David Letterman
- Net worth $460 million
- Birthday April 12, 1947
- Status Married
- Country United States
- Ethnicity German, Irish, English
- Source(-s) of wealth Comedian, Producer, Television Host, Writer
How much is David Letterman Worth? David Letterman Net Worth in 2026
David Letterman’s net worth is estimated at $460 million as of October 2026. Letterman is an American television host, comedian and producer who hosted late-night talk shows for 33 years. He now hosts the Netflix interview series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, which premiered a sixth season in December 2025.
| Net worth | About $460 million (estimate) |
|---|---|
| Estimated annual income | Mainly from his Netflix series, production company and investments |
| Born | April 12, 1947, Indianapolis, Indiana (age 79) |
| Country | United States |
| Occupations / sources of wealth | Television host, comedian, writer, producer |
| Known for | Hosting Late Night and Late Show, with the most episodes of any late-night host |
How much is David Letterman worth in 2026?
David Letterman’s net worth is estimated at about $460 million as of October 2026. Most of his wealth came from decades as the host of two late-night shows and from his production company, Worldwide Pants, which also produced other programs.
Estimates vary, and this figure is an approximation.
David Letterman in 2026: what they’ve been up to
- December 2025: Season 6 of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction premiered on December 16, following a standalone episode with Adam Sandler on December 1.
- February 2025: appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
- 2018 to present: hosts the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, long-form interviews with guests.
How David Letterman makes money
- Late-night hosting: 33 years across NBC and CBS, with 6,080 total episodes of Late Night and Late Show.
- Worldwide Pants: the production company he founded in 1991, which produced Late Show and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
- Netflix: pay from My Next Guest Needs No Introduction; no figure is available.
- Investments: personal investments and real estate; no figures are available.
Career timeline
- 1969: graduated from Ball State University and began as an Indianapolis radio and TV anchor and weatherman.
- 1975: moved to Los Angeles and performed at The Comedy Store.
- 1980: The David Letterman Show aired on NBC and was canceled after a few months.
- 1982 to 1993: hosted Late Night with David Letterman on NBC, debuting February 1, 1982.
- 1991: founded Worldwide Pants.
- 1993 to 2015: hosted Late Show with David Letterman on CBS.
- 2012: received the Kennedy Center Honors Medallion.
- 2015: retired on May 20, succeeded by Stephen Colbert.
- 2017: gave the induction speech for Pearl Jam at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 2018: began hosting My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on January 12.
Early life and background
David Letterman was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Harry Joseph Letterman, a florist, and Dorothy Marie Mengering, a church secretary. He grew up on the north side of Indianapolis and worked as a stock boy at a local supermarket while attending Broad Ripple High School.
He attended Ball State University, where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated in 1969 from the radio and television department. He began in broadcasting as an announcer on the student radio station and then worked as a talk show host, anchor and weatherman in Indianapolis.
Personal life
Letterman is married and has one child.
David Letterman net worth FAQ
What is David Letterman’s net worth?
David Letterman’s net worth is estimated at about $460 million as of October 2026. Estimates vary.
How does David Letterman make money?
Through his late-night legacy and production company Worldwide Pants, his Netflix series and investments.
How old is David Letterman?
David Letterman was born on April 12, 1947, so he is 79 years old as of October 2026.
Where is David Letterman from?
He was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana.
What is David Letterman doing now?
He hosts the Netflix series My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, which premiered its sixth season in December 2025.
How is David Letterman’s net worth estimated?
It is estimated from public reporting on his show earnings, company assets and investments. It is an approximation.
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How we estimate net worth
Our estimates are based on public reporting, company valuations, and deal and earnings figures all compiled in an internal valuation model. They are approximate, and figures change over time as new information emerges.
Last updated: October 2026.