Jim Acosta is a name that resonates with many as one of most prominent journalists in United States. Known for his outspoken style and bold coverage of politics, Acosta has made a name for himself as CNN’s chief domestic correspondent. With a career spanning several decades, Acosta has witnessed some of most pivotal moments in U.S. political history, all while maintaining a reputation as a dedicated journalist committed to truth. But how did he get to where he is today? What is Jim Acosta’s Net Worth? And what does his personal life look like in 2025? Let’s take a closer look.
Who Is Jim Acosta?
Born on April 17, 1971, in Washington, D.C., Jim Acosta has always been involved in communication and journalism. Growing up in nation’s capital, it’s no surprise that he developed an interest in world of politics and news early on. Acosta attended James Madison University in Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mass communications. This laid foundation for a long and successful career in media.
Initially, Acosta worked in radio before transitioning to local television news stations. His on-air skills were evident early on, and he quickly moved up in industry. But it was his shift to national coverage that really cemented his career. Before joining CNN in 2007, he worked as a correspondent for CBS News, where he gained valuable experience covering political events and national news.
Jim Acosta’s Role at CNN
In March 2007, Jim Acosta joined CNN, where his career would truly take off. He began covering 2008 presidential election, a defining moment for both network and his career. Acosta’s role in political coverage only grew over time, and by time 2012 election rolled around, he was already well-known for his on-the-ground reporting. His team’s Emmy Award win for their coverage of 2012 election was a testament to Acosta’s abilities as a journalist and his dedication to craft.
Acosta’s career at CNN has been marked by significant milestones. He rose through ranks, serving as network’s national political correspondent before eventually becoming CNN’s chief White House correspondent. Throughout Obama and Trump administrations, Acosta was at forefront of covering White House. His work included attending presidential press conferences, conducting interviews with heads of state, and reporting on critical issues facing Executive Branch.
One of Acosta’s most memorable moments came during his coverage of Trump administration. Acosta became known for his confrontational and often tense interactions with former President Donald Trump during press briefings. His direct questioning and refusal to back down made him a target of criticism from some, but also earned him praise from others for standing firm in face of adversity. His ability to challenge political figures, often in face of hostility, solidified his reputation as a fearless journalist.
Acosta’s work at CNN continues to this day, and he remains a key figure in network’s coverage of politics. His extensive experience and insider knowledge have made him one of most respected political reporters in industry.
Jim Acosta’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Jim Acosta’s Net Worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This impressive figure is a result of his long career in journalism and his various contributions to CNN’s coverage of U.S. politics. His net worth is also bolstered by his salary and other sources of income.
Acosta earns an estimated $700,000 per year, which is typical for high-profile journalists working for major news networks like CNN. His salary reflects importance of his role as network’s chief domestic correspondent, and his extensive experience in field. Additionally, Acosta’s income has been supplemented by his work as an author.
In 2019, Acosta released his New York Times best-selling book Enemy of People: A Dangerous Time to Tell Truth in America. book became a bestseller and added another revenue stream to Acosta’s already successful career. In it, he offers an inside look at challenges and threats facing journalists in modern age, particularly during times of political turmoil. book resonated with many readers, further cementing Acosta’s influence in media world.
While much of Acosta’s wealth is tied to his career in television, his book sales have also contributed significantly to his net worth. It’s clear that Acosta’s ability to connect with an audience, whether through his on-air reporting or written words, has played a major role in his financial success.
Jim Acosta’s Family and Personal Life
On a personal level, Jim Acosta has experienced both triumphs and challenges. He was married to Sharon Mobley Stow in 1994, and couple had three children together: two daughters and a son. However, after more than two decades of marriage, Acosta and Stow divorced in 2017. Details about reasons for their divorce remain private, and Acosta has never publicly discussed matter. Since then, Acosta has reportedly remained single, focusing on his career and family.
Despite divorce, Acosta remains a devoted father to his children, and his family continues to play an important role in his life. He often shares glimpses of his personal life through his social media accounts, where he engages with his followers and offers insights into his work and family life.
While Acosta’s public persona is largely centered around his professional work, it’s clear that he values his personal life and maintains a close relationship with his children. His ability to balance a demanding career with his role as a father is something that many admire about him.
Is Jim Acosta Still Active in Journalism?
As of 2025, Jim Acosta continues to be a leading voice in American journalism. He remains a key figure at CNN, covering some of most important political events in country. His reputation as a fearless reporter and his commitment to telling truth have only grown over years.
While Acosta’s interactions with political figures, especially during Trump administration, have made him a controversial figure, there is no doubt that he is respected within industry for his work. His willingness to ask tough questions and his dedication to holding those in power accountable have made him a vital part of CNN’s coverage.
What Happened With Jim Acosta at CNN?
On Tuesday, January 28, Jim Acosta revealed on air that he quit his job at CNN rather than accept a move to a later time slot, putting an end to his nearly two-decade run at network and leaving behind what was surely a decent salary (especially for a journalist).
What Was Jim Acosta’s Salary at CNN?
Acosta’s salary is not public information. One report put his yearly pay at $700,000, another at $2 million, but neither has been substantiated, and you don’t need to be Jim Acosta to know that claims therefore do not pass journalistic muster.
What Is Jim Acosta’s Net Worth?
Acosta’s Net Worth has been reported as being anywhere from $4 million to $10 million, estimates that include his earnings from CNN, real-estate, and more. But, again, those numbers aren’t coming from reliable sources.
What Is Jim Acosta’s Book?
In 2019, Acosta published Enemy of People: A Dangerous Time to Tell Truth in America, a book that, at its heart, was about protecting freedom of press.
What Happened With Jim Acosta and Trump?
former chief White House correspondent earned a reputation for challenging President Trump over years, particularly during press conferences. He famously went head-to-head with then 45th President of United States in November 2018, when he challenged Trump for characterizing a migrant caravan approaching U.S. border as an “invasion.”
Trump, who was visibly irritated, called Acosta a “rude, terrible person” and told him to “just sit down.”
How Long Was Jim Acosta Working at CNN?
Acosta was with CNN for 18 years. He started at network in 2007, served as chief White House correspondent during Obama and Trump administrations, and ended his time there as anchor and chief domestic correspondent.
Major Career Milestones of Jim Acosta
| Year | Milestone |
| 2007 | Joined CNN as a national correspondent |
| 2008 | Covered U.S. presidential election |
| 2012 | Won an Emmy Award for CNN’s election coverage |
| 2017 | Became CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent |
| 2019 | Released his best-selling book Enemy of People |
| 2021 | Continued to report on major U.S. political events at CNN |
| 2025 | Announced his departure from CNN and pursued other opportunities |
Conclusion
Jim Acosta’s journey from CBS News to CNN, and eventually as one of most respected figures in American journalism, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth. From challenging presidents to writing best-selling books, Acosta has made a lasting impact on media world. His estimated net worth in 2025 of $4 million to $10 million reflects his dedication and success in his career, and his influence in shaping landscape of modern journalism is undeniable.
Disclaimer: views expressed in this article are based on publicly available information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, exact net worth and salary figures for Jim Acosta are based on estimations and should be treated as approximations.
