Ever wondered how much the guy behind the Weekend Update desk is actually worth? Colin Jost, the sharp-tongued SNL head writer and stand-up comedian from Staten Island, has quietly built serious wealth over two decades in comedy.
Best known as the Weekend Update anchor alongside Michael Che co-anchor, Jost isn’t just a funny face; he’s a Harvard-educated New Yorker contributor, an Emmy nominee, and now a game show host on Amazon Prime.
Married to Hollywood icon Scarlett Johansson, his life looks pretty remarkable from the outside. But how did he actually get here and what is Colin Jost net worth really worth in 2025? Let’s break it all down.
Colin Jost Summary
Colin Jost is one of the sharpest minds in American comedy today. He’s worn many hats SNL head writer, Weekend Update anchor, author, and game show host. Here’s a quick look at the man behind the punchlines.
| Detail | Info |
| Full Name | Colin Kelly Jost |
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1982 |
| Age | 42 years old |
| Birthplace | Staten Island, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Irish, German, Austrian) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Profession | Comedian, Writer, Actor, TV Host |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$16 Million |
| Spouse | Scarlett Johansson |
| Education | Harvard University |
Colin Jost Wikipedia
Colin Jost, SNL Weekend Update co-anchor, is officially one of the longest-serving cast members in Saturday Night Live history. He joined the show back in 2005 as a staff writer and climbed the ladder fast. By 2012, he was SNL head writer one of the youngest ever to hold that title. He’s been anchoring Weekend Update since 2014, alongside his comedy partner Michael Che co-anchor.
His memoir, Colin Jost memoir A Very Punchable Face, published in 2020, gave fans a rare, honest look at his childhood, career, and personal quirks. It became a New York Times bestseller. That tells you everything you need to know about how beloved this guy really is.
Who is Colin Jost?
Colin Jost is a stand-up comedian, writer, and television personality best known for his work on Saturday Night Live. Born and raised in Staten Island, he turned his love of humor into a career that spans network TV, film, live performance, and now streaming. He’s not just a funny face on camera he’s the brain behind some of SNL’s most memorable sketches.
He’s also an Emmy nominee with a sharp wit that’s earned him respect both in Hollywood and in literary circles. His work as a New Yorker contributor shows he’s more than just a late-night comedian. He can write. Really write.
Where Does Colin Jost Live?
Colin Jost lives in New York specifically, the couple spends time between Manhattan and the Hamptons. He grew up deeply connected to New York’s boroughs. The Colin Jost Staten Island ferry childhood is something he’s referenced publicly more than once. It shaped his working class humor and grounded perspective.
Since marrying Scarlett Johansson, the couple has been spotted frequently in upscale New York neighborhoods. They reportedly own property in both the city and out east, living a life that balances Hollywood glamour with genuine New York roots.
Who is Colin Jost Married To?
Colin Jost married Scarlett Johansson 2020 and yes, that’s as wild as it sounds. One of the world’s biggest movie stars chose the funny Staten Island guy with the self-deprecating smile. They got engaged in May 2019 and quietly married in October 2020 in an intimate ceremony during the pandemic.
Scarlett Johansson is, of course, globally known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Together, they’re one of Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. Colin often jokes about their relationship on Weekend Update, which fans absolutely love.
Educational Background
Colin Jost didn’t stumble into comedy. He built a rock-solid academic foundation first. He graduated from Regis High School in Manhattan a prestigious Jesuit school on the Upper East Side. That early education clearly sharpened his analytical thinking and his love of language.
He then went on to earn a degree from Harvard University, which is where things really clicked for him.
Colin Jost College
Colin Jost Harvard Russian literature degree is one of those facts that makes people do a double-take. He studied Russian literature at Harvard not exactly what you’d expect from a guy best known for cracking jokes about politics on live TV. But that deep literary training shaped his writing.
He became president of the Harvard Lampoon, the famous college humor magazine. The Colin Jost Harvard Lampoon presidency is considered one of the most prestigious comedy credentials in America past presidents have gone on to run writers’ rooms at major networks, and Jost followed that tradition perfectly.
Personal Life
Colin keeps his personal life fairly low-key, especially given how famous his wife is. He’s known for being thoughtful and self-aware qualities that come through clearly in his memoir. He’s spoken openly about anxiety, identity, and navigating fame without losing yourself.
