When people think of political commentators who successfully transitioned from the White House to television, Dana Perino instantly comes to mind. As the former press secretary turned media host, she built a career that blends politics, media, publishing, and speaking. Today, Dana Perino net worth is estimated at $6 million, and her career continues to thrive in 2025.
So, how much is Dana Perino worth, where does her money come from, and what makes her journey different from other political figures? Let’s break it down.
What Is Dana Perino’s Net Worth and Salary?
If you’re wondering, “What is Dana Perino’s net worth and salary?” the short answer is that her estimated net worth sits at $6 million. This figure reflects decades of work as a White House aide, political strategist, author, and now a prominent face on Fox News.
While exact paychecks aren’t public, reports and comparisons show that a TV anchor salary range at Fox News can easily reach $1–$2 million annually for high-profile personalities. As a Fox News host Dana Perino, a co-host of The Five, and a co-anchor of America’s Newsroom, she’s likely earning in that ballpark.
On top of television income, her book royalties and earnings, speaking fees and endorsements, and media income streams add to her wealth.
Estimated Net Worth Breakdown (2025)
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Earnings | Notes |
| Fox News Salary | $1–$2 million | Anchor roles (The Five, America’s Newsroom) |
| Book Royalties | $200k–$400k | From titles like And the Good News Is Dana Perino |
| Speaking Fees & Endorsements | $100k–$300k | Guest lectures, conferences, corporate events |
| Podcasting & Media Projects | $50k–$150k | Perino on Politics podcast and other media ventures |
| Investments & Assets | $100k–$200k | Conservative estimates; not all disclosed |
| Total Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $6 million | Based on public data and industry averages |
Methodology: These numbers come from available reports, comparisons with peers, and publicly known contracts. Since networks rarely disclose anchor salaries, this breakdown represents conservative estimates aligned with industry standards.
Early Life
Dana Perino’s story began far from the media spotlight. She was born May 1972 Evanston Wyoming, and grew up in Denver, Colorado. Her childhood reflected a mix of small-town roots and big ambitions.
At Ponderosa High School in Parker, she joined the debate team, a skill that later became one of her trademarks on national TV. She soon pursued higher education and became a Colorado State University–Pueblo graduate with a degree in Mass Communications. During college, she also worked at KTSC-TV, a PBS affiliate, and gained her first taste of political media.
Not stopping there, she pursued further education, becoming a University of Illinois Springfield master’s graduate in Public Affairs Reporting. During that time, she worked for WCIA, a CBS affiliate, covering the state legislature. That early exposure to politics and journalism shaped the foundation of her later career.
Career
Early Political & Government Roles
After completing her studies, Dana moved to Washington, D.C., where her journey in politics officially began. She worked as a staff assistant for Congressman Scott McInnis and later became the press secretary for Congressman Dan Schaefer. This early career & role experience gave her valuable insight into political communications.
Later, she joined the Department of Justice as a spokesperson, sharpening her ability to manage press relations at the national level. She then worked as the Associate Director of Communications for the White House Council on Environmental Quality, balancing policy and messaging.
White House: Deputy & Press Secretary
Dana’s most high-profile government role came under President George W. Bush. She served as Deputy Press Secretary George W. Bush, and later stepped into the spotlight as the White House Press Secretary Dana Perino from September 2007 to January 2009.
She was only the second woman in history to hold the role, following Dee Dee Myers under President Clinton. One of her most memorable moments came during a 2008 press conference in Baghdad, when a journalist threw shoes at President Bush. Amid the chaos, Dana was struck in the eye by a microphone stand. The incident highlighted both the risks and intensity of working so close to the presidency.
Her time at the White House made her a recognizable figure and boosted her credibility, laying the groundwork for her later career in media.
Transition to Media: Fox News & Publishing
After leaving the White House, Dana shifted into television. She joined Fox News in 2009, where she quickly became a Fox News host Dana Perino. Today, she’s best known as a co-host of The Five and a co-anchor of America’s Newsroom. Both shows bring her millions of daily viewers and form the core of her income.
