Many Fox News viewers want to know about Carley Shimkus's salary. The media industry's compensation patterns have always made audiences curious, and I've noticed this trend throughout my coverage of the field.
A look at Carley Shimkus's Fox News salary reveals some specific numbers worth noting. Recent reliable sources show she makes about $80,287 each year. This translates to $38.60 per hour, $1,543 weekly, or $6,690 monthly. Some sources suggest different figures, pointing out that Fox News anchors and reporters usually earn around $68,263.
Let's take a closer look at Shimkus's compensation package in this piece, particularly since she stepped up as co-host of Fox & Friends First in November 2021. Her career path tells an interesting story that started with modeling and led to her becoming a familiar face on one of America's leading news networks.
Carley Shimkus: Quick Profile Overview
Carley Shimkus stands out among Fox News personalities with her own remarkable story that adds a fresh perspective to the network's morning shows. Let's learn about her and the experience that made her one of Fox's familiar faces.
Full name, age, and background
Carley Noelle Shimkus was born on November 7, 1986, making her 38 years old at the time of 2025. Her roots trace back to Long Valley, New Jersey, where she grew up in a multicultural home that shaped her career goals. Her family's home location played a vital role in her upbringing – situated on a stunning 100-acre protected plot of land.
Long Valley's beauty made a lasting mark on Shimkus. "When I grew up and I moved to the city, and then I went back to my parents' house, I was so appreciative of the area I grew up in because it's just gorgeous," she shared. She maintains this connection to her hometown even as her TV news career soars.
Her rich cultural heritage adds depth to her work. Her father, Edward Shimkus, a chemist, brings Lithuanian heritage, while her mother, Zulma Aponte Shimkus, a former flight attendant, has Puerto Rican roots. This mix of cultures exposed her to different viewpoints and foods that shaped her professional values.
Education and early interests
After graduating from West Morris Central High School in 2005, Shimkus headed to Quinnipiac University. Her "Wolfpack" days included active student council participation and memorable football games, especially against rival West Morris Mendham.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Quinnipiac in 2009. "I always knew I wanted to work in TV news," she told Fox News' Dana Perino, showing her early career certainty.
Her path briefly led her to modeling before she committed to broadcast journalism. Though she appeared in print ads for a costume store, she chose not to pursue it further. "It was a fun experience but not in the cards for me," she said.
Family and personal life
Shimkus's life extends beyond her career success. She tied the knot with Peter Buchignani on August 8, 2015. Their story began at her 23rd birthday celebration, where Buchignani "saved the day" during the party.
Their wedding celebrated their shared love for University of Michigan football. Though neither attended the school (Buchignani went to Princeton and Shimkus to Quinnipiac), they embraced their fandom on their big day. "My husband is a diehard fan," Shimkus said. "We walked out to the Michigan fight song on our wedding day at his request!"
The couple welcomed their first child, son Brock Edward, in February 2023. Shimkus manages her early morning Fox News schedule while raising her son. "I mean I don't ever sleep," she joked, "but I get to devote time to two things that I love so much because my early morning schedule allows me to work when he's sleeping".
The Shimkus family calls New York home, where Carley juggles her busy career with family life. Her rise from a small New Jersey town to national news shows how talent, education, and family support can lead to success in media.
How Carley Shimkus Started Her Career at Fox News
Carley Shimkus's path from college graduate to Fox News personality started with a game-changing internship that shaped her entire career. She showed grit and was willing to start at entry-level positions. This dedication helped her become the on-screen personality millions of viewers know today.
Internship and early roles
A life-changing internship at Fox News in Washington D.C. came Shimkus's way during her junior year at Quinnipiac University. This chance helped cement her career goals. "They really put me to work in such a positive way and taught me a lot about TV," she remembered about the internship. Fox News had been part of Shimkus's life well before her professional career—the network played regularly in her home growing up, with Fox & Friends being part of her morning routine before school.
Shimkus chased her dream job right after graduating in 2009. She reached out to Fox News's Human Resources Department to ask about any open positions. Luck smiled when a 'Green Room Greeter' role opened at the Fox Business Network. Though entry-level, she took the position knowing it could lead to bigger things.