He’s also a fitness enthusiast. He surfs regularly and has talked about how physical activity keeps him mentally sharp amid the chaos of a live-TV writing schedule.
Colin Jost Parents and Family
The family clearly shaped Colin. He’s spoken warmly about his upbringing in Staten Island, crediting his parents for giving him a strong moral compass and a genuine work ethic.
Colin Jost Mother
His mother, Kerry Kelly Jost, is a doctor specifically the chief medical officer of the New York City Fire Department. That’s a remarkable career. She’s been a visible and respected figure in NYC’s public health world for years. Colin has publicly expressed pride in her work and her dedication to the city.
Colin Jost Dad
His father, Daniel Jost, worked as a teacher. Between his mom’s medical career and his dad’s role in education, Colin grew up in a household that valued public service and hard work. No silver spoons here just real New York values.
Colin Jost Brother
Colin has a brother named Casey Jost, who is also involved in the entertainment world. Casey has appeared in projects like Joking Off on Paramount Network. The brothers clearly share a sense of humor it runs in the family.
Colin Jost Wife Scarlett Johansson
Scarlett Johansson needs little introduction. She’s one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood history, known for blockbuster films across the Marvel universe and acclaimed work in films like Marriage Story and Lost in Translation. She and Colin balance two enormous careers with what seems like genuine warmth and humor.
Scarlett has said in interviews that Colin’s sense of humor was one of the first things that attracted her. And honestly who wouldn’t fall for someone who can make a room laugh like he does? They welcomed a son together, Cosmo, born in August 2021.
Colin Jost Dating History
Before Scarlett, Colin dated a few well-known names. He was in a relationship with actress Rashida Jones for a couple of years. He also briefly dated Scarlett before they officially became a couple in 2017 they first met at SNL when she hosted. The chemistry was immediate, apparently.
He’s been pretty private about past relationships, and that’s fair. What matters now is that he and Scarlett seem genuinely happy4 and they make a surprisingly charming pair.
Colin Jost Kids
Colin and Scarlett welcomed their son, Cosmo Jost, in August 2021. The couple kept the pregnancy almost entirely private, which is impressive given how famous they both are. Colin announced Cosmo’s birth on Instagram with his signature dry humor a simple, understated post that the internet absolutely loved.
Scarlett also has a daughter, Rose, from her previous marriage to journalist Romain Dauriac. Colin has embraced his role as a stepfather, though the family keeps that side of life very private and protected.
Career
Colin Jost’s career arc is genuinely impressive. He joined SNL in 2005 straight out of Harvard. Within a few years, he was co-head writer. By 2014, he was in front of the camera anchoring Weekend Update the show’s most iconic segment.
Colin Jost and Michael Che became the backbone of Weekend Update’s modern era. The two have an effortless chemistry that blends sharp political commentary with genuine comedic timing.
Colin Jost Movies
Colin has appeared in several films, though acting isn’t his primary focus. He had roles in Staten Island Summer (2015), How to Be Single (2016), and the Venom sequel, Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) where he appeared alongside his wife Scarlett in a fun cameo moment. His film work is growing as his profile rises.
Colin Jost TV Shows
Beyond SNL, Colin now hosts Colin Jost Pop Culture Jeopardy Amazon host a fresh spin-off of the classic game show Jeopardy! airing on Amazon Prime Video. It’s a big deal. He brings his signature laid-back humor to the host role, and early reviews have been warm. He’s also done stand-up specials and performed Colin Jost stand-up Just for Laughs at the prestigious Montreal festival.
Physical Appearance of Colin Jost
Colin has a distinctly approachable, boy-next-door look that fits perfectly with his humor. He’s lean, well-dressed in that effortless New York way, and always seems comfortable on camera whether he’s delivering a punchline or interviewing a Hollywood A-lister.
Colin Jost Age
Colin Jost was born on June 29, 1982, making him 42 years old as of 2025. He’s aged gracefully, the kind of guy who somehow looks better with a little gray at the temples.
Colin Jost Weight
He weighs approximately 175 pounds (79 kg). He stays active through surfing and general fitness, which keeps him looking sharp for his TV appearances.
Colin Jost Height
Colin stands at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall. That height gives him a commanding presence behind the Weekend Update desk though he’d probably make a joke about it if you told him that.
Is Colin Jost Jewish?
