Through multiple streams of income, Nicolle Wallace net worth of $3 million continues to rise. Her career in politics, television, and literature have proven profitable. Her role as the anchor of “Deadline: White House” on MSNBC has made her a respected media figure after her transition from politics. The show’s expansion to two hours in 2020 ranks among MSNBC’s highest-rated programs and has definitely boosted her earnings by a lot.
Her wealth comes from multiple sources, though exact salary details remain private. She earns from her MSNBC position, book royalties, and her previous political roles. Wallace’s impressive career includes serving as White House Communications Director under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2006. She also worked as a senior advisor for John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign. Her success as an author of three political novels has added to her financial portfolio. The combined wealth of Wallace and Michael Schmidt presents an interesting financial picture. Their family grew recently when they welcomed their second child via surrogate in late 2023. This piece analyzes her wealth by looking at her various income streams and career path.
Contents
- 1 Nicolle Wallace’s Early Career and First Earnings
- 2 Transition to Media: How Nicolle Wallace’s Salary Grew
- 3 Nicolle Wallace Net Worth from Books and Authorship
- 4 Hidden Income Sources Boosting Nicolle Wallace Net Worth
- 5 Nicolle Wallace and Michael Schmidt Net Worth: A Combined Look
- 6 Nicolle Wallace Net Worth Frequently Asked Question
- 6.1 What is Nicolle Wallace’s estimated net worth?
- 6.2 What is Nicolle Wallace’s current job?
- 6.3 Has Nicolle Wallace written any books?
- 6.4 What was Nicolle Wallace’s role in the White House?
- 6.5 Who is Nicolle Wallace married to?
- 6.6 Where did Nicolle Wallace go to college?
- 6.7 What political party is Nicolle Wallace affiliated with?
- 6.8 What was Nicolle Wallace’s role in the 2008 presidential campaign?
- 6.9 Has Nicolle Wallace appeared in any films or TV series as herself?
- 6.10 Does Nicolle Wallace have children from a previous marriage?
Nicolle Wallace’s Early Career and First Earnings
Nicolle Wallace’s path to wealth started with humble academic and political beginnings. She was born as Nicolle Devenish in Orange County, California. Her success story began with education rather than inherited wealth.
Starting in California politics
She earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of California, Berkeley in 1994. She followed this with a master’s from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in 1996. Her first job was as an on-air local reporter in California. This early work didn’t add much to her net worth but gave her valuable skills for her future career.
She took her first political role with the Republican Caucus of the California State Assembly during Pete Wilson’s time as governor. This position kicked off what would later boost her salary and net worth growth. Her time there came to an unexpected end – she got fired for making friends with reporters. Pete Wilson’s former press secretary later called this firing “one of the least intelligent personnel decisions in California political history”.
So in 1999, she moved to Florida and became press secretary to Governor Jeb Bush at just 25 years old. She described it as taking “a front row seat on the front lines”. This role helped build her professional reputation that would later impact her MSNBC career and earning potential.
Her role in the White House and early salary insights
The 2000 presidential election changed both Wallace’s career and personal life. What started as a quick assignment in Palm Beach during the Florida recount turned into a 27-day stay that changed her life and the nation’s future. She met Republican attorney Mark Wallace during this time. He later became her husband and the U.S. representative to the United Nations.
After Bush won, she joined the White House staff in his first term. She served as special assistant to the President and director of media affairs. While her exact salary and net worth weren’t public knowledge then, her career kept moving upward.
She became communications director for Bush’s 2004 presidential campaign in 2003. The New York Times noted that she “delivered her political attacks without snarling.” These communication skills later helped her succeed in media.
Bush named her White House Communications Director on January 5, 2005, after his reelection. This prestigious position boosted her net worth substantially compared to her previous roles. Her White House colleague and presidential political advisor Mark McKinnon called her a “rare talent in politics”.
She left the White House in July 2006 to move to New York City. Her husband represented the Bush administration at the United Nations there. They married in 2005 but divorced in 2019. She later married journalist Michael Schmidt in 2022. This early career foundation built the professional credibility that would help both Wallace and Schmidt grow their net worth in their respective fields.
Transition to Media: How Nicolle Wallace’s Salary Grew
Nicolle Wallace’s financial success took off after she left the political arena. She made a smart move to television and media. Many former political operatives disappear from public view, but Wallace turned her White House background into a profitable broadcasting career that reshaped her finances completely.
Joining The View and her first TV paycheck
ABC announced Wallace would join “The View” as a new co-host alongside Rosie Perez on September 3, 2014. She made her debut when the show’s 18th season premiered on September 15, 2014. Her time on the daytime talk show was brief – she left after just one season.
