Steve Higgins at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $9 Million
- Birthdate: August 13, 1963
- Birthplace: Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
- Profession: Announcer, Writer, Producer, Comedian, Actor
- Nationality: American
- Major Achievements: Emmy Award (Writer, Saturday Night Live), Announcer for The Tonight Show
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What is Steve Higgins’s Net Worth?
Steve Higgins is an American writer, producer, announcer, and comedian who has a net worth of $9 million. Best known as the announcer and a writer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Higgins has built his wealth through a long and successful career behind the scenes at some of comedy’s most iconic institutions, most notably Saturday Night Live. His consistent, high-profile roles have made him one of the most recognizable voices in late-night television.
Early Life
Steven Higgins was born on August 13, 1963, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was one of five children in a household that valued hard work and humor. His father managed the custodial operations for the West Des Moines school district, a grounded upbringing that stood in contrast to the Hollywood career he would later pursue.
From an early age, Higgins was drawn to comedy. Along with his brothers David and Alan, he formed a local comedy troupe, “Don’t Quit Your Day Job.” The group performed in various venues around Iowa, honing the improvisational and writing skills that would become the foundation of Higgins’s career.
Career
Higgins’s professional journey is a masterclass in comedic persistence, moving from local stages to the pinnacle of American television. His work is primarily defined by his long-term associations with Lorne Michaels’s projects.
The State and Saturday Night Live
In the early 1990s, Higgins moved to Los Angeles and became involved with the influential sketch comedy troupe “The State,” which had a short-lived but acclaimed show on MTV. While not an official member, his association with the group connected him to a network of rising comedy talent.
His big break came in 1995 when he was hired as a writer for Saturday Night Live. Two years later, he was promoted to a producer on the show, a role he held for over a decade. The Steve Higgins SNL career was incredibly formative, earning him a Primetime Emmy Award in 2017 for his writing. He was a key creative voice during a transformative era for the show.
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
When fellow SNL alum Jimmy Fallon was tapped to host Late Night in 2009, he brought Higgins along as his announcer and writer. The chemistry was immediate. Higgins became Fallon’s on-air foil, known for his deadpan delivery and quick-witted interjections from the announcer’s podium.
When Fallon took over The Tonight Show in 2014, Higgins transitioned with him, cementing his place in late-night history. His role is much more than just an announcer; he’s a vital part of the show’s comedic engine, participating in sketches and banter. This high-profile position is the primary source of his current income and significantly contributes to the Steve Higgins net worth 2025 figure.
Other Ventures
Beyond his main gigs, Higgins has built an impressive list of writing and producing credits. He co-created and co-wrote the TV series The Higgins Boys and Gruber and has lent his voice to animated shows like Bob’s Burgers. These diverse projects provide supplementary income streams and showcase his versatility as a comedic talent.
Salary & Career Earnings Growth Chart
Estimating how much does Steve Higgins make annually requires looking at industry standards for his roles. While his exact salary isn’t public, top-tier late-night announcers and writers earn substantial figures. His Steve Higgins Tonight Show salary is estimated to be between $750,000 and $1 million per year, combining his duties as a writer, producer, and on-air personality.
| Late 1990s – 2000s — Writer/Producer, Saturday Night Live (Based on WGA rates and producer fees for a top-tier network show.) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| 2009 – 2014 — Announcer/Writer, Late Night (A step up in visibility and pay with a key role on a nightly show.) | $300,000 – $500,000 |
| 2014 – Present — Announcer/Writer, The Tonight Show (A premier role in late-night television, as reported by industry publications like Variety.) | $750,000 – $1 Million |
Personal Life
Higgins maintains a relatively private personal life compared to many television personalities. He has been married to his wife, Ellen, for many years, and they have four children together. He often keeps his family out of the spotlight, preferring a quiet life away from the cameras.
Real Estate
Public records on Steve Higgins’s real estate holdings are scarce, which aligns with his private persona. It is known that he resides in the New York City area to be close to the NBC studios where The Tonight Show is filmed. High-level television producers and personalities in his income bracket typically own properties valued in the multi-million dollar range, often in upscale suburbs of New Jersey or Connecticut, or in Manhattan itself.
FAQ
Who is the announcer on The Tonight Show?
Steve Higgins is the official announcer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.1 He has held the position since Fallon began hosting in 2014 and was also his announcer on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon from 2009 to 2014.
Are Steve Higgins and Jimmy Fallon friends?
Yes, Steve Higgins and Jimmy Fallon have a close working relationship and friendship that dates back to their time together at Saturday Night Live. Their genuine chemistry is a key part of the appeal of The Tonight Show.
What else has Steve Higgins written for?
Besides SNL and The Tonight Show, Higgins has writing and producing credits on various projects, including the 74th Golden Globe Awards and the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards. He also co-created the early ’90s comedy series The Higgins Boys and Gruber.
