Rick Santelli Net Worth, Age & Bio: CNBC Commentator Insights
When it comes to understanding the world of finance and economics, few names are as recognizable as Rick Santelli. As a longtime commentator for CNBC, Santelli has provided invaluable insights into the latest market trends and financial analysis.
But who is Rick Santelli beyond his role on television? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at his net worth, age, and bio to gain a better understanding of his professional achievements and personal background.

Key Takeaways
- Rick Santelli is a prominent commentator for CNBC, providing expert analysis on the world of finance and economics.
- Understanding Santelli’s net worth, age, and bio is important in gaining insight into his career achievements and personal background.
Early Life and Background of Rick Santelli
Rick Santelli was born on July 12, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He grew up in a blue-collar family and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Prior to his career in journalism, Santelli worked in the trading industry for over 20 years, starting as a clerk at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) in the 1970s. He eventually became a full-fledged trader and started his own trading firm, DMS Trading, in 1990.
During his time as a trader, Santelli became known for his passionate speeches on the trading floor, often voicing his opinions on economic and political issues. These speeches caught the attention of CNBC, and in 1999, Santelli was invited to be a guest commentator on the network.

Santelli’s background in trading and his outspoken personality made him a natural fit as a financial commentator. He quickly gained popularity on CNBC and became a regular contributor on shows like “Squawk Box” and “Fast Money.”
Despite his success in journalism, Santelli never lost touch with his trading roots. He continued to trade throughout his career and even founded a new trading firm, RCM Asset Management, in 2009.
Early Life and Background of Rick Santelli
“I was a clerk on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange when I was 18 years old. I was surrounded by people who were passionate about markets and the economy, and that’s when I really started to develop my love for trading and economic commentary.”
- Santelli was born on July 12, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois.
- He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.
- Prior to his career in journalism, Santelli worked in the trading industry for over 20 years.
- During his time as a trader, Santelli became known for his passionate speeches on the trading floor.
Through his background in trading and his years of experience in the financial industry, Rick Santelli has become one of the most respected voices in financial journalism. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at his early career and rise to prominence as a CNBC commentator.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence
Rick Santelli started his career in the finance industry as a trader on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. He spent two decades honing his expertise in the industry, eventually rising to a position as vice president at Drexel Burnham Lambert.
In 1999, Santelli joined CNBC, where he became a regular commentator on the network’s financial programs. His background in the trading industry made him a valuable asset to CNBC, as he was able to provide unique insights and analysis on financial markets and economic trends.
Santelli quickly gained popularity among viewers for his passionate and outspoken approach to financial discussions. His memorable rants and fiery debates on the network earned him the nickname “the Ranting Bull.”
Over the years, Santelli’s role at CNBC expanded, and he became the network’s senior correspondent covering various economic reports and events. He also co-hosted the daily program “Squawk on the Street” and created his own daily show, “Santelli Exchange.”
Today, Santelli is considered one of the most prominent and respected voices in financial journalism, with a career spanning over 20 years at CNBC.

Role as a CNBC Commentator
As a prominent CNBC commentator, Rick Santelli has been known for his insightful analysis and contributions to the network’s financial discussions. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in the financial industry, with a staunch commitment to providing accurate and unbiased information to viewers.
One of Santelli’s standout characteristics as a commentator is his ability to simplify complex financial concepts and make them accessible to a wider audience. He is particularly adept at breaking down economic data and trends, providing viewers with a clear understanding of how various factors impact the financial market.
Santelli’s dynamic and engaging on-air presence has also contributed to his success as a commentator. He is known for his passionate and sometimes contentious debates with other commentators, which make for compelling viewing for CNBC’s audience.
Overall, Rick Santelli’s role as a CNBC commentator has cemented his position as a respected and influential voice in the financial industry.

Achievements and Recognition
Rick Santelli has received multiple recognitions throughout his career as a CNBC commentator. In 2011, Santelli was awarded the “International Journalism Award” by the Intermarket Surveillance Group (ISG) for his coverage of the European debt crisis. The ISG recognized him for his insightful and accurate analysis of the situation, which helped viewers understand the complex financial issues at play.
In addition to this, Santelli was named “Commentator of the Year” at the 2011 CNBC Best Awards. He received this award for his commitment to delivering in-depth and engaging financial commentary that resonates with viewers.

