Colin Jost was born on June 29, 1982, in Staten Island, New York. Raised in a family with strong educational backgrounds, his mother, Kerry Kelly, was the Chief Medical Officer for the New York City Fire Department, while his father, Daniel A. Jost, was a teacher.
After attending the academically rigorous Regis High School in Manhattan, Jost went on to Harvard University, where he became the president of the prestigious Harvard Lampoon, a breeding ground for future comedic talent. His education set the stage for his career in comedy, which would later lead him to significant success in television.
After graduating from Harvard in 2004, Jost briefly worked as a reporter and copy editor for the Staten Island Advance before entering the world of television. He wrote for Nickelodeon’s Kappa Mikey during its short-lived run. Jost’s major breakthrough came in 2005 when he joined the writing staff of Saturday Night Live (SNL).
Though he started behind the scenes, it wasn’t until 2014, when he became the co-anchor of the popular “Weekend Update” segment alongside Michael Che, that Jost became a household name and gained widespread recognition for his comedic talents.
Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson (@colinjost/Instagram)Colin Jost’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Colin Jost’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth has been accumulated through his successful work in various entertainment roles. In addition to his work on SNL, Jost has also established himself as a stand-up comedian and authored the 2020 best-selling memoir A Very Punchable Face. His diverse career across writing, acting, and comedy has contributed to his financial success.
Colin Jost is married to Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson, whose net worth is significantly higher, estimated at $165 million. The disparity in their earnings is largely attributed to Johansson’s highly successful acting career, particularly her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While Jost is financially successful in his own right, Johansson’s immense wealth from blockbuster films and endorsements makes her the wealthier of the couple.
Colin Jost (@colinjost/Instagram)Income from SNL and Other Ventures
Although Jost has not publicly disclosed his salary for SNL, estimates can be made based on his roles in the show. Early in his career, he worked as a writer, where salaries ranged from $50,000 to $93,000. By the time he became co-anchor of Weekend Update in 2014, Jost likely earned more, as SNL cast members make between $7,000 and $25,000 per episode.
At the top of this range, Jost would have earned up to $525,000 per season. In addition to his work on SNL, Jost’s memoir and various comedy gigs further contribute to his income.
Colin Jost has made headlines for some unique financial decisions. In 2022, he and former SNL castmate Pete Davidson purchased a decommissioned Staten Island Ferry for $280,100. The duo planned to turn the ferry into a nightclub, though Jost later admitted that it was “the dumbest and least thought-through purchase” he had ever made.
Furthermore, in 2024, Jost hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, a prestigious event that raises funds for journalism programs. Though specific figures for this hosting gig haven’t been disclosed, the role would have earned him a significant sum, in line with other high-profile comedians who have hosted similar events.