No, Colin Jost is not Jewish. He was raised in a Catholic household and attended Regis High School, a Jesuit institution in New York City. His background is Irish, German, and Austrian. The question comes up occasionally, perhaps because of his sharp satirical humor or his prominence in New York media but the answer is simply no.
Colin Jost Ethnicity
Colin Jost’s ethnicity is mixed European — specifically Irish on his mother’s side and German-Austrian on his father’s side. He’s spoken about his Staten Island upbringing as a deeply working class, multicultural experience that shaped how he sees the world and writes comedy.
Colin Jost Nationality
Colin Jost is American. Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, he’s as New York as it gets a city kid who made it to Harvard and then straight to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. He’s never lived outside the United States for any significant period.
Colin Jost House
Colin and Scarlett reportedly own a home in the Hamptons, along with their residence in New York City. The Hamptons property is said to be worth several million dollars fitting for a couple with a combined net worth in the tens of millions.
He’s also talked about his Staten Island childhood home with real affection. The Colin Jost Staten Island ferry childhood gave him a perspective on New York that a lot of Manhattan-born celebrities simply don’t have. He knows the city from the outside in.
Colin Jost Young
Growing up, Colin was a sharp, bookish kid who found humor early. He attended Regis High School, where he was known as smart and funny not the class clown exactly, but the guy whose jokes actually landed. He was writing before he was performing, which explains why he became a writer first at SNL.
His Harvard years defined him professionally. Becoming president of the Harvard Lampoon was a launching pad that few comedians get. From there, his path to SNL felt almost inevitable.
How Much Does Colin Jost Make a Year?
Colin Jost earns an estimated $4 to $5 million per year. That figure comes from several income streams his SNL contract, hosting duties, stand-up tour revenue, book royalties, and his Amazon game show hosting deal.
SNL’s top talent earns significantly more than entry-level staff. As a senior anchor and long-time writer, Jost sits near the top of that pay scale. Add in his growing hosting career and you’ve got a very comfortable annual income.
Colin Jost Net Worth Breakdown
Colin Jost’s net worth is estimated at approximately $16 million as of 2025. That figure reflects nearly two decades of work at the top of American comedy television, combined with book deals, live performance revenue, and hosting contracts.
It’s worth noting that his wife Scarlett Johansson’s net worth is estimated at well over $165 million making them one of Hollywood’s wealthiest couples combined. But Colin has built his own wealth independently, which says a lot about his hustle.
Colin Jost Net Worth Sources
| Source | Estimated Contribution |
| SNL Salary (annual) | ~$2–3 Million |
| Amazon Jeopardy Hosting | ~$1 Million+ |
| Book Royalties (A Very Punchable Face) | ~$500K+ |
| Stand-Up Tours | ~$300–500K/year |
| Film/TV Acting | ~$200–400K |
| Brand Endorsements | ~$100–200K |
| Total Estimated Net Worth | ~$16 Million |
Colin Jost Salary
His SNL salary alone is reported to be between $25,000 and $35,000 per episode for on-air talent at his level. With roughly 20 episodes per season, that’s somewhere between $500,000 and $700,000 just from live TV appearances before any writing fees.
Colin Jost Estimated Earnings by Month
| Month | Estimated Earnings |
| Per SNL Episode | $25,000–$35,000 |
| Monthly (Active Season) | $200,000–$400,000 |
| Monthly (Off-Season) | $50,000–$150,000 |
| Annual Average | $4,000,000–$5,000,000 |
Colin Jost Net Worth in Various Currencies
| Currency | Estimated Net Worth |
| US Dollar (USD) | $16,000,000 |
| British Pound (GBP) | £12,600,000 |
| Euro (EUR) | €14,800,000 |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | CA$21,700,000 |
| Australian Dollar (AUD) | AU$24,500,000 |
| Pakistani Rupee (PKR) | PKR 4.4 Billion |
| Indian Rupee (INR) | ₹1.33 Billion |
Comparing Colin Jost Net Worth to Other Peers
How does Colin stack up against his late-night and comedy peers? Pretty well, actually.
| Comedian/Host | Estimated Net Worth |
| Colin Jost | ~$16 Million |
| Michael Che | ~$6 Million |
| Jimmy Fallon | ~$60 Million |
| Seth Meyers | ~$45 Million |
| Trevor Noah | ~$100 Million |
| John Mulaney | ~$10 Million |
Colin’s net worth reflects his dual role as both a writer and on-air personality a combination that’s rarer than it looks. He’s still building.
