV show on January 10, and she recently announced plans to launch her own wellness app.
In 2018, after Hoda was announced as a new co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, Page Six reported that she was offered a $7 million annual salary, which matched that of Guthrie.
It was $18 million less than her predecessor Matt Lauer's salary, which was said to be $20 million a year, according to Fortune.
Lauer was fired in November 2017, after it was reported that he allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior in the workplace.
At the time Page Six claimed that Hoda wasn't 'complaining about the money,' and was happy with the deal.
Hoda also told People that she didn't mind making less as long as she enjoyed doing her job, and said her salary was 'not even close' to that of Lauer's.
During a recent conversation on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the two discussed some of Hoda's future plans.
The host told Hoda: 'I have to say though, ma'am, as soon as they told me you were not doing the Today show, I was like, "So what's that b**** doing?"'
'I was like, "Because there's no way you're not doing anything." You're me, you like problems, you like working.'
Hoda then admitted that she's determined to stay busy, before revealing her plans for her new wellness business.
The TV star recently left her role as the co-host of the NBC morning show — where she reportedly earned $7 million per year — and an industry insider has now claimed that Hoda's earnings are set to skyrocket in the coming months and years; seen in a still from the show
'She's going to earn way more than she did at the Today show,' a source told Us Weekly. 'Now that she's not full-time at NBC, Hoda's going to be working with brands and can be paid to endorse them'; seen on Today in 2024
'She also could make several hundred thousand dollars for speaking engagements on subjects like, "changing your life at 60"'; seen on Today in 2024
The TV host shared: 'I like things, I do.'
'So, I kind of got hooked in the wellness space, like a couple of years ago. I started doing stuff that I thought seemed woo woo and weird, and then all of a sudden as I was doing it. I was like, "Wait, I feel calmer, I feel better."'
Hoda is currently in the process of 'building' her new business venture, and she's convinced that it has huge potential.
Hoda explained: 'We can get together, do things that I love, and when you're done, it's not like going to Mexico with your girls, which is fun, but this is something that when you leave, you'll go like, "Oh my gosh. I feel transformed. I feel different." So I'm in the building process of that.'
It comes amid rumors that Lost in Translation star Scarlett could put her glittering Hollywood career on pause if NBC bosses sign her up to join Jenna Bush Hager as a permanent fixture on the Today Show - and that even Hoda has 'voiced her approval.'
The Hollywood star impressed execs at the broadcaster when she joined Today with Jenna & Friends on Tuesday in a slot left open by Hoda's tearful departure on January 10.
After the likes of Taraji P Henson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer enjoyed stints on the fourth hour last week, fans made it clear that Black Widow actress Scarlett was their favored co-host and came close to upstaging Jenna, 43.
Now, a well-placed insider has revealed that bosses are ready to do what it takes to make her a permanent fixture after she wraps up her duties on January 24 - with rumors of a $5 million-a-year contract in the mix.
In 2018, after Hoda was announced as a new co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, Page Six reported that she was offered a $7 million annual salary, which matched that of Guthrie; the two seen in 2018
It was $18 million less than her predecessor Matt Lauer's salary, which was reported to be $20 million a year, according to Fortune; the two seen in 2017
'Scarlett absolutely knocked it out of the park and there was more positive feedback from viewers than there ever has been since the show launched,' a source exclusively told DailyMail.com.
'Executives do not think that they even really need to look any further and would pretty much give Scarlett the offer as a permanent host if she was willing to take it.
'Everyone was worried that bringing this big A-list actress on would be taking a huge risk and that the audience would not respond well, but this was proven wrong big time.
'Scarlett was relatable, funny, witty, charming, and won over not only Jenna, but the crew and producers too.'
The insider noted that even Hoda has thrown her support behind the actress.
'Hoda is going to be a hard act to follow,' they continued. 'But Scarlett would undoubtedly fill these shoes well and Hoda has voiced her approval.
'Scarlett knew the assignment and she delivered. She is a natural.'
Should the Marriage Story actress accept an offer, she could be presented with a tempting $5 million-a-year contract.
'Scarlett would be offered a similar deal as Jenna has,' the source said. 'This is to avoid any possible tension or conflict over salary.
Meanwhile NBC bosses are reportedly eyeing Scarlett Johansson, 40, for Hoda's replacement, with rumors of a $5 million-a-year contract in the mix; Johansson pictured with Jenna Bush Hager during her temporary stint on the show
'Jenna makes $4 million-a-year now and with an increase in viewership she could 'easily' renegotiate to $5 million. This is what both women would get.'
They continued: 'Yes, Jenna has been there longer, and it is literally her show, but Scarlett is an A-list actress who – based on the feedback – will undoubtedly make more people tune in. She has a massive fan base, and this must be considered.'
Though the actress is know to collect sums between $15-20 million for movies such as Avengers: Endgame and Black Widow, the hosting gig at Today could still be very tempting for the star who is worth a reported $165 million.
Today With Jenna & Friends launched on January 13 and follows Jenna as she searches for a permanent co-host following the departure of Hoda.
After 26 years at NBC, the TV legend chose to step down in order to spend more time with her young daughters, Haley Joy, eight, and Hope Catherine, five.
