Podcasters

Full-time podcasters earned $75,498 annually on average in 2025, according to ZipRecruiter. Salaries ranged anywhere from $38,000 to $129,000. Many podcasters do not work full time, though, and many are self-employed.

Some podcasters are salaried employees of media companies. Others operate independently and earn money through advertising revenue, paid subscriptions, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, coaching/consulting, crowdfunding/donations, physical product sales, public speaking engagements, live events, and other methods.

Top podcasters such as Karen Kilgariff & Georgia Hardstark ("My Favorite Murder"), Dax Shepard ("Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert"), and Bill Simmons ("The Ringer") can earn millions of dollars a year.

Self-employed podcasters do not receive fringe benefits such as sick days or holidays. In addition, they are responsible for providing their own insurance and retirement plans. Salaried podcasters who work for corporations or other organizations typically receive fringe benefits.