Craig Today Show Salary Overview
Craig Ferguson's reported base salary for his tenure as host of The Late Late Show was estimated in the range of several million dollars per year, with total compensation including production bonuses and profit participation. The exact figure varied by contract cycle, and reliable estimates come from trade outlets and SEC filings related to CBS and NBC parent company structures Forbes.
Public reports indicate that Ferguson's final contract extension placed his annual take-home in the mid-range for late-night hosts at the time, with additional value tied to international syndication and digital rights. The deal reflected his long tenure and consistent ratings performance on the CBS late-night lineup NBC.
Contract Terms and Career Timeline
Ferguson signed a multi-year extension in 2013 that included salary bumps tied to ratings milestones and extended his run through 2014. The agreement also covered digital and international distribution, which added backend value beyond the base salary figure SEC EDGAR.
Before joining The Late Late Show, Ferguson built a career in stand-up, film, and television, including hosting roles on British and American programs. His move to the CBS late-night chair followed predecessor Craig Kilborn, and the contract terms were widely covered as a reflection of his market value at the time NBC News.
Total Compensation and Industry Context
Total compensation for late-night hosts typically includes base salary, pension contributions, deferred compensation, and a share of show profits. Ferguson's package was structured to align with long-term network goals, including international format sales and streaming rights Forbes.
Compared to peers in the late-night space, Ferguson's reported pay was competitive but below the top-tier figures commanded by hosts at the two flagship network programs. His compensation reflected a stable, long-tenure arrangement rather than a splashy new-look deal, and public filings and trade reporting remain the primary sources for these figures SEC EDGAR.