Symone Sanders-Townsend has established herself as a formidable voice in political commentary and media.
Currently co-hosting “The Weekend” on MSNBC alongside Alicia Menendez and Michael Steele.
Sanders has established an impressive career trajectory that spans both politics and television.
Her MSNBC salary ranges between $57,000 and $150,000, reflecting her position as a respected political analyst.
Before joining MSNBC in 2022, Sanders served as Kamala Harris’s chief spokesperson and advisor, having previously worked with Bernie Sanders.
Outside her television salary, Sanders earns from public speaking, charging $15,000 to $24,999 for each engagement.
Her 2020 book, No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power, also contributes to her income through steady royalty payments.
Symone Sanders’s Current Salary: Breaking Down the Numbers
Symone Sanders-Townsend currently hosts “The Weekend” on MSNBC alongside co-hosts Alicia Menendez and Michael Steele.
Her MSNBC salary is estimated between $57,000 and $150,000, reflecting her earnings as a political commentator and show host.
Before joining MSNBC in 2022, Sanders served as Vice President Kamala Harris’s chief spokesperson and senior advisor, though her White House salary figures remain undisclosed.
Her compensation package likely includes a base salary.
It may also include potential performance bonuses based on ratings, as is common among television personalities and news commentators.
Industry comparisons place Sanders’s earnings in line with those of mid-to-senior-level political commentators, though below those of top anchors who often command seven-figure salaries.
Base Salary vs. Bonuses/Incentives
Sanders’s base MSNBC salary constitutes the majority of her income, with potential bonuses tied to ratings performance and special coverage events.
Industry standards suggest performance incentives may add 10-20% to her base compensation, especially during election cycles when political commentary is in high demand.
Salary Evolution Throughout Their Career
Here’s a concise overview of Symone Sanders’s career and financial milestones, showcasing her impressive trajectory from local politics to national media influence:
| YEAR | POSITION | ROLE & IMPACT | FINANCIAL MILESTONE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Communications Office, Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle | Entry into politics and communications | Initial income from the public sector |
| 2016 | Political Commentator, CNN | Expanded influence and visibility | Major boost in income and public profile |
| 2020 | Senior Advisor, Joe Biden Campaign | Key figure in presidential campaign strategy | Continued growth in political stature |
| 2021 | Chief Spokesperson, VP Kamala Harris | Senior advisory position in the White House | Stable government salary and elevated role |
| 2022 | Host and Analyst, MSNBC | Transition to the high-profile media platform | Significant leap in compensation potential |
Symone Sanders’s career reflects strategic growth in both political and media spheres.
Each move not only advanced her professional impact but also consistently elevated her financial standing.
Early Career Earnings
In her early positions in Nebraska politics, Sanders likely earned modest salaries typical of those in local government communications staff and campaign work.
Her breakthrough came at age 25, when she became the youngest presidential press secretary on record. She joined Bernie Sanders’s campaign and established her credentials.
Salary Breakdown by Income Streams
Beyond her MSNBC salary, Symone Sanders-Townsend has diversified her income through several revenue channels. Her book “No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power,” published in 2020, provides royalty income.
As a public speaker, Sanders commands fees between $15,000 and $24,999 per engagement, which contributes significantly to her annual earnings.
She previously served as principal of 360 Group LLC, which provided strategic communications consulting to organizations, businesses, and campaigns.
Brand partnerships, including reported collaboration with Aerie, add additional income streams, though specific compensation figures remain private.
Her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting her successful career in politics and media.
Primary Profession Earnings
MSNBC hosting currently constitutes Sanders’s primary source of income, with her salary ranging from $57,000 to $150,000.
Her weekend show and weekday appearances provide stable revenue.
Her previous roles in the Biden administration and Harris’s office involved government-scale salaries, which typically offer lower compensation than those in the private sector.
Symone Sanders’s Most Lucrative Projects/Seasons/Roles
Sanders’s transition to MSNBC in January 2022 marked her most financially advantageous career move.
Her show, “Symone,” debuted in May 2022 and later evolved into “The Weekend” in January 2024.
Her role as Vice President Harris’s chief spokesperson and senior advisor (2020-2021) represented a prestigious government position, although it likely came with lower compensation than her subsequent media career.
The CNN commentator position (2016-2019) was a breakthrough role, positioning her as a nationally recognized political analyst during a contentious election cycle.
Her 2020 book deal for “No, You Shut Up” likely provided advance payment and ongoing royalties, supplementing her government salary during that period.
Highest-Paying Projects or Roles
The MSNBC hosting role represents Sanders’s highest-paying position to date, and her February 2025 promotion to the weekday 7 PM slot could potentially lead to an increase in her compensation.
Her public speaking engagements, which command fees of $15,000-$24,999 per appearance, provide a lucrative supplemental income for relatively limited time commitments.
Contract Details and Negotiation Highlights
While specific terms of Sanders’s MSNBC contract remain private, her agreement reportedly includes hosting “The Weekend” and contributing to other network programming as needed.
In February 2025, MSNBC expanded her role to include co-hosting a weekday 7 PM program, likely representing a contract enhancement or renegotiation with improved terms.
Industry standards suggest that her contract likely includes exclusivity provisions, guaranteeing MSNBC her exclusive rights to political commentary.
However, it may also allow her to engage in outside activities, such as speaking engagements.
Her representation during network negotiations has not been publicly disclosed, though high-profile political figures transitioning to media often secure agents specializing in news personalities.
Notable Negotiation Strategies
Sanders’s MSNBC deal strategically leveraged her White House experience and established media presence at CNN, positioning her for a hosting role rather than contributor status.
Her rapid rise from weekend programming to prime weekday slots within three years demonstrates successful performance-based contract leverage.
This also showcases network confidence in her appeal.
Taxation and Take-Home Earnings
As a Washington D.C. resident, Sanders faces a combined federal and district tax burden that significantly impacts her take-home earnings from her MSNBC salary.
D.C.’s progressive income tax reaches 10.75% for high earners, combining with federal rates to potentially reduce their net income by approximately 35-40%.
Self-employment income from speaking engagements and consulting may be subject to additional taxation; however, business expense deductions may potentially offset this.
Sanders likely employs financial advisors to optimize tax strategies given her diverse income streams from media, speaking, and publishing.
Her marriage to Shawn Townsend in 2022 may provide tax advantages through joint filing, depending on their respective income levels.
Estimated After-Tax Income
Assuming Sanders earns near the upper end of her reported salary range ($150,000), her after-tax income from MSNBC is likely to fall between $90,000 and $110,000 annually.
Additional income streams from speaking and book royalties would be taxed separately.
Potential deductions for business expenses and retirement contributions may offset some tax liability.
Conclusion
Symone Sanders-Townsend’s financials mirror her strategic career growth from local Nebraska politics to national media prominence.
Her MSNBC hosting role represents her most lucrative position to date, and she could earn more following her February 2025 promotion to a weekday primetime slot.
Her diversified income streams, including speaking engagements, book royalties, and consulting work, have contributed to her financial success.
Her career exemplifies success in both the political and media spheres, with each transition elevating her professional impact and financial standing.
From youngest presidential press secretary to primetime host, Sanders continues to capitalize on her expertise and public recognition.