She later revealed the show “unceremoniously cut” her from her role as the Republican voice, though she still had supporters on set. “The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg said it best: “The only thing better than one hour with Nicolle Wallace is two — it just makes you smarter”. Wallace managed to keep a positive outlook about her time there, saying: “I loved it. I loved it”.
This period marked the start of her financial growth and set the stage for her rise at MSNBC. The time she spent on camera gave her great experience that became vital for her future in broadcasting.
Her job at MSNBC and salary details
NBC News and its cable network MSNBC welcomed Wallace as a political analyst after “The View”. She became a regular face on several MSNBC shows including “The 11th Hour with Brian Williams” and “Morning Joe,” plus NBC’s “Today Show”.
Wallace started hosting “Deadline: White House” on MSNBC on May 9, 2017, which substantially increased her earnings. The show did so well that it expanded to two hours in August 2020 after drawing 2 million viewers in July that year. She also worked as an executive producer for the MSNBC primetime special “Ukraine: Answering the Call” on July 3, 2022, which raised funds for Ukraine during Russia’s invasion.
Nicolle’s MSNBC salary ranges from $700,000 to $1 million yearly. Some sources suggesting she might earn up to $2 million per year. Her net worth has grown to about $3 million, showing her success in both media and writing.
Her move to television brought interesting personal changes too. She says she “never thinks of herself in any one way” and approaches stories without political bias. Wallace’s combined wealth with Michael Schmidt reflects their journalism success, with Schmidt bringing his Pulitzer Prize to their partnership. After her divorce from Mark in 2019, she married Michael Schmidt quietly in April 2022.
Wallace’s story shows how she turned her political expertise into media success. All while creating a unique space that continues to appeal to viewers across the country.
Nicolle Wallace Net Worth from Books and Authorship
Nicolle Wallace’s net worth got a big boost from her successful career as an author. Her writing career adds a valuable dimension to her financial portfolio, along with her earnings from MSNBC.
Success of Eighteen Acres and its effect
Wallace made her debut as a novelist in 2010 with “Eighteen Acres” (named after the White House complex’s 18-acre span). The story revolves around three powerful women at their career peaks: America’s first female president, her chief of staff, and a White House correspondent.
Reading “The Devil Wears Prada” during Mr. Bush’s first term sparked Wallace’s inspiration to write. She shared her thoughts about the book. She said “It’s my best attempt at a story that I hope people will pick up and read and enjoy and maybe feel like they’re getting to see what it’s really like in the White House in this entirely fictional story”.
Atria publishing bought “Eighteen Acres” for a six-figure sum, which gave Wallace’s net worth a notable lift. Critics and fellow political commentators praised the novel extensively. Patrick Anderson from The Washington Post described it as “both an enjoyable read and a serious look at what high-level political pressures do to people”. The book earned acclaim from several prominent figures:
- George Stephanopoulos
- Rachel Maddow
- John King
- Andrea Mitchell
Book royalties and additional income streams
Wallace’s literary success continued to grow her net worth and salary. Her 2011 sequel “It’s Classified” told the story of a fictional presidential campaign complicated by a mentally ill vice presidential candidate. She later revealed that her experience as a senior adviser to the McCain/Palin campaign inspired the story’s premise.
The trilogy concluded with “Madam President” in 2015, cementing Wallace’s reputation in the literary world. These three books have generated steady royalties through the years, adding significantly to her income.
Authors typically earn 10-15% on hardcover sales, 6-8% on paperbacks, and 25% on e-books. On top of that, extra money from foreign rights and adaptations. Her bestseller status means these books bring in substantial revenue.
Her marriage to Michael Schmidt in April 2022 united two successful media personalities. While their wedding pictures remain private, their combined net worth reflects their individual success in media and publishing.
Wallace’s writing career plays a crucial role in her overall net worth. She has established herself not just as a political commentator but as a successful novelist with diverse income sources.
Hidden Income Sources Boosting Nicolle Wallace Net Worth
Nicolle Wallace’s steady income from MSNBC gets additional boosts from several hidden revenue streams. Her estimated $3 million net worth comes not just from television salary and book royalties, but also from other profitable channels she has developed.
Speaking engagements and event appearances
Wallace earns substantial fees from speaking engagements beyond her regular television work. Her background as a New York Times best-selling author and former White House Communications Director helps her land high-paying opportunities through prestigious speaking bureaus.
She draws audiences with compelling stories from her White House days, campaign experiences with Sarah Palin, and MSNBC studio insights. Her talks often center on women in politics, where she shares her firsthand observations of prominent figures like Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton.
