Jessica Tarlov has emerged as a standout liberal voice on Fox News Channel’s “The Five.”
Her political expertise stems from an impressive academic background, including a PhD from the London School of Economics.
Tarlov joined Fox News in 2017 after guest appearances beginning in 2014.
Her dual role as political commentator and Vice President at Bustle Digital Group showcases her versatility.
Tarlov earns approximately $2 million annually, placing her among well-compensated television analysts.
Her ability to articulate Democratic viewpoints on a conservative network has earned her significant recognition.
In May 2024, Variety named her one of their Women of Impact.
Jessica Tarlov’s Current Salary – $2 million/Year
According to multiple sources, Jessica Tarlov earns approximately $2 million annually at Fox News.
Her substantial income comes from co-hosting “The Five,” cable’s highest-rated news program.
She also regularly appears as a political analyst on Fox News and Fox Business Network.
Her contract details remain private but are likely to follow industry standards for top talent.
Television personalities typically receive base salaries plus appearance fees for each segment.
Performance bonuses may reward ratings success or viral moments that generate audience engagement.
Tarlov’s liberal perspective on a conservative network makes her a valuable asset worth the premium compensation.
Salary Evolution Throughout Jessica Tarlov’s Career
Jessica Tarlov built her career methodically through strategic professional positions before achieving television prominence.
Her professional journey began with analytical roles, including project management at financial giant Merrill Lynch, before transitioning to political strategy.
Douglas Schoen LLC provided her strategic communications foundation, where she developed essential messaging expertise for diverse political clients between 2008 and 2013.
Television appearances initially supplemented her consulting income before Fox News recognized her potential with a contributor contract in 2017.
Her subsequent advancement to “The Five” co-host position represented exponential financial growth compared to her early career compensation levels.
This progression demonstrates the substantial earning potential for media personalities with specialized political expertise.
Here is how Jessica Tarlov’s salary has been throughout her career:
| YEAR | ROLE | ESTIMATED SALARY |
|---|---|---|
| 2014–2017 | Fox News guest/contributor (part-time) | Not publicly stated; likely modest |
| 2017–2021 | Fox News contributor (official) | Not publicly stated; estimated below $500,000 |
| 2022 | Co-host, The Five (Fox News) | $900,000–$2 million per year |
| 2023–2025 | Co-host, The Five (Fox News) | $2 million per year |
Salary Breakdown by Income Streams
Tarlov earns substantially beyond her Fox News salary through multiple professional ventures.
She serves as Vice President of Research at Bustle Digital Group.
Her political strategy consulting adds another revenue channel to her diverse income portfolio.
Tarlov has co-authored books, including “America in the Age of Trump,” generating publishing royalties.
She sometimes appears on other networks as a guest commentator, providing financial security against industry volatility.
Her academic credentials enhance her value across sectors beyond television, primarily generating revenue from Fox News without limiting her potential.
Jessica Tarlov’s Most Lucrative Projects
Jessica Tarlov’s role on “The Five” is her main revenue source and top professional achievement.
In 2023, the program achieved record viewership ratings across all cable networks, including non-news programming.
Her venture with Douglas Schoen led to a successful bipartisan political analysis book on American politics during the Trump administration.
Major events like conventions and election nights pay premium rates for on-air talent with political expertise, including Tarlov’s qualifications.
Fox News compensates commentators through performance-based incentives tied to exclusive interview access with prominent political figures from opposing ideological perspectives.
Jessica Tarlov’s Contract Details and Negotiation Highlights
Tarlov’s signing with Creative Artists Agency in November 2022 marked a strategic career advancement, giving Tarlov exceptional negotiating leverage with Fox News.
Media industry contracts typically include content approval rights and editorial input provisions for high-profile commentators.
Her representation likely secured favorable scheduling for her family responsibilities, especially since she became a mother to two daughters.
Television contracts for political analysts often include image rights protections and social media content ownership clauses.
CAA-negotiated deals frequently include performance bonuses linked to ratings achievements and audience growth metrics.
Tarlov’s academic credentials and unique positioning as a liberal voice likely commanded premium contractual terms.
Jessica Tarlov’s Taxation and Take-Home Earnings
Jessica Tarlov’s impressive income is subject to substantial taxation through federal, state, and municipal obligations, diminishing her actual take-home compensation.
Her earnings put her in the highest federal tax bracket, and she incurs New York’s additional 9.65% tax on high earners.
New York City reduces earnings by imposing a 3.87% municipal income tax on residents with primary domiciles in the city.
Financial consultants likely advise strategic investment allocations, including tax-deferred retirement accounts, to mitigate her considerable tax burden.
Manhattan’s housing market forces her to spend a large part of her after-tax income on living costs despite her high earnings.
Charitable giving strategies may provide dual benefits through community impact alongside potential tax advantages for high-income media personalities.
Conclusion
Jessica Tarlov has changed her academic achievements and political expertise into a remarkably successful media career worth millions annually.
Her journey from political research to Fox News’s leading liberal voice illustrates her professional evolution and market value.
Variety named her a 2024 Woman of Impact, highlighting her strong media presence beyond financial metrics.
Tarlov balances her demanding television career with raising two young daughters alongside her husband Brian McKenna, demonstrating effective work-life integration.
Her intellectual credibility and analysis uphold her status as a respected voice, despite the contentious landscape of political commentary.
