Overview

Rick Santelli is an American financial journalist and on-air editor for CNBC Business News. He joined CNBC in June 1999, reporting from the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. His focus is primarily on interest rates, foreign exchange, and the Federal Reserve. Santelli is a regular contributor to CNBC’s ‘Squawk on the Street’. Before joining CNBC, Santelli was Vice President of Institutional Financial Futures and Options at Sanwa Futures, L.L.C. He is also credited as being a catalyst in the early formation of the Tea Party movement via a statement he made in 2009. Santelli graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.

CNBC

On-Air Editor

What Is Rick Santelli’s Net Worth?

Rick Santelli, a well-known American television personality, has accumulated a considerable net worth estimated at $8 million. This financial standing is primarily attributed to his successful career as an editor and on-air contributor for the CNBC Business News network. While the specific breakdown of his assets isn’t publicly available, it’s reasonable to assume that a significant portion stems from his salary, investments, and other financial ventures.

Rick Santelli’s Career at CNBC

Rick Santelli’s career trajectory showcases a blend of experience in trading and media. He began his career at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange in 1979, where he eventually rose to the position of Vice President of Interest Rate Futures and Options. He transitioned to CNBC in 1999, marking a shift from the trading floor to financial broadcasting. Though his initial salary at CNBC isn’t publicly documented, similar positions in financial broadcasting often command substantial compensation packages. As a contributor to CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street,” Santelli provides market analysis and commentary, further solidifying his role as a key figure in financial media. While specific contract details with CNBC are confidential, television personalities of his stature typically negotiate multi-year contracts with significant financial incentives.

The Tea Party Movement and Santelli’s Influence

In 2009, Rick Santelli made an on-air remark about the possibility of a “Chicago Tea Party” in response to government economic policies. While it’s difficult to quantify the direct financial impact of this moment on Santelli’s net worth, it significantly raised his public profile and cemented his status as a commentator with strong opinions on economic matters. It is important to note that sources differ on whether the event was staged. Some felt his actions were comparable to the fictional reporter Howard Beale, while others credit him with helping to launch the Tea Party movement. He is credited with the start of the Tea Party movement, which affected the U.S. political landscape significantly. While not directly resulting in immediate financial gain, such high-profile events can lead to increased opportunities for speaking engagements, book deals, and other ventures that contribute to overall wealth accumulation.

While information on Santelli’s specific investments, properties, or other assets remains private, his long and successful career in the financial industry suggests a well-managed portfolio. Financial commentators often diversify their holdings across various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. Given his background, it’s plausible that Santelli possesses a deep understanding of financial markets, which could contribute to informed investment decisions.

Details about Santelli’s early life are limited. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was mentored by RJ Abrams and learned about futures trading, customer relations, and foreign exchange.

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