"Your job is to coordinate with the producers and bring the guests from when they first come into the lobby to different greenrooms and let the producers know that they're there," Shimkus explained. "It's an entry-level position, but a very good job. I loved it, and I loved being a part of it". This modest start let her meet guests and talent who visited the network.
Her next role came working with radio legend Don Imus on his long-running show, Imus in the Morning, which Fox Business Network had picked up for syndication. She started as a production assistant and showed remarkable dedication—getting to work between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m..
Transition to on-air reporting
Imus saw Shimkus's dream of being on camera and gave her some of her first on-air chances. Her charm and natural camera presence caught everyone's attention quickly. She stood out for her work ethic and journalistic skills behind the scenes.
Her hard work paid off with a promotion to associate producer by 2012. She also produced the show's "Man on the Street" segment. This helped her develop content creation skills and learn about news production.
Moving from behind-the-scenes to on-camera roles marked a turning point in Shimkus's career. Her professional look and journalistic abilities made her perfect for television anchoring.
Key promotions over the years
Network executives noticed Shimkus's talent and gave her more responsibilities. She reported for Fox News Headlines 24/7, covering social media trends and entertainment news across shows like FOX & Friends and Mediabuzz.
She filled in as an anchor on Fox News and co-hosted Fox Nation, the network's streaming service. Each new role showed how adaptable and committed she was to quality work.
October 2021 brought Shimkus's biggest break—she became co-host of FOX & Friends First with Todd Piro. This promotion put her at the front of the network's live weekday morning shows. The role demands an early schedule, waking up around 1 a.m. on workdays.
Shimkus has grown both as a journalist and seen the program evolve since taking this key role. Her salary grew with each promotion, though exact numbers stayed private throughout her career.
Shimkus's story from intern to anchor shows how determination, starting at the bottom, and consistent excellence can lead to success in broadcast journalism's competitive world.
What Shows Does Carley Shimkus Appear On?
Carley Shimkus has climbed the ranks at Fox News, and her screen time has expanded to multiple programs. Her appearances on different shows have boosted her professional visibility, which has impacted her estimated carley shimkus salary in 2025 by a lot.
Fox & Friends First
Shimkus co-hosts Fox & Friends First with Todd Piro. The early morning program airs weekdays at 5 AM ET and kicks off the network's live weekday programming. This hour-long show serves as a pre-show to Fox News' flagship morning program, Fox & Friends.
She took on this co-hosting role in 2021, marking a big step up in her career. The show's viewership has stayed strong under her watch—during its first week in 2012, it drew more total viewers than CNN and MSNBC's combined numbers in the same time slot.
The program used to air from 4-6 AM ET, but Fox News made changes in June 2023. The network dropped the 4 AM hour, keeping the 5-6 AM ET slot with Shimkus and Piro as co-hosts. This schedule change shows the network's trust in their hosting skills, which could mean good things for the carley shimkus fox news salary structure.
Guest appearances on other Fox shows
Shimkus doesn't just stick to Fox & Friends First. She delivers news updates on Fox & Friends (weekdays, 6-9 AM ET). Her segments cover social media trends, entertainment news, and consumer business updates.
Before this role, she reported for Fox News Headlines 24/7. She covered social media trends and entertainment news on several network shows, including:
- Fox & Friends
- Mediabuzz
Shimkus has shown she can handle many roles at Fox News. She's filled in as anchor on various Fox News Channel programs, which has helped her gain broadcasting experience and likely improved her pay package.
She's also co-hosted for Fox Nation, Fox's subscription streaming service. This role on their digital platform shows she can adapt as networks create more content for streaming audiences.
Her early career included work on the Imus in the Morning show with Bernard McGuirk, Sid, and Lou Rufino. This experience shaped her broadcasting style and set her up for bigger roles at the network.
Special event hosting
Shimkus has taken on special event coverage too. She co-hosted Fox News's Countdown to All-American New Year with Griff Jenkins in 2018, proving she could handle live special events.
She's branched out into writing. Her new book "Cooking with Friends: Eat, Drink & Be Merry" features recipes from Fox News personalities. Fox News Books published it on October 10, featuring "more than 75 mouthwatering, homespun recipes from the FOX family".