Colin Jost Awards and Achievements
Colin Jost is an Emmy nominee specifically, his SNL writing team has received multiple Emmy nominations for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. The Colin Jost Emmy for SNL writing recognition came across multiple seasons, acknowledging the show’s consistently sharp political and cultural commentary.
He’s also a New York Times bestselling author and a New Yorker contributor, which places him in a very select group of comedians who are also taken seriously as literary voices. Not many people pull that off.
Colin Jost Political Views
Colin leans liberal, as you’d expect from someone who works at SNL and contributes to The New Yorker. He’s critiqued both Republican and Democratic politicians on Weekend Update, though his sharpest barbs tend to land on the right. He’s spoken about the challenge of writing political comedy in an era when reality often outpaces satire.
He’s not an activist in the traditional sense. He uses humor as his political tool which, arguably, reaches more people than a protest sign ever could.
Social Media Accounts
He’s not the most prolific social media poster he prefers to let his on-screen work do the talking. But when he does post, it tends to go viral.
Colin Jost Controversies
No comedian stays entirely out of hot water. Colin has faced criticism over certain Weekend Update jokes that some viewers felt went too far particularly around sensitive political or social topics. In 2018, a joke he made about Illinois ballot issues drew unexpected backlash and became a minor news story.
He’s also received some criticism for punching down in certain jokes, though he’s generally seen as a relatively thoughtful comic who thinks about the impact of his words. No career-ending scandals. Just the normal bumps that come with doing live political comedy every week.
Legacy
Colin Jost’s legacy is still being written and that’s exciting. He’s already one of the longest-serving SNL head writers in the show’s history. His memoir gave comedy writing a more human, relatable face. His move into game show hosting signals a career evolution that could keep him relevant for another two decades.
More than anything, he’s proof that you can be smart and funny at the same time. That literary depth from his Colin Jost Harvard Russian literature degree isn’t just a fun fact it shows up in the precision of his writing and the intelligence of his humor.
Fun Facts About Colin Jost
Here are some things you might not know about him:
- He grew up riding the Staten Island ferry to school a detail he’s turned into comedy gold.
- He performed Colin Jost stand-up Just for Laughs at the prestigious Montreal festival, one of the world’s top stand-up showcases.
- His memoir title, A Very Punchable Face, came from a real comment someone made to him. He ran with it.
- He’s a certified surfer and spends time on the water whenever he can.
- He and Michael Che once swapped phones and posted on each other’s Instagram the internet nearly broke.
- He’s contributed pieces to The New Yorker, putting him in rare company as both a TV writer and literary contributor.
FAQ’s
Who is Colin From SNL Married To?
Colin Jost is married to Scarlett Johansson. They wed in October 2020 and share a son named Cosmo.
What is Colin Jost Net Worth?
Colin Jost net worth is estimated at $16 million as of 2025, built through SNL, hosting, writing, and stand-up.
How Much is Colin Jost Salary?
He earns an estimated $4 to $5 million annually across all his income streams as Weekend Update anchor and SNL head writer.
How Much Did Colin Jost Get Paid for Jeopardy?
As game show host of Pop Culture Jeopardy, Colin reportedly earned between $500,000 and $1 million.
Is Colin Jost a Liberal?
Yes. Colin Jost leans liberal. His work as Weekend Update anchor and New Yorker contributor clearly reflects progressive views.
How Much Does Colin Jost Make Per Episode?
Colin earns an estimated $25,000 to $35,000 per SNL episode as a senior stand-up comedian and on-air talent.
Is Colin Jost a Trump Supporter?
No. As a longtime SNL head writer and Emmy nominee, Colin has written and delivered some of TV’s sharpest anti-Trump jokes.
Conclusion
Colin Jost net worth of approximately $16 million tells a story of quiet, consistent hustle. From riding the Staten Island ferry as a kid to anchoring Weekend Update as a seasoned Weekend Update anchor, Jost earned every dollar the hard way through sharp writing, smart career moves, and genuine talent.
As a celebrated SNL head writer, Emmy nominee, and now a rising game show host, his income streams keep growing. His role as a stand-up comedian, New Yorker contributor, and husband to Scarlett Johansson only adds to his cultural footprint. Colin Jost isn’t just funny he’s built something real. And honestly? The best chapters of his career still look wide open.
