Tony Hillerman Net Worth (Updated 2025).

Tony Hillerman, born in 1925, began his career as a journalist, a path that would later significantly influence his literary work. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Hillerman pursued a degree in journalism at the University of Oklahoma, where he honed his skills in storytelling and investigation. His first job was at the Santa Fe New Mexican, where he worked as a police reporter, an experience that provided him with firsthand insights into the complexities of crime and the criminal justice system.

Hillerman’s transition into fiction writing came in the late 1960s when he began writing short stories and novels inspired by his experiences in the Southwest and his Native American heritage. His first novel, “The Blessing Way,” was published in 1970 and introduced readers to his signature characters, Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee. This novel, along with the subsequent books in the series, catapulted Hillerman to fame, earning him multiple awards, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1988 for “A Thief of Time.”

**Tony Hillerman’s Current Net Worth (2025)**

As of 2025, Tony Hillerman’s current net worth is estimated to be around $10 million, according to the latest available information.

**Career**

Tony Hillerman, an American author, is renowned for his mystery novels set in the Southwestern United States, particularly his series featuring Navajo Tribal Police officers Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn. Hillerman’s works, which often incorporate elements of Navajo culture and folklore, have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. He won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1973 for “The Blessing Way,” the first book in his series.

**Other Ventures**

Hillerman has also written several standalone novels and non-fiction works. His son, Scott, continues his legacy, writing new novels featuring Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn under his father’s name.

**Assets**

Hillerman’s assets include his extensive library of books, both his own works and those of other authors, as well as real estate holdings, including his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

**Annual Income**

While exact figures are not publicly available, Hillerman’s annual income would primarily come from royalties on his books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. His estate continues to earn from these royalties, as well as from the ongoing publication of his works and adaptations of his novels for film and television.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Tony Hillerman

Tony Hillerman Net Worth FAQs

1. What is Tony Hillerman’s net worth?

Tony Hillerman’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. How did Tony Hillerman make his money?

Tony Hillerman made his fortune primarily through his successful career as an author. He wrote numerous books, including the popular Leaphorn and Chee series, which were bestsellers and later adapted into TV movies.

3. When was Tony Hillerman born?

Tony Hillerman was born on May 8, 1925.

4. Where was Tony Hillerman born?

Tony Hillerman was born in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma.

5. What was Tony Hillerman’s height?

Tony Hillerman was 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.

6. What was Tony Hillerman’s cause of death?

Tony Hillerman died of pulmonary fibrosis on October 26, 2008.

7. How many books did Tony Hillerman write?

Tony Hillerman wrote over 30 books in his career.

8. What was Tony Hillerman’s most famous book?

Tony Hillerman’s most famous book is “Dance Hall of the Dead,” the first in the Leaphorn and Chee series.

9. Did Tony Hillerman win any awards?

Yes, Tony Hillerman won several awards, including the Edgar Award for Best Novel for “Dance Hall of the Dead” and the Spur Award for Best Novel for “A Thief of Time.”

10. Where can I find Tony Hillerman’s books?

Tony Hillerman’s books are available in various formats, including paperback, hardcover, and e-books, from online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many local bookstores. Some of his books are also available as audiobooks.