Joe Kernen is an American television journalist, CNBC anchor and author who has an estimated net worth of $16 million. He is best known as one of the longtime co-hosts of CNBC’s business news program “Squawk Box,” where he has covered financial markets, the economy and major business developments for decades.
Kernen has worked at CNBC since 1991, when the network merged with the Financial News Network, where he had previously worked as a financial journalist after spending about a decade as a stockbroker. His long career in financial television has made him one of the most recognizable anchors in business news.
Kernen reportedly earns about $3 million a year from CNBC. In addition to his television career, he has worked as an author and wrote a book with his daughter, Blake, examining capitalism and education.
| Joe Kernen Net Worth | $16 Million |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Joe Kernen Salary
Joe Kernen’s annual CNBC salary is estimated at $3 million. His lengthy tenure with the network and prominent position on “Squawk Box” have made him one of CNBC’s better-known financial television personalities.
Kernen joined the Financial News Network before its 1991 merger with CNBC. His experience as a stockbroker and knowledge of financial markets helped him transition into television and eventually become one of the network’s most established anchors.
His compensation has accumulated over a career spanning more than three decades. Kernen’s estimated $16 million net worth reflects his long-term earnings from financial television, along with income from other professional activities, including his work as an author.
Early Life
Joseph Richard Kernen was born on January 6, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in the Western Hills area of Cincinnati and attended St. Xavier High School, graduating in 1974.
Kernen later attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where he earned a bachelor’s degree. He went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he studied molecular biology and completed a master’s degree. His graduate research focused on cancer.
Despite his scientific education, Kernen ultimately pursued a career in financial markets before moving into television.
Career
Before entering television, Kernen spent approximately 10 years working as a stockbroker. His experience in the financial industry provided him with a strong background in stocks, markets and investing.
In 1991, he joined CNBC following the network’s merger with the Financial News Network. Kernen steadily established himself as a financial news presenter and became associated with the network’s flagship morning program, “Squawk Box.”
By 1995, he had become a co-host of “Squawk Box.” The program focuses on financial markets, corporate earnings, economic developments and interviews with business leaders, investors and policymakers.
Kernen has remained a prominent part of the program for decades, making him one of the longest-serving personalities on CNBC.
His television appearances have extended beyond CNBC. He has appeared on programs including “ESPN SportsCentury,” “The Apprentice,” “Piers Morgan Live,” “Fox & Friends,” “Talking Dead” and “Worldwide Exchange.”
Kernen was also featured in the 2011 HBO film “Too Big to Fail,” a dramatization of the 2008 financial crisis. He later appeared in an episode of the FX drama series “Damages.”
“Squawk Box”
“Squawk Box” has been central to Kernen’s career and financial success. The CNBC program provides early-morning coverage of Wall Street and global financial markets and has become one of the network’s most recognizable shows.
Kernen has interviewed business executives, investors and political figures throughout his time on the program. His background as a former stockbroker has also influenced his approach to discussions about the stock market and the economy.
His long-running role on the program has helped establish him as a familiar face among viewers who follow financial and business news.
Political and Economic Commentary
Kernen has occasionally attracted attention for his political and economic views. During the 2012 fiscal cliff crisis, he launched a CNBC campaign called “Rise Above,” which sought to pressure Congress to reduce government spending.
He has also publicly questioned aspects of mainstream climate science. In 2014, comments he made about weather patterns and climate change generated criticism and were widely reported in the media.
Kernen has also faced criticism for comments made during “Squawk Box.” In 2013, he apologized after imitating an Indian accent while discussing the Indian rupee during a broadcast. He acknowledged that the remark was inappropriate and insensitive.
Despite the controversies, Kernen continued as a prominent CNBC anchor and remained a regular presence on “Squawk Box.”
Author
Kernen expanded his career beyond television by becoming an author.
In 2011, he co-wrote the book “Your Teacher Said What?!: Defending Our Kids from the Liberal Assault on Capitalism” with his daughter, Blake. She was in elementary school at the time the book was written.
The book focuses on capitalism, education and political perspectives in the classroom. It gave Kernen another platform to discuss his views on economics and education outside financial television.
Personal Life
Joe Kernen married Penelope Scott, a former commodities trader, in 1998. The couple met in 1996 after Scott joined CNBC.
They have a daughter, Blake, who was born in 2000. Kernen and Blake later worked together on their 2011 book.
Kernen has been known by nicknames including “The Hair” and “The Kahuna” during his long career on financial television.
Real Estate
Kernen and his family have owned property in New Jersey.
In September 2003, he reportedly paid $566,000 for a 4,800-square-foot home in Short Hills, New Jersey. The property has since increased substantially in estimated value and has been reported to be worth around $4 million.
The property represents one part of Kernen’s personal assets and contributes to the broader wealth accumulated during his long career in television and financial journalism.
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