In addition to TV, she took on publishing. As a Crown Forum editorial director, she worked with conservative voices in book publishing before focusing on her own writing. Her books have done well, cementing her status as both an author and commentator.
Books, Podcasts, and Speaking
Dana’s career expanded beyond politics and television into books and podcasts. Her bibliography includes:
- And the Good News Is Dana Perino (2015)
- Let Me Tell You About Jasper Dana Perino (2016)
- Everything Will Be Okay Dana Perino (2021)
Each book reflects different aspects of her life — from political insights to personal stories about her beloved Jasper Vizsla dog.
She also entered the podcast world with the Perino on Politics podcast, launched with Fox News Radio. This platform allows her to connect with listeners in a more personal and informal way, and it adds to her media income streams.
Speaking engagements are another steady income source. As a recognizable face and voice, Dana commands strong fees at corporate events, universities, and conferences. These speaking fees and endorsements contribute significantly to her wealth.
Income Timeline & Monetization Strategy
Dana’s career illustrates a clear path of monetization:
- 1990s: Early communications roles, modest pay.
- 2000s: White House years — prestige, connections, steppingstone.
- 2010s: Transition to Fox News, steady TV income, book deals.
- 2020s: Multi-platform presence (TV, books, podcasting, speaking) fueling steady growth.
Her ability to pivot from politics to media showcases the value of credibility and visibility.
Personal Life
Dana’s personal story often grabs attention as much as her career. She met Peter McMahon husband on a flight to Denver in 1997. Less than a year later, the two eloped in England. The couple settled in their Bay Head New Jersey home, where they continue to live today.
Their family included the beloved Jasper Vizsla dog, who gained fame on social media before passing away in 2021. Dana and Peter later welcomed another Vizsla named Percy.
Beyond family, Dana also gives back. In 2023, she received an honorary doctorate CSU Pueblo, a recognition from her alma mater for her contributions to media and public service.
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Net Worth Context & Comparisons
So how does Dana’s wealth stack up against peers? Compared to other media figures and press secretaries, she stands comfortably in the middle range.
- Jen Psaki (MSNBC host, former press secretary): estimated at $2–3 million
- Kayleigh McEnany (Fox News host, former press secretary): ~$1 million
- Greg Gutfeld (Fox News host, comedian): $30+ million
- Dana Perino: $6 million
This shows she’s not the wealthiest on Fox News, but her blend of politics, publishing, and broadcasting gives her a stable place in the market of cable news anchor compensation.
Assets, Real Estate & Lifestyle
While details about her investments are private, Dana is known to enjoy a comfortable but not flashy lifestyle. Her Bay Head New Jersey home reflects a taste for quiet, coastal living rather than Hollywood excess.
Given her profile, it’s safe to assume she maintains retirement accounts, investments, and possibly rental or vacation property. However, the public record doesn’t disclose specifics.
FAQs
How did Dana Perino make her money?
Dana earned money from her political commentator earnings, Fox News anchor salary, book author income for journalists, and speaking fees and endorsements.
When was Dana Perino White House press secretary?
She served as White House Press Secretary Dana Perino from September 2007 until January 2009.
What books does Dana Perino write?
Her titles include And the Good News Is Dana Perino, Let Me Tell You About Jasper Dana Perino, and Everything Will Be Okay Dana Perino.
Does Dana Perino have a podcast in 2024 2025?
Yes. She hosts the Perino on Politics podcast, produced by Fox News Radio
Conclusion
From her roots as a Colorado State University–Pueblo graduate to the heights of serving as Deputy Press Secretary George W. Bush and later as a top Fox News host Dana Perino, Dana has built a remarkable career. Her steady transition from politics to television, books, and podcasts demonstrates how credibility and adaptability turn into wealth.
Today, Dana Perino net worth 2025 is estimated at $6 million. Her journey offers a powerful example of how media income streams, writing, and broadcasting can create financial independence while keeping her in the public conversation.