Shimkus joined Griff Jenkins for a LiveSigning event on November 9 to promote the book. She called the cookbook "such a full-circle moment" and remembered watching cooking segments on Fox & Friends as a teenager.
The project gives viewers a peek into Fox personalities' lives outside work. "You do get to learn a little bit more about your coworkers when going back and seeing their favorite recipe," she said. This move into publishing adds another income stream to her TV salary.
Carley Shimkus Fox News Salary in 2025
Money plays a vital role in TV personalities' pay, and the carley shimkus salary figures give us a clear picture of how Fox News compensates their on-air talent. Her compensation package shows both her career growth and the network's pay structure.
Estimated annual salary
The actual carley shimkus fox news salary varies based on different sources. Reports suggest her annual salary stands at approximately $80,287. This amount shows Fox News's investment in their morning show co-host talent.
All the same, other sources paint a different picture. Some reports put her yearly pay between $96,000 and $150,000. These numbers reflect her roles as a co-host, news anchor, and headline reporter for the network.
Some industry analyzes suggest lower annual earnings between $70,000 and $80,000. These different figures likely come from varied reporting methods and the private nature of network salary information.
Her promotion to co-host of Fox & Friends First in 2021 likely brought a pay increase, though the exact percentage remains private. Her net worth in 2025 ranges between $1 million and $2 million, which shows her Fox News salary makes up much of her wealth.
Hourly and monthly breakdown
A closer look at Shimkus's pay shows her reported annual salary breaks down to:
- $38.60 per hour
- $1,543 per week
- $6,690 per month
These numbers show substantial growth from entry-level network positions. Fox News production assistants earn about $45,722 yearly or $22 hourly. This highlights the financial growth possible through career advancement at the network.
ZipRecruiter data shows Fox News anchors' average hourly pay varies widely, with some earning around $23.38 per hour. Experience, popularity, and specific roles substantially influence these pay packages.
Comparison with other Fox anchors
Fox News anchors typically earn $75,000 yearly or $36 hourly. The network pays anchors 26% more than the national anchor average ($58,000) and 13% above what most Americans earn.
The network's producers earn about $85,373 yearly, making it one of the highest-paid positions. The network-wide median salary for anchors and reporters sits at $68,263, which suggests Shimkus earns above average.
NBC leads the industry with anchor salaries around $81,000 yearly, while Clear Channel offers lower pay at $36,000. Fox News stays competitive in the industry, shown by their 3.7 out of 5 stars employee rating for compensation and benefits.
Fox News anchor salaries nationwide range from $28,500 (25th percentile) to $57,500 (75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make up to $110,000 yearly. Shimkus's prominent morning show position likely puts her pay near the top of this range.
How Carley Shimkus Built Her Net Worth
Success in media requires smart career choices and multiple ways to earn money. Carley Shimkus built her wealth through a well-planned career path and smart money decisions.
Primary income sources
Fox News compensation package serves as the life-blood of Shimkus's financial portfolio. She has managed to keep substantial financial stability through her broadcasting career, with a reported net worth between $1 million and $2 million. Her earnings as co-host of Fox & Friends First are the foundations of her wealth-building strategy.
Each promotion at Fox brought bigger paychecks. She started as a production assistant in 2009 and became an associate producer in 2012. The real money started flowing when she landed the Fox & Friends First co-host position, which put her in the anchor category with higher earnings.
Mid-level Fox News contributors usually earn between $75,000 and $120,000 yearly. National cable program anchors can make between $150,000 and $200,000. Shimkus likely gets extra money through contract bonuses tied to ratings or contract renewals—a common practice in broadcast journalism.
Book and media projects
Shimkus expanded beyond her Fox News salary with publishing ventures. She released "Cooking with Friends: Eat, Drink & Be Merry" in October 2023, a cookbook showcasing Fox News personalities' recipes. Fox News Books partnered with Harper Collins to create this collection of over 75 recipes curated by Shimkus.
New authors typically receive 5% to 15% of each book sale. The cookbook features her personal recipes that reflect her multicultural roots—her mother's "very famous Arroz con Frijoles," grandmother's Apple Cake, and father's Linguine with Clam Sauce.
Book promotion included a LiveSigning event and special Fox programming features. These appearances likely brought in extra fees while boosting her network presence.