Corporate and academic audiences particularly value her political analysis presentations that offer insider insights into daily political news. This unique combination of political insider knowledge and media expertise makes her a sought-after speaker. Each appearance adds to her growing income and net worth.
Executive production credits and consulting roles
Wallace’s wealth grows through her work as an executive producer. She created and led the MSNBC primetime special “Ukraine: Answering the Call,” a fundraiser supporting Ukraine during Russia’s invasion, which aired on July 3, 2022.
The project’s inspiration struck her at an unexpected moment – while waiting in a Chick-fil-A drive-through shortly after marrying Michael Schmidt. The special featured star power from Paul McCartney, Billie Eilish, and Ben Stiller.
Wallace and Schmidt’s combined wealth reflects their focus on privacy and professional success. Schmidt brings his Pulitzer Prize-winning credentials to their partnership. The couple welcomed a daughter through surrogate in November 2023, marking a personal milestone alongside their professional achievements.
These diverse income streams continue to build Wallace’s financial security well beyond her visible television career.
Nicolle Wallace and Michael Schmidt Net Worth: A Combined Look
Nicolle Wallace and Michael Schmidt make a fascinating power couple in media, combining their influence and success. Their financial story has evolved since they first met at MSNBC, where Schmidt appeared as a guest on Wallace’s show.
Nicolle’s husband and their wedding pictures
Michael S. Schmidt, Nicolle’s husband, brings remarkable achievements to their partnership. Schmidt, born in 1983, earned a Pulitzer Prize for his work as a journalist and correspondent at The New York Times in Washington, D.C. His coverage focuses on national security and federal law enforcement. He also contributes as a national security expert for MSNBC and NBC News, which creates a professional connection with Wallace’s television work.
Their story began when Schmidt appeared as a guest on “Deadline: White House.” They started dating in March 2019. The couple tied the knot on April 2, 2022, in a small ceremony with close family. Their wedding photos remain private, reflecting their desire to keep personal moments away from public view despite their media prominence.
How marriage affected their financial profile
Wallace’s net worth reaches approximately $3 million, while Schmidt adds his own successful career to their partnership. Their combined expertise in political analysis and investigative reporting makes them a formidable journalistic duo.
The couple welcomed daughter Isabella Sloane through a surrogate in November 2023. This added a new chapter to their lives while they continued their professional work. Wallace managed to keep her position at MSNBC, briefly returning to share the baby news before taking maternity leave.
Their combined financial success grows through their media earnings. Schmidt expanded his career by becoming a Netflix executive producer. Wallace earns from her books and television appearances. She returned to her anchoring duties in 2024 after maternity leave, continuing her career that contributes to their growing success.
Nicolle Wallace Net Worth Frequently Asked Question
What is Nicolle Wallace’s estimated net worth?
Nicolle Wallace’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, accumulated through her diverse career in politics, television, and authorship.
What is Nicolle Wallace’s current job?
Nicolle Wallace is currently the anchor of “Deadline: White House” on MSNBC, a role she has held since May 2017. The show expanded to two hours in 2020 due to its popularity.
Has Nicolle Wallace written any books?
Yes, Nicolle Wallace has authored three political novels: Eighteen Acres (2010), It’s Classified (2011), and Madam President (2015). These books have contributed significantly to her income through royalties.
What was Nicolle Wallace’s role in the White House?
Nicolle Wallace served as the White House Communications Director under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2006. She also worked as a special assistant to the President and director of media affairs during Bush’s first term.
Who is Nicolle Wallace married to?
Nicolle Wallace husband is Michael S. Schmidt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for The New York Times. They wed in April 2022 and welcomed a daughter via surrogate in November 2023.
Where did Nicolle Wallace go to college?
Nicolle Wallace earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from the University of California, Berkeley. She later obtained a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
What political party is Nicolle Wallace affiliated with?
Nicolle Wallace was formerly affiliated with the Republican Party and worked on several Republican campaigns, including those of George W. Bush and John McCain. In recent years, she has been critical of the party’s direction and no longer identifies closely with it.
What was Nicolle Wallace’s role in the 2008 presidential campaign?
In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, Nicolle Wallace served as a senior advisor to John McCain’s campaign and acted as a key strategist and spokesperson during Sarah Palin’s vice-presidential candidacy.
Has Nicolle Wallace appeared in any films or TV series as herself?
Yes, Nicolle Wallace has made guest appearances on television programs, including political panels and talk shows. She has also served as a political commentator on various networks before hosting her own show.
Does Nicolle Wallace have children from a previous marriage?
Yes, Nicolle Wallace has a son from her previous marriage to Mark Wallace, a former diplomat and businessman. The couple divorced in 2019.