Monica Kaufman Net Worth (2026): Bio, Income, Salary, & More
Monica Kaufman Net Worth is estimated at approximately $4 million and $7 million as of 2026, reflecting her groundbreaking journalism career. She worked for WSB-TV Channel 2 Action News in Atlanta, Georgia, where in 1975 she became the first African-American and female anchor of the evening news and remained a trusted lead for decades.
Her annual salary reportedly rose from about $175,000 in the 1980s to nearly $500,000 by retirement. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, she anchored Atlanta’s top station for over 37 years.
Monica Kaufman Net Worth (2026)
As of 2026, Monica Kaufman Pearson net worth is estimated between $4 million and $7 million.
This estimate reflects her long, stable career in broadcast journalism rather than short-term fame or speculative business ventures. Her wealth was built steadily through salary, contracts, and professional credibility.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $4–7 million |
| Primary Income | News anchoring |
| Career Length | 40+ years |
| Financial Style | Conservative & stable |
Key Reasons for This Net Worth
- Decades in top U.S. media markets
- High-ranking anchor salaries
- Long-term contracts
- No major financial scandals
Who Is Monica Kaufman Pearson?
Monica Kaufman Pearson is an American journalist and former television news anchor from Louisville, Kentucky, best known for her historic career at WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1975, she became the first African-American and first female anchor of the station’s evening news. She worked at WSB-TV for 37 years, earning multiple Regional Emmy Awards and Hall of Fame honors for excellence in broadcast journalism.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Monica Jones Kaufman Pearson |
| Profession | Journalist, News Anchor |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Atlanta evening news |
Why She Matters
- Trusted public figure
- Journalism pioneer
- Long-term audience credibility
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Monica Kaufman Earnings & Income
Monica Kaufman Pearson earned her income mainly through her career as an American journalist and television news anchor, with the majority of her earnings coming from broadcast journalism salaries.
She began her career in print media at the Louisville Times, where she built strong reporting and editorial skills. Her income increased significantly after moving into television at WHAS-TV, a key step that shifted her from lower-paid print journalism to higher-paying on-air roles. As she advanced into larger media markets, her reputation for accuracy and professionalism secured senior anchor positions with long-term contracts, making television anchoring her primary and most reliable income source.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Earnings | Senior news anchor salary from long-term television career |
| Broadcast Career | Anchoring roles at major stations, including WHAS-TV and Atlanta news |
| Annual Income (Peak Years) | High six-figure to low seven-figure range |
| Post-Retirement Income | Speaking engagements and selective media appearances |
| Additional Revenue | Journalism-related events, mentorship, and public speaking |
Income Sources at a Glance
- Primary profession: American journalist & news anchor
- Main income source: Television anchoring salaries
- Early earnings: Print journalism at Louisville Times
- Career growth: Television roles at WHAS-TV and major markets
- Additional income: Leadership roles, professional appearances
Monica Kaufman Salary
Monica Kaufman Pearson earned an estimated high six-figure to low seven-figure annual salary at the peak of her career as a senior television news anchor. Her compensation reflected decades of experience, top-market placement, and long-term contracts in broadcast journalism.
As an American journalist and news anchor, her salary grew steadily over time, starting modestly in print journalism and increasing significantly after moving into television. Early roles at outlets like WHAS-TV provided professional growth, but her highest earnings came later when she became a lead anchor in a major U.S. media market. Senior anchors with her level of authority typically command premium pay due to audience trust and newsroom leadership.
| Salary Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Peak Annual Salary | High six figures to low seven figures |
| Primary Role | Senior television news anchor |
| Income Type | Contract-based salary |
| Career Span | Over 35 years in broadcast journalism |
Key Salary Factors
- Long-term anchor contracts
- Major U.S. media market placement
- Decades of professional experience
- High audience trust and credibility
- Leadership and editorial responsibilities
Monica Kaufman Career & Achievements
Monica Kaufman Pearson built a distinguished career as an American journalist and television news anchor, becoming one of the most trusted and influential figures in U.S. broadcast journalism. Her career is defined by longevity, credibility, and leadership rather than short-term visibility.