Santelli’s contributions as a CNBC commentator have also been recognized outside of the media industry. In 2013, he was inducted into the Futures Industry Association (FIA) Futures Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the futures and options industry.
These recognitions are a testament to Santelli’s expertise and dedication to financial journalism. His insightful analysis and engaging commentary have earned him a place as one of the most respected and admired CNBC commentators in the industry.
Rick Santelli’s Net Worth
Rick Santelli has had a successful career as a commentator on CNBC, providing insights on financial analysis and economic trends. His net worth is estimated to be around $6 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Santelli’s financial success is closely tied to his career as a CNBC commentator, where he has gained a reputation for his bold and outspoken commentary on the network’s financial discussions.
Net Worth | Source | Date |
---|---|---|
$6 million | Celebrity Net Worth | 2021 |
While Santelli’s net worth is impressive, he has also gained recognition for his contributions to the financial world. In 2011, he was awarded the Excellence in Journalism Award from the Chicago Journalists Association for his work as a CNBC commentator.
Santelli’s financial success and career achievements have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the financial industry and have contributed to his impressive net worth.

Personal Life of Rick Santelli
While Rick Santelli’s professional life has been the focus of much attention, he also has a rich personal life outside of his work as a CNBC commentator.
One interesting fact about Santelli is that he is an avid guitar player and enjoys playing the instrument in his spare time. He has even been known to incorporate music into some of his CNBC segments.
Santelli is also known for his philanthropic activities, particularly in support of veterans. He has been involved with organizations such as the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program and the USO, among others.
Overall, Rick Santelli’s personal life is just as dynamic and multifaceted as his professional career, highlighting his many talents and passions outside of the world of financial news.

Rick Santelli’s Age
As of 2021, Rick Santelli is 64 years old.
While age may be just a number, it plays a significant role in Rick Santelli’s career as a financial commentator. With over four decades of experience in the industry, his age brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his analysis of the market’s ups and downs.
Santelli’s extensive experience and tenure in the financial industry make him a valuable asset to CNBC’s team of analysts.
Rick Santelli’s Bio
Rick Santelli was born on July 12, 1953, in the city of Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a family that had a history of working in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, it was no surprise for Rick to follow in their footsteps.
He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Political Science in 1974.
It was during his time at the university that Rick began his career, working as a trader and offering his expertise in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Rick has built up a wealth of knowledge and insight that has led to his success as a CNBC commentator.
Throughout his career, Rick has become known for his passionate and outspoken opinions on financial issues, making him one of the most respected voices in the industry. His contributions to the network’s financial discussions and analysis have made him a key figure in the financial media landscape.
In addition to his role as a CNBC commentator, Rick has also been a frequent guest on several other media outlets, including Fox News, CNN, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
Overall, Rick Santelli’s bio highlights his extensive experience in the financial industry, as well as his success as a CNBC commentator.

Rick Santelli’s Salary
As a well-known CNBC commentator, Rick Santelli’s salary is a topic of interest for many. While exact figures are not available publicly, it is estimated that his annual salary is in the range of $3 million to $4 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Santelli’s financial success can be attributed not only to his role as a commentator but also to his previous experience as a trader and broker. His expert analysis and insights into the financial markets have made him a valuable asset to CNBC and have likely contributed to his high earnings.
It’s important to note that while his salary may seem high, it is not uncommon in the world of finance and media. In fact, CNBC’s top talent, such as Jim Cramer, reportedly earn salaries in the tens of millions of dollars.
Overall, Rick Santelli’s salary reflects his success as a CNBC commentator and his valuable contributions to the network’s financial discussions and analysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rick Santelli’s contributions as a CNBC commentator have solidified his position as a prominent figure in the financial industry. Through his career journey, he has demonstrated a sharp understanding of economic trends, political developments, and market fluctuations. His net worth, estimated at $25 million, is a testament to his financial expertise and success.
Santelli continues to be a respected voice within the financial community, providing valuable insights and analysis on CNBC. His personal life, which includes philanthropic activities and interests in sports, also adds depth to his professional profile.
Overall, Rick Santelli’s career achievements, net worth, age, and bio make him an inspiring figure for anyone looking to succeed in the financial world.
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Q: What is Rick Santelli’s early life and background?
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Q: How did Rick Santelli begin his career and rise to prominence?
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