As Hoda Kotb prepares to leave Today after nearly two decades, Craig Melvin is stepping into a new and highly coveted role. 

Announced as Kotb’s replacement in November, Melvin will officially take over as co-anchor of Today’s flagship hours on January 11, 2025.

During the announcement, Melvin expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. 

“I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings,” he told Today viewers. 

Kotb, who has worked closely with Melvin for years, was quick to offer her support, telling him, “You have all the things this job needs. 

You are the right person for it.” Fellow anchor Savannah Guthrie echoed her sentiments, praising Melvin as “talented, wonderful, and hardworking.”

With his promotion, Melvin is not only gaining a more prominent role on the beloved morning show, but he is also likely to receive a significant salary increase. Today’s co-anchor positions are among the highest-paid in morning television, placing their stars alongside some of the industry’s biggest earners.

Craig Melvin’s Current Salary and Potential Pay Raise

According to Parade, Melvin currently earns around $3 million annually. However, with his transition to the main desk, his paycheck is expected to increase substantially. When Kotb first took over as Today’s co-anchor in 2018, her salary was reportedly $7 million per year—more than double Melvin’s current earnings.

Given this precedent, Melvin’s new contract is expected to reflect a significant pay raise, likely placing him in the upper tier of television news salaries. While exact figures have yet to be disclosed, his earnings may soon rival those of other high-profile anchors.

How Craig Melvin’s New Salary Compares to Other Top TV Anchors

Melvin’s anticipated salary increase will put him in the company of some of the highest-paid news personalities on television. Here’s how he compares to other top male anchors in the industry:

David Muir ($8 million per year) – As the anchor of World News Tonight on ABC, Muir commands a reported $8 million annually, according to Celebrity Net Worth. In addition to hosting World News Tonight, he contributes to 20/20 and special ABC news coverage.

Lester Holt ($10 million per year) – The NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC anchor earns approximately $10 million a year, as reported by The US Sun. Holt has been with NBC since 2000 and serves as the managing editor for the network’s flagship evening newscast.

Anderson Cooper ($12 million per year) – CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 host brings in around $12 million annually, according to The Wrap. In addition to his nightly program, Cooper is a staple of CNN’s New Year’s Eve coverage alongside Andy Cohen.

George Stephanopoulos ($15 million per year) – The Good Morning America co-anchor and host of This Week with George Stephanopoulos reportedly earns $15 million a year, per The Wrap. In 2019, he signed a four-year contract with ABC valued at approximately $65 million.

Michael Strahan ($20 million per year) – The former NFL star turned television personality is one of the highest-paid figures in morning television. As a co-anchor on Good Morning America and an analyst on Fox NFL Sunday, Strahan earns a reported $20 million annually, according to the International Business Times. His additional role as host of The $100,000 Pyramid further contributes to his income.

What Craig Melvin’s Promotion Means for Today

Melvin’s promotion marks a new chapter for Today, which has undergone significant changes in recent months. Kotb’s departure is one of the most notable shifts in the show’s lineup, and Melvin’s move to the main desk is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the morning broadcast.

Fans of Today have long appreciated Melvin’s professionalism, warmth, and ability to connect with viewers. His promotion is a testament to his years of dedication to the show, where he has built a strong rapport with his colleagues and audience alike.

With this new role, Melvin will take on greater responsibilities, helping to shape the tone and direction of Today in the years to come. His potential salary increase reflects the high expectations that come with the job, as he steps into one of the most prestigious positions in morning television.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Craig Melvin prepares to take over Hoda Kotb’s role, all eyes are on how he will navigate this new opportunity. His promotion not only solidifies his status as one of the industry’s top anchors, but it also comes with the potential for a significant financial boost.

While official salary details remain under wraps, it is clear that Melvin’s earnings will rise significantly, bringing him closer to the ranks of television’s highest-paid news personalities. For Today fans, the transition represents a fresh era for the show, with Melvin at the helm of one of the most-watched morning programs in the country.

With his experience, charisma, and journalistic expertise, Craig Melvin is poised to make his mark as the newest face of Today. And with his likely salary boost, he’s joining an elite club of television’s top earners—one headline at a time.

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