As a child in poverty growing up in South Africa, Trevor Noah told “60 Minutes” that he was sometimes forced to dine on mopane worms. “Being poor in a group or in a community that is poor is not as bad as being poor when you know what you’re missing out on. So when I grew up, we played with bricks as cars and you’d smash them into each other, and it was one of the most fun games I’ve ever played,” he explained. “What I didn’t like was when we couldn’t eat anything else and my mom said, ‘We’re going to have to eat these mopane worms for longer because we don’t have money to buy chicken.’”
Despite his early financial struggles, today the comedian has turned witty, thoughtful humor and a knack for storytelling into a major income. Thanks to his celebrated seven-year run as host of “The Daily Show,” Noah has sparked global conversations about culture, politics and identity. Lately, his reach (and his income) have only grown. Here’s everything we know about Trevor Noah’s net worth and money moves.
How Did Trevor Noah Become Famous?
Trevor Noah’s rise to fame comes from a combination of sharp comedic insight and relentless work. Born in 1984 in Johannesburg during apartheid to a Black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss-German father, his very existence was against the law. As he puts it in his 2016 memoir, “I was born a crime,” since the couple’s interracial relationship was illegal under South Africa’s Immorality Act at the time.
As a result, Noah was raised mostly by his mother and grandmother in Soweto, per Britannica, often hidden from authorities to avoid prosecution due to his mixed-race heritage. These challenges shaped Noah’s worldview. “We tell people to follow their dreams, but you can only dream of what you can imagine, and, depending on where you come from, your imagination can be quite limited,” he wrote in “Born a Crime.”
The multi-talent’s career began when he landed a small role in the soap opera “Isidingo” in 2002, according to The South African. Early work included hosting radio and TV shows before he embraced stand-up comedy. A daring nightclub performance set him on a new path, leading to sold-out comedy shows in his home country. In 2009, his “The Daywalker” solo show in Johannesburg was a breakthrough, as OkayAfrica notes. By January 2012, he was the first South African comedian featured on “The Tonight Show.”
The South African Star Proudly Picked Up Jon Stewart’s Torch In 2015
Trevor Noah’s breakout on “The Daily Show” began when he was named host in March 2015. He officially took over Jon Stewart’s iconic role in September of that year, per BBC. At just 31, Noah brought a fresh, international perspective to the beloved satirical news program, seamlessly blending sharp political commentary with his unique South African humor.
Ultimately, his debut was met with mixed reactions. While some critics found his jokes less biting than Stewart’s famously sarcastic style, many acknowledged his smooth transition and presence on screen. This appointment skyrocketed Noah’s celebrity status. However it did not immediately lead to significant earnings, as Parade reports.
“I remember I said, ‘I’ll have to figure out how I’ll manage with taking a pay cut,’ and they were like, ‘What do you mean a pay cut? You’re going to become host of ‘The Daily Show,’” Noah told The Hollywood Reporter in a 2019 interview. “And I go, ‘Yes, and I know this is hard for an American to process, but you can be very successful working in the rest of the world.”
Why Did Trevor Noah Quit ‘The Daily Show?’
Trevor Noah left “The Daily Show” to regain creative freedom and pursue interests outside the demanding grind of late-night television. “A lot of American business and American media is just like, ‘Keep it going as long as possible,’” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter. “I think it’s healthy for things to end when they’re still in a good place. I want to leave before I’m burnt out.”
He expressed a longing to travel, perform stand-up and learn new languages. Behind the scenes, discussions between Noah and network executives sought to grant him more flexibility, but it soon became clear to those involved that his commitment to the format was waning.
Since his departure, Noah has transitioned into a new chapter of his career. He landed a book deal for a new project and has remained host of the Grammys till the present, retaining that foothold in the audio and music world. Additionally, Noah embarked on a stand-up tour, indulging his deep-seated desire to connect with audiences through live comedy.
Noah also joined Spotify’s roster of podcasting talent. More recently he has moved to SiriusXM, expanding his digital real estate and using the medium to explore topics he’s passionate about in a more intimate format.
He’s Made Some Major Real Estate Moves Too
Trevor Noah demonstrates keen instincts in real estate. While based in New York at the height of his TV fame in 2017, he made headlines with a $10 million penthouse in Hell’s Kitchen. Split between the 17th and 18th floors of the historic Art Deco Stella Tower, the apartment begins with a main entry gallery. As 6Sqft recounts, upstairs are living and entertaining spaces headed by a great room framed by floor-to-ceiling casement windows and custom French oak flooring. The three-bedroom duplex condo also offers a 1,000-square-foot terrace with a pool.
A few years later, he acquired a $27.5 million Bel Air mansion boasting sweeping views and luxury finishes, though he later sold it profitably. According to Business Insider, the 11,000-square-foot house had six bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and featured amenities such as an infinity pool, a media screening room, a spa and a library. These high-value property moves underscore a savvy approach to investing and wealth preservation.
What Is Trevor Noah’s Net Worth And Annual Salary?
His initial salary hosting “The Daily Show” ranged from $5 to $8 million per season, but after renegotiations in 2017, that figure jumped to $16 million annually, sustained until he left the show in 2022. In the years since, his stand-up specials have contributed millions through streaming and tour revenue. For instance, his 2024 “Off the Record Tour” grossed around $29.7 million from approximately 94 shows globally, making him one of the highest-earning comedians that year. The global demand for his live performance adds a lucrative layer to his income.
According to reputable sources, Trevor Noah’s net worth is approximately $100 million. This factors in show salaries, touring profits, book royalties, production deals and real estate appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest comedian?
The title of richest comedian in 2025 goes to Jerry Seinfeld, whose net worth reaches $900 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. Seinfeld’s fortune comes primarily from his eponymous sitcom’s syndication and streaming deals, as well as successful stand-up tours and other media ventures.
Who will be the new host of “The Daily Show”?
There is currently a rotating group of hosts that includes Ronny Chieng, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic, with Jon Stewart anchoring on occasion. Comedian Josh Johnson has also joined the rotating cast, as ScreenRant reports.