This book launch proved a smart career move that built her brand beyond news into lifestyle content. "I was pregnant with my first child at the time," Shimkus shared about the book deal, calling it a "full-circle" moment in her career.
Sponsorships or brand deals
Available information shows Shimkus focuses mainly on her Fox News work instead of chasing external brand partnerships. Her strategy favors growing within the network rather than seeking outside commercial deals.
Regular appearances on Fox & Friends, Gutfeld!, Hannity, Outnumbered and America's Newsroom boost her visibility and network value. This exposure often leads to better pay during contract talks.
Morning shows bring in big advertising money, and Shimkus's role as co-host of early programming strengthens her position in compensation negotiations.
Fox continues to expand her role, including co-hosting events like Countdown to All-American New Year in 2018. This shows the network's investment in her talent and helps grow her financial stability and net worth.
Her Short-Lived Modeling Career
Carley Shimkus stands 5'10" tall. Her height could have led her to the fashion runway, but she found her way to the Fox News newsroom instead. This short stint in modeling adds an interesting chapter to her life story before she landed her well-paying job at Fox News.
Why she tried modeling
Her height played a big role in pushing her toward modeling. "Because of my height, I figured I'd give modeling a try when I was in high school," she once explained. At 5 feet 10 inches—the same height as many Victoria's Secret models—Shimkus had the natural build that fashion industry values.
Her teenage years brought several chances her way. Her looks and tall frame naturally drew attention from the modeling world. Yes, it is these physical attributes that made her explore the fashion industry as a possible career path.
Shimkus took a practical approach to this career exploration. She knew her physical features might open some doors worth checking out. Like many teens, she tried different career options before finding what she really loved.
Notable gigs and experiences
We don't know much about Shimkus's modeling portfolio, but one job stands out. She posed for a costume store in what she called a "goth-style get-up". This Party City shoot became a favorite family story.
"My family still gets a kick out of this picture and likes to pass it around from time to time," Shimkus shared about the costume store photoshoot. She keeps a good sense of humor about this early career try, and shows appreciation for the chance: "I think it's pretty funny, and I will be forever grateful to Party City for hiring me".
The Party City gig seems to be one of the few known jobs from her short modeling career. This brief time in modeling taught her valuable lessons about working in front of cameras, though quite different from her current news role.
Why she left the industry
Shimkus learned that modeling wasn't her true path. "It was a fun experience but not in the cards for me," she openly shared. Her clear understanding of her strengths and interests helped guide her toward her successful career today.
She found her real passion lay in journalism and current events rather than fashion. This realization pushed her to study broadcast journalism and look for opportunities there.
She told Fox Nation that she had "always been a fan of the network," which shows her move from modeling to news matched her interests better. Her height might have pointed her to modeling first, but her heart pulled her toward journalism.
Looking back, this short modeling chapter gave her skills that helped in her TV career. She learned to be comfortable on camera, handle public image, and figure out what she really wanted to do—all these skills now contribute to her success and earnings at Fox News.
Public Perception and Media Presence
Carley Shimkus has developed a substantial public presence that adds to her value as a media personality beyond her Fox News salary. She connects with viewers naturally, reaching well beyond her morning show desk.
Social media following
Carley manages to keep an active Instagram presence and shares glimpses of her professional and personal life. Her social media style is different from her colleagues because she rarely posts completely makeup-free photos. Her followers noticed she had some light makeup even in casual selfies showing her bedhead hair from 2014. Her Instagram account gives fans a peek into her development since 2012, with occasional throwback photos from before she joined Fox.
Public image and fan base
Shimkus shares a special connection with Fox News that started before she worked there. She watched the network with her family while growing up. "My family watched Fox News while I was growing up. When I was in high school, I would watch Fox & Friends when I was eating breakfast, and Fox News would be on when I came home from school, and it would be on during dinner". This long-time viewership helps her strike a chord with her audience naturally.
She sees herself among the network's respected female personalities and humbly states, "If I even have a small, little corner of that incredible Mount Rushmore of women, I count myself lucky". The network's culture feels more like family than competition to Shimkus. "It's never a competition; it's always been a family. Everybody brings a little something different".
