Jessica on The Five Net Worth and How She Built Her Fox News Career
If you’ve watched Fox News’ The Five, chances are you’ve seen Jessica Tarlov offering her measured, center-left perspective on a panel often dominated by conservative voices. As one of the show’s most recognizable and eloquent co-hosts, she has earned praise for her poise, political insights, and calm debating style. With her rising media profile, it’s no surprise that viewers often wonder: what is Jessica on The Five net worth? Her financial success reflects not just her time in broadcasting, but also her work as a political strategist, writer, and public policy analyst.
Who Is Jessica Tarlov?
Jessica Tarlov is a political commentator, strategist, and currently one of the co-hosts on Fox News’ panel show The Five. Born on March 9, 1984, in Manhattan, New York, she comes from a media-inclined family. Her father, Mark Tarlov, was a successful filmmaker and producer, while Jessica carved out her path through academia and politics before landing in broadcasting.
Tarlov earned her B.A. from Bryn Mawr College, followed by two master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in political science and government from the London School of Economics. Before becoming a regular on Fox News, she worked behind the scenes in political consulting and research, developing a reputation for thoughtful analysis and informed debate.
Now, as one of the only liberal-leaning co-hosts on The Five, Jessica plays a vital role in providing balance and perspective on a panel that includes well-known conservative figures like Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, and Dana Perino.
Estimating Jessica on The Five Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Jessica Tarlov’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3.5 million. This estimate takes into account her Fox News salary, public speaking engagements, political consulting background, book deals, and occasional media appearances outside of the network.
Though not as high-profile as some of her Fox colleagues who have branched into solo shows or authorship empires, Tarlov has built a strong, steady career that’s both financially and professionally rewarding. Her intellectual credibility and public composure contribute significantly to her value in the media space.
Salary and Income from Fox News
The Five and Annual Compensation
Fox News co-hosts of top shows like The Five typically earn generous salaries, especially when they appear daily on one of the network’s highest-rated programs. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, industry insiders estimate that contributors like Jessica Tarlov earn between $200,000 and $600,000 annually, depending on experience, visibility, and contract negotiations.
Given that The Five is a flagship show with consistently strong ratings, it’s likely Tarlov’s compensation is on the higher end of that range. Moreover, her role as the primary liberal voice adds unique value, positioning her as a counterbalance in an otherwise right-leaning lineup.
Contributor Roles and Panel Appearances
Before becoming a permanent co-host on The Five, Jessica appeared regularly as a political analyst and guest contributor across multiple Fox News shows. These appearances also provided income—albeit at a lower rate—usually on a per-appearance or monthly retainer basis.
By transitioning into a full-time co-host role, Tarlov significantly increased her annual income and media exposure, boosting her overall net worth in recent years.
Political Strategy and Consulting Work
Before entering the world of broadcast journalism, Tarlov had an extensive background in political consulting. She worked at Douglas Schoen LLC, a strategic research firm, where she advised domestic and international clients on messaging and public opinion. This high-level consulting work not only provided valuable experience but also likely paid six-figure annual salaries, depending on the project and client base.
Even while serving as a media commentator, Tarlov has continued to maintain ties to political strategy, and she may still take on private consulting assignments or campaign advisory roles—another income source that contributes to her financial profile.
Book Deals and Publications
Jessica Tarlov is also an author and contributor to various media outlets. In 2017, she co-authored America in the Age of Trump with Douglas Schoen, offering a centrist analysis of the Trump presidency. While the book did not become a massive bestseller, it added to her credibility as a commentator and likely generated additional income through advances and royalties.
Tarlov also writes op-eds and essays for news publications, including The Daily Beast and The Hill, adding small but consistent payments for editorial content. Though writing doesn’t contribute significantly to her net worth, it adds value to her personal brand and professional profile.
Public Speaking and Panel Engagements
In addition to her TV appearances, Tarlov has participated in public speaking events, academic panels, and political conferences. Speakers with her credentials and national exposure typically earn between $5,000 and $15,000 per event, depending on the venue, subject, and audience size.
While not a core income stream, these appearances help diversify her earnings and extend her influence beyond the screen. As her role on The Five continues to grow, she may be invited to more high-paying speaking events, especially at universities and policy think tanks.
Real Estate and Personal Investments
Jessica Tarlov has maintained a relatively private lifestyle compared to many public figures. While she resides in New York City, one of the most expensive cities in the world, she lives modestly and appears to manage her finances carefully. Public records suggest she owns property in the area, and her background in economics and political science may give her an edge in personal investment decisions.
Although not much is known about her investment portfolio, it’s reasonable to assume she has diversified her earnings through retirement savings, index funds, and possibly real estate—standard practice for someone in her income bracket.
Career Stability and Long-Term Prospects
Tarlov’s net worth is poised to grow steadily in the coming years. With The Five continuing as one of Fox’s most-watched programs, her platform is secure, and her role is increasingly indispensable. Her unique position as a liberal voice on a conservative network allows her to stand out, ensuring continued demand for her insights and perspective.
If she eventually moves into a solo show, signs additional book deals, or accepts senior editorial roles within the network, her earnings could easily double. Additionally, her credibility and academic background open the door for future roles in academia, policy advisory, or think tank leadership—each offering both prestige and financial upside.
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