Joe Rogan has topped Forbes’ highest-paid podcasters 2026 ranking after earning an estimated $82 million from The Joe Rogan Experience.
According to Forbes, the comedian and UFC commentator earned the amount from his podcast-related activities between June 2025 and June 2026. His earnings placed him $12 million ahead of the hosts occupying second position.
John Coogan and Jordi Hays ranked second with estimated earnings of $70 million from TBPN, meaning Technology Business Programming Network.
Steven Bartlett followed in third place after Diary of a CEO generated an estimated $45 million. Ashley Flowers ranked fourth with $42 million from Crime Junkie.
SmartLess hosts Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Sean Hayes completed the top five with combined estimated earnings of $37 million.
The ranking highlights the growing commercial strength of podcasting, which Forbes described as a $9 billion business. Leading hosts now earn through advertising, distribution agreements, licensing, subscriptions and live events.
New Heights, Mel Robbins earn $35m
Mel Robbins and the brothers behind New Heights shared sixth position with estimated earnings of $35 million each.
The New Heights podcast is hosted by American football stars Jason and Travis Kelce, while Robbins presents The Mel Robbins Podcast.
Alex Cooper placed eighth after Call Her Daddy generated an estimated $32 million. The show has developed into a major media brand through interviews, video content and live appearances.
The Pod Save America team ranked ninth with $28 million. The political podcast features Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer and Tommy Vietor.
Charlamagne tha God completed the top 10 with estimated earnings of $27 million from The Breakfast Club.
Dax Shepard, Amy Poehler make top 15
Dax Shepard ranked 11th after Armchair Expert generated an estimated $25 million during the period reviewed by Forbes.
Amy Poehler followed in 12th position with $24 million from Good Hang. Her show features relaxed conversations with actors, comedians, musicians and other public figures.
Sports broadcaster Bill Simmons ranked 13th with estimated earnings of $22 million from The Bill Simmons Podcast.
Jay Shetty’s On Purpose placed 14th with $21 million. The programme features conversations focused on relationships, personal development, health and emotional well-being.
Joe Budden occupied joint 15th position after his independent Joe Budden Podcast generated an estimated $20 million.
Former television presenter Tucker Carlson also earned an estimated $20 million from The Tucker Carlson Show, placing him alongside Budden