Media interviews and features
Shimkus expanded her media presence with her cookbook "Cooking with Friends: Eat, Drink & Be Merry," which came out on October 10. She highlighted the shared nature of the project during promotional interviews, stating, "Well, first of all, it's not really my cookbook — it's our cookbook". The book features over 75 recipes from Fox News personalities.
This cookbook project brings back memories of her teenage years when she watched cooking segments on Fox & Friends. She loves how the project helps fans learn about Fox personalities beyond their news roles. "You do get to learn a little bit more about your coworkers when going back and seeing their favorite recipe".
How Her Career Reflects Fox News Trends
Dissecting Carley Shimkus's professional journey gives us a clear picture of Fox News's broader talent development approach. Her path from production assistant to morning show co-host shows the network's proven strategy to develop internal talent.
Fox's investment in morning talent
Morning programming plays a vital role in capturing loyal viewership at Fox News. The network made a strategic move by pairing Shimkus with Todd Piro on FOX & Friends First to "kick off the network's live weekday programming". This decision shows smart business thinking—viewers often build stronger connections with anchors they watch early in the day. This fact makes the carley shimkus salary a smart investment to keep the audience engaged.
Role of women anchors at Fox
Fox News has built clear career paths for women broadcasters over the years. The Women@FOXNews program, which started in December 2017, brings female employees and executives together for monthly breakfasts to "encourage dialog among them".
Shimkus speaks positively about this supportive environment: "It's never a competition; it's always been a family". She looks up to successful colleagues like Martha MacCallum, Harris Faulkner, and Emily Compagno as part of an "incredible Mount Rushmore of women".
What her rise says about the network
The carley shimkus fox news salary shows Fox's strategic approach to talent development. Shimkus fits perfectly as a network "insider" who watched Fox growing up. She represents the network's focus on authentic voices that truly connect with their core audience.
Conclusion
Carley Shimkus's experience from Fox News intern to morning show co-host shows how determination and talent can shape a career in broadcast journalism. Her annual salary of $80,287 exceeds the network's median anchor pay. On top of that, her net worth ranges between $1-2 million, thanks to smart career moves and diverse projects like her new cookbook.
Shimkus's authentic connection with viewers makes her valuable to Fox News. The network's approach to talent development shines through her story – they spot promising talent and help them grow into prominent on-air roles. Fox News's commitment to foster female broadcasting talent becomes clear, especially when you have women moving from production roles to becoming familiar faces on screen.
The sort of thing I love about Shimkus's career path is its authenticity. She tried modeling because of her 5'10" height but ended up following her true passion for journalism. This genuine approach shows in her on-air presence, where she uses her multicultural background and lifelong Fox viewership to build real connections with audiences.
Numbers tell one part of her success story, but Shimkus's growth from production assistant to trusted morning show personality tells another. Her advancement through Fox's ranks gives us great insights into modern broadcast journalism careers. We have a long way to go, but we can build on this progress as Fox News evolves.
Without doubt, Shimkus represents one of their soaring wins – a homegrown talent whose authentic voice and professional growth reflect the network's way of building lasting audience relationships.
FAQs
Q1. What is Carley Shimkus's estimated net worth in 2025?
Carley Shimkus's net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $2 million as of 2025, reflecting her successful career at Fox News and other ventures.
Q2. How much does Carley Shimkus earn annually at Fox News?
According to recent estimates, Carley Shimkus's annual salary at Fox News is approximately $80,287, which breaks down to about $38.60 per hour or $6,690 monthly.
Q3. What is Carley Shimkus's primary role at Fox News?
Carley Shimkus currently serves as the co-host of Fox & Friends First, which airs weekdays at 5 AM ET, kicking off the network's live weekday programming.
Q4. Has Carley Shimkus pursued any projects outside of her Fox News duties?
Yes, Shimkus recently released a cookbook titled "Cooking with Friends: Eat, Drink & Be Merry," featuring recipes from Fox News personalities, which has likely contributed to her income and public profile.
Q5. How did Carley Shimkus start her career at Fox News?
Shimkus began her career at Fox News as an intern during her junior year of college. After graduation, she secured an entry-level position as a 'Green Room Greeter' and gradually worked her way up through various roles before becoming an on-air personality.
