Kate McKinnon net worth in 2025 is estimated at $9 million, a figure that highlights her successful career across television, film, voice acting, books, and endorsements. Known as one of the standout stars of Saturday Night Live, McKinnon has steadily built her wealth through diverse projects while establishing herself as one of the most versatile comedians of her generation.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll look at how she earned her fortune, where her biggest paydays came from, how she compares to other SNL alumni, and what might push her net worth higher in the future.
Saturday Night Live: The Foundation of Kate McKinnon’s Wealth
The backbone of Kate McKinnon net worth is her decade on Saturday Night Live (2012–2022).
- Early Years: New cast members on SNL reportedly earn about $7,000–$8,000 per episode. For a 21-episode season, that’s roughly $150,000 annually.
- Established Years: By the time McKinnon became a household name with her spot-on impressions of Hillary Clinton, Justin Bieber, and Ellen DeGeneres, her salary likely jumped to $25,000+ per episode. That would equal more than $500,000 per season.
- Peak Years: As one of the show’s leading players and multiple Emmy winner, McKinnon likely ranked among the highest-paid cast members, boosting her earnings even further.
Her SNL run not only contributed millions to her fortune but also gave her the visibility to land major film and commercial roles.
Hollywood Films and Television Projects
McKinnon’s film and TV work has been a major factor in building her wealth.
Movies That Paid Off
- Ghostbusters (2016): As Dr. Jillian Holtzmann, McKinnon stole the show. While ensemble salaries vary, lead cast members in big studio films typically earn seven figures.
- The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018): A starring role alongside Mila Kunis gave McKinnon another solid payday.
- Yesterday (2019): Though a smaller role, it kept her in demand on the big screen.
- Barbie (2023): Playing “Weird Barbie” turned into a breakout moment, with the film grossing over $1 billion worldwide. Even with a supporting role, participation in such a hit significantly boosted her visibility and potential bonuses.
Television Beyond SNL
- Joe vs. Carole (2022): As Carole Baskin in the Peacock series, McKinnon added a dramatic dimension to her career. Streaming salaries for leads can reach hundreds of thousands per episode.
These projects together add millions to Kate McKinnon net worth, especially as she transitioned from ensemble work into starring roles.
Voice Acting: A Steady Stream of Income
McKinnon’s distinctive voice has made her a sought-after talent in animation.
- Nature Cat (PBS): She voices Squeeks the Mouse.
- The Magic School Bus Rides Again (Netflix): She brought Ms. Frizzle back to life for a new generation.
- Other Animated Projects: McKinnon has lent her voice to various specials and commercials.
Voice acting may not always pay as much as live-action roles, but it provides steady work and residuals when shows rerun or stream internationally.
Commercials and Endorsements
Commercial appearances have played a major role in boosting Kate McKinnon net worth.
- Ford Campaigns: McKinnon appeared in multiple commercials for the automotive giant. National ad campaigns like these can pay actors hundreds of thousands, if not more.
- Other Sponsorships: While McKinnon has not leaned heavily into endorsements, the ones she has chosen are lucrative and align with her brand.
Commercials remain a valuable source of income, often surpassing single acting paychecks because of scale and reach.
Kate McKinnon as an Author
In 2024, McKinnon published her debut young adult novel, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.
- Book Deals: First-time authors with McKinnon’s star power can land advances in the hundreds of thousands.
- Future Adaptations: If her book is adapted for TV or film, she could earn royalties and producer credits, opening up an entirely new revenue stream.
This move into publishing diversifies her portfolio and adds long-term earning potential to Kate McKinnon net worth.
Awards and Recognition: Indirect Value
McKinnon has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, and she’s been nominated multiple times. While awards don’t come with direct financial payouts, they increase market value.
Producers are more likely to hire an Emmy winner at higher pay rates, and networks use award-winning names as selling points.
Kate McKinnon Net Worth Compared to SNL Peers
How does McKinnon’s estimated $9 million stack up?
- Tina Fey: $75 million, boosted by writing, producing, and acting.
- Amy Poehler: $25 million, from acting, producing, and directing.
- Kristen Wiig: $25 million, thanks to blockbuster roles and writing credits.
- Cecily Strong: $4 million, reflecting a career primarily in television.
McKinnon sits comfortably in the middle range, with more upside if she expands into producing or writing for film and television.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
While McKinnon keeps her personal life private, reports suggest she owns property in New York City. Real estate in NYC can add significant equity to her net worth.
Her lifestyle is notably modest compared to some celebrities. She avoids excessive media exposure and has not been linked to lavish spending, which suggests her net worth is both accurate and stable.
Future Growth Potential
Several factors could significantly increase Kate McKinnon net worth over the next decade:
- Major Film Contracts: Leading or franchise roles can pay $5–10 million per film.
- Book Adaptations: If her novel is optioned for a movie or series, she could earn royalties and back-end profits.
- Producing Projects: Shifting into behind-the-scenes work could multiply her income.
- Streaming Deals: Original comedy specials or series with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon could be lucrative.
If McKinnon continues diversifying her career, her net worth could easily double.
Summary of Kate McKinnon Net Worth
To recap:
| Income Source | Contribution to Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Saturday Night Live | Millions over 10 years |
| Film Roles | $1–3 million per project |
| Television | Hundreds of thousands per episode |
| Voice Acting | Steady six-figure income |
| Commercials/Endorsements | High-value lump sums |
| Writing | Book deal and future royalties |
Kate McKinnon net worth stands at $9 million in 2025, reflecting her balanced career in multiple areas of entertainment.
Conclusion
Kate McKinnon’s career demonstrates how diverse talent can lead to financial stability. From Saturday Night Live to Hollywood films, voice roles, commercials, and her debut as an author, she has built a fortune through persistence, versatility, and creativity.
At $9 million, Kate McKinnon net worth is already impressive, but her career trajectory suggests there is much more to come.
What do you think—will Kate McKinnon’s net worth grow faster through films, books, or new comedy projects? Share your opinion in the comments below.