David Letterman, born in 1947, began his broadcasting career in the early 1970s, working as a radio talk show host and TV weatherman in Indiana. He moved to Los Angeles in 1975, where he met comedian and writer, Steve Martin, who helped him secure a job as a comedy writer for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Letterman’s unique humor and creativity quickly made him a standout writer, leading to frequent guest appearances on the show.

In 1980, Letterman was offered his own late-night talk show, The David Letterman Show, on NBC. Although it aired opposite The Tonight Show, it gained a dedicated following, particularly among younger viewers. In 1982, Letterman’s show was renamed The Tonight Show Starring David Letterman, further solidifying his status as a rising star in late-night television.

David Letterman’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, David Letterman’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.2 billion, according to Forbes. This significant wealth is a testament to his long and successful career in the entertainment industry.

Career

David Letterman began his career as a television weatherman in the 1970s. He gained prominence as a comedy writer and performer on ‘The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson’ in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1982, he launched his own late-night talk show, ‘Late Night with David Letterman’, which aired on NBC until 1993. He then moved to CBS, where he hosted ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ from 1993 to 2015. Throughout his career, Letterman has interviewed numerous celebrities and political figures, and has won multiple Emmy Awards.

Other Ventures

After retiring from ‘The Late Show’ in 2015, Letterman has kept busy with various projects. He has a production company, Worldwide Pants, which has produced shows like ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ and ‘The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson’. He also has a recurring role on the Netflix series ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman’. In 2020, he launched a new show on HBO Max, ‘My Next Guest Needs No Introduction’, where he interviews high-profile guests in a more in-depth format than his late-night shows.

Assets

Letterman’s assets include a sprawling 108-acre estate in Westchester County, New York, valued at around $50 million. He also owns a $15 million home in Montana, a $12 million home in Connecticut, and a $5 million apartment in New York City. His extensive car collection includes a 1967 Jaguar E-Type and a 1955 Porsche 356. Letterman is also known for his love of aviation and owns a private jet, a Cessna Citation XLS.

Annual Income

While Letterman’s annual income can vary, it’s estimated that he earned around $20 million per year during his final years hosting ‘The Late Show’. Since retiring, his annual income has likely decreased but remains substantial. His production company, Worldwide Pants, continues to generate revenue, and he earns money from his Netflix series and other projects. Additionally, Letterman has made savvy investments, including real estate and stocks, which contribute to his annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  David Letterman

Frequently Asked Questions: David Letterman Net Worth

1. What is David Letterman’s net worth?

David Letterman’s net worth is estimated to be around $400 million.

2. How did David Letterman make his money?

David Letterman made his fortune primarily through his successful career as a television host and comedian. He hosted “The Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS for over 20 years, and before that, he hosted “Late Night with David Letterman” on NBC for another 11 years.

3. What was David Letterman’s salary on The Late Show?

At the end of his run on “The Late Show,” David Letterman was reportedly making around $20 million per year.

4. How much is David Letterman worth per minute?

Based on his estimated net worth, David Letterman is worth approximately $6,670 per minute.

5. What is David Letterman’s annual income?

While it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact annual income for David Letterman, it’s estimated that he makes tens of millions of dollars each year through various ventures, including his production company and endorsement deals.

6. How much did David Letterman make from his Netflix show?

The exact amount David Letterman made from his Netflix show, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” is not public knowledge. However, it’s been reported that he signed a deal worth tens of millions of dollars for the show.

7. What is David Letterman’s house worth?

David Letterman owns a 128-acre estate in Westchester County, New York, which is estimated to be worth around $50 million.

8. Does David Letterman have any children?

Yes, David Letterman has one child, a son named Harry, who was born in 2003 when Letterman was 50 years old.

9. What is David Letterman’s height?

David Letterman is 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall.

10. What is David Letterman’s wife’s name?

David Letterman’s wife is Regina Lasko, whom he married in 2009 after a 23-year relationship. They have one son together, Harry.