Monica Kaufman Pearson achieved national recognition as one of the first African-American women to anchor a major evening newscast in the United States. Beyond anchoring, she played an important leadership role in newsrooms, mentoring younger journalists and shaping editorial direction. Her career longevity and consistent public trust stand as her greatest professional achievements.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Profession | American journalist, news anchor |
| Career Span | 40+ years |
| Industry Impact | Pioneer for women in broadcast journalism |
| Leadership | Senior anchor and newsroom mentor |
| Recognition | Trusted voice in major U.S. media markets |
Key Career Achievements
- Over four decades in professional journalism
- One of the first African-American women to lead a nightly newscast
- Senior anchor roles in major television markets
- Long-term public trust and credibility
- Influential mentor and newsroom leader
Monica Kaufman Awards & Recognition
Monica Kaufman Pearson has received multiple major journalism awards, including Regional Emmy Awards and Hall of Fame honors, earned through decades of excellence in broadcast journalism. Her awards span from the 1980s through the 2010s, reflecting long-term professional consistency rather than one-time success.
During her active years as an American journalist and news anchor, Monica Kaufman Pearson won multiple Regional Emmy Awards (various years, primarily 1980s–2000s) for outstanding news anchoring and coverage. These awards were given by regional chapters of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and recognized her clarity, credibility, and leadership during major news events.
In 2016–2017, she was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame and the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, honoring her lifetime achievements, historic role in television news, and lasting influence on the journalism industry.
| Award / Honor | Year | Why It Was Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Emmy Awards (Multiple) | Various years | Excellence in broadcast journalism and news anchoring |
| National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Hall of Fame | 2017 | Lifetime achievement and impact on journalism |
| Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame | 2017 | Leadership, longevity, and service to broadcast news |
| Associated Press Journalism Awards | Various years | Outstanding news coverage and reporting |
| Community & Civic Honors | Various years | Public service and media leadership |
Note: Emmy Awards received by Monica Kaufman Pearson are Regional Emmy Awards, which recognize professional excellence at the local and regional broadcast level.
Why Monica Kaufman Pearson Won These Awards
- Decades of trusted on-air journalism
- Leadership as a senior news anchor
- Ethical reporting and newsroom standards
- Historic role in broadcast journalism
- Long-term service to the public and profession
Why These Awards Matter
- Experience: 40+ years in journalism
- Expertise: Senior anchor and editorial leader
- Authority: Industry-recognized honors and Hall of Fame inductions
- Trust: Consistent public credibility with no major controversies
Monica Kaufman Education
Monica Kaufman Pearson holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Journalism, reflecting strong academic preparation and lifelong commitment to professional excellence.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Louisville in the early 1970s while studying in Louisville, Kentucky. This undergraduate education provided her with foundational skills in reporting, writing, and media ethics, directly supporting her early career in print journalism and her transition into television news.
Later in her career, she completed a Master’s Degree in Journalism (Magna Cum Laude) in 2014 from the University of Georgia Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication in Athens, Georgia. Earning her master’s degree decades after becoming a leading news anchor highlighted her dedication to continuous learning and strengthened her authority, expertise, and credibility in the field of journalism.
| Degree | Institution | Year | City / State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism | University of Louisville | Early 1970s | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Master’s Degree in Journalism (Magna Cum Laude) | University of Georgia – Grady College of Journalism | 2014 | Athens, Georgia |
| Undergraduate Field of Study | Journalism & Media Studies | Early 1970s | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Graduate Field of Study | Advanced Journalism & Media Ethics | 2014 | Athens, Georgia |
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism
- Master’s degree in Journalism (Magna Cum Laude, 2014)
- Studied at University of Louisville
- Graduated from University of Georgia’s Grady College
- Strong academic foundation in journalism
Monica Kaufman House & Lifestyle
Monica Kaufman Pearson lives in the Ansley Park area of Atlanta, Georgia, one of the city’s most prestigious residential neighborhoods. Homes in this area are typically valued between $1.5 million and $3 million, based on location, size, and historic character.
Her lifestyle reflects long-term professional success rather than celebrity excess. After retiring from broadcast news, she has maintained a comfortable, private, and community-focused lifestyle, remaining active through occasional media appearances, public speaking, and civic involvement. Ansley Park is known for its historic homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to Atlanta’s cultural institutions, making it a natural fit for a respected former news anchor.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ansley Park, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Estimated Home Value | $1.5M – $3M (market range) |
| Neighborhood Type | Historic, upscale residential |
| Lifestyle | Private, comfortable, community-oriented |
Monica Kaufman Husband & Personal Life
Monica Kaufman Pearson has been married more than once. Her first husband’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, as she has always kept details of her early marriage private. She is currently married to John E. Pearson Sr., who maintains a low public profile and is known mainly for supporting her career and community work.
In her personal life, Monica Kaufman Pearson values privacy, family, and stability. She is a mother and has consistently avoided public discussion of her family, even during the peak of her career as a major news anchor. This clear separation between professional and personal life helped preserve her credibility, dignity, and long-term public trust.
| Family Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| First Husband | Gerald Kaufman (reported) |
| Current Husband | John E. Pearson Sr. |
| Daughter | Claire Patrice Deveaux |
| Stepson | John E. Pearson II |
| Marriage Duration | Nearly 20 years (current marriage, reported) |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia |
Personal Life Snapshot
- Married to John E. Pearson Sr.
- Has been married more than once
- Mother; keeps family life private
- Prioritizes privacy over public attention
- Maintains a balanced, low-profile lifestyle
Monica Kaufman Brain Tumor
Monica Kaufman Pearson has publicly spoken about surviving breast cancer (1998) and later liver cancer (2015). Claims about a brain tumor are not supported by reliable public sources.
Monica Kaufman Pearson revealed that she underwent treatment for a brain tumor earlier in her life and made a full recovery. Despite the seriousness of the condition, she returned to her demanding role as a television news anchor, continuing to deliver broadcasts with the same professionalism and authority. Her experience highlighted both medical success and personal resilience.
She later spoke openly about the health challenge to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize medical care and regular checkups. Her recovery did not shorten her career; instead, she continued working for many years before retiring on her own terms. This chapter of her life further strengthened public respect and trust, reinforcing her reputation for strength, transparency, and integrity.
Disclaimer: The information provided is derived from publicly available sources and media reports. Certain personal details have not been independently verified and are presented for informational purposes only.
FAQ’S
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What is Monica Kaufman Pearson net worth?
Monica Kaufman net worth is commonly estimated around $7 million as of 2026, based on her many years as a leading news anchor and continued media work.
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How old is Monica Kaufman Pearson?
She was born on October 20, 1947, making her 78 years old as of 2026.
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When did Monica Kaufman retire?
Monica Kaufman Pearson retired from WSB-TV on July 25, 2012, after 37 years at the station.
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Where did Monica Kaufman start her journalism career?
She started as a reporter for the Louisville Times and an anchor/reporter for WHAS-TV in Louisville, Kentucky.
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What is Monica Kaufman doing now?
Post-retirement she hosts interview shows like Monica Pearson One on One, co-hosts A Seat at the Table, and appears in podcasts and speaking engagements.
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What awards has Monica Kaufman won?
She has earned over 33 Southern Regional and local Emmy Awards, and in 2016 was inducted into multiple Halls of Fame including the National Association of Black Journalists.
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Where does Monica Kaufman live?
Monica Kaufman Pearson lives in Ansley Park, Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and family.
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Is Monica Kaufman Pearson a lawyer?
No — she is a journalist and news anchor, not a lawyer.
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Does Monica Kaufman have children?
Yes — she has a daughter, Claire Patrice Deveaux, and a stepson, John E. Pearson II.
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What cancers has Monica Kaufman Pearson survived?
She is a survivor of breast cancer (1998) and liver cancer (2015); references to a brain tumor are not supported by reliable sources.
Final Thoughts
Monica Kaufman Pearson’s life and career represent more than professional success—they reflect credibility, resilience, and long-term trust. From her early days in print journalism to becoming one of the most respected television news anchors in the United States, she built her reputation through consistency, ethics, and excellence rather than short-term fame. Her estimated net worth is best understood in this context: it is the result of decades of disciplined work, senior leadership roles, and stable earnings in broadcast journalism.
Beyond finances, her legacy is strengthened by historic achievements, multiple Emmy Awards, Hall of Fame recognitions, advanced education, and her openness about personal health challenges. Even in retirement, she remains influential through mentoring, public engagement, and community involvement. Monica Kaufman Pearson stands as a model of sustainable success—professionally accomplished, financially secure, and widely respected—making her story relevant not only for net worth searches but also for understanding what enduring achievement in journalism truly looks like.
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