Trevor Noah's net worth would have him laughing all the way to the bank
Growing up in poverty in South Africa, Trevor Noah revealed on "60 Minutes" that he was sometimes forced to eat mopane worms. "Living poorly in a poor group or community is not as hard as living poorly knowing what you're missing. As a kid, I used to play car games with bricks. It was one of the most fun games I ever had," he explains. "What I hated was when I couldn't eat anything else and my mom would say, 'We don't have money for chicken, so you're going to have to eat these mopane worms for a while longer.'"
Despite his financial struggles as a child, the comedian has now built a substantial income through his witty, thoughtful humor and storytelling talent. During his seven-year run as host of "The Daily Show," Noah sparked global discussions on culture, politics, and identity. His influence (and income) has only grown. Here's everything we know about Trevor Noah's net worth and financial movements.
How Did Trevor Noah Rise to Fame?
Trevor Noah's rise to fame comes through a combination of a sharp sense of humor and tireless hard work. Born in apartheid-era Johannesburg in 1984 to a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father, Noah's very existence was illegal. In his 2016 memoir, "Born a Crime," Noah explains that South Africa's immorality laws at the time made the couple's interracial relationship illegal.
As a result, Noah was raised primarily in Soweto by his mother and grandmother (Encyclopedia Britannica). Because of his mixed heritage, he often had to hide from authorities to avoid prosecution. These hardships shaped Noah's worldview. "We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream what you can imagine. And depending on where you come from, your imagination can be very limited," he writes in his memoir, "Born a Crime."
According to a South African newspaper, this multi-talented comedian's career began with a small role in the soap opera "Isidingo" in 2002. He began his career as a radio and television host before moving into stand-up comedy. His bold nightclub performances led him down a new path, selling out comedy shows in his native South Africa. According to OkayAfrica, his breakthrough came in 2009 with a solo show called "The Daywalker" in Johannesburg. In January 2012, he became the first South African comedian to appear on "The Tonight Show."
South African Star Elegantly Succeeds Jon Stewart in 2015
Trevor Noah's breakout role on "The Daily Show" began in March 2015, when he was named host. According to the BBC, he officially took over the iconic role from Jon Stewart in September of the same year. At just 31 years old, Noah skillfully blended biting political commentary with his signature South African humor, bringing a fresh, international perspective to the beloved satirical news show.
Ultimately, his debut was met with mixed reactions. Some critics felt his jokes weren't as biting as Stewart's famously sarcastic style, but many praised his smooth transition and on-screen presence. The role significantly boosted Noah's celebrity status. However, as Parade magazine reports, it didn't immediately translate into significant earnings.
"I remember saying, 'We need to figure out what we're going to do if we take a pay cut,' and they were like, 'What do you mean, take a pay cut? You're going to be the host of The Daily Show, right?'" Noah said in a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I said, 'Yeah, maybe it's not going to cut it for Americans, but I think you could make it in the rest of the world.'
Why did Trevor Noah leave "The Daily Show"?
Trevor Noah left "The Daily Show" to reclaim creative freedom and pursue other interests away from the demanding work of late-night television. "A lot of corporate and media outlets in America are like, 'Keep it up as long as you can,'" he told The Hollywood Reporter. "I think it's healthy to end things while they're good. I want to quit before I burn out."
He expressed a strong desire to travel, do stand-up comedy, and learn a new language. Behind the scenes, Noah and network executives discussed granting him more flexibility, but it quickly became clear to those involved that his passion for the show format was waning.
After leaving, Noah embarked on a new chapter in his career. He secured a book deal for new projects, hosted the Grammy Awards, and solidified his foothold in the audio and music industries. Additionally, Noah embarked on a stand-up tour, fulfilling a deep-seated desire to connect with audiences through live comedy.
Noah also joined Spotify's roster of podcasters and recently moved to SiriusXM, expanding his digital reach and using this medium to explore topics he is passionate about in a more intimate format.
Trevor Noah has also achieved great success in real estate. His keen eye for the industry is evident in his 2017 New York-based career, when he was at the height of his popularity as a television personality, and he made waves with his $10 million penthouse in Hell's Kitchen. The apartment, located on the 17th and 18th floors of the historic Art Deco Stella Tower, begins with a gallery at the main entrance. According to 6Sqft, the second floor is divided into living and entertainment spaces, with a spacious living room at the top, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling casement windows and custom French oak flooring. The three-bedroom duplex condominium also boasts a 92-square-meter terrace with a pool.
A few years later, he acquired a $27.5 million mansion in Bel Air. It boasted spectacular views and luxurious finishes, which he later sold for a profit. According to Business Insider, the 11,000-square-foot mansion featured six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and amenities like an infinity pool, a media screening room, a spa, and a study. These high-value investments confirm a wise approach to investing and preserving wealth.
What is Trevor Noah's net worth and annual salary?
His initial annual salary as host of "The Daily Show" was between $5 million and $8 million per season. After a 2017 renegotiation, that figure jumped to $16 million per year, a figure he maintained until his departure in 2022. Since then, his stand-up specials have brought in millions of dollars through streaming and tour revenue. His 2024 "Off the Record Tour," for example, grossed approximately $29.7 million from approximately 94 shows worldwide, making him one of the highest-paid comedians of the year. The worldwide demand for his live performances has further fueled his income.
According to reliable sources, Trevor Noah's net worth is approximately $100 million. This reflects show appearance fees, tour earnings, book royalties, production deals, and rising real estate values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest comedian?
The title of richest comedian in 2025 will go to Jerry Seinfeld, who will have a net worth of $900 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Seinfeld's wealth comes primarily from syndication and streaming deals for his eponymous sitcom, as well as successful stand-up tours and other media ventures.
Who will be the new host of "The Daily Show"?
Currently, the show rotates between hosts Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper, Michael Costa, and Desi Riddick, with Jon Stewart occasionally hosting. ScreenRant reports that comedian Josh Johnson will also be taking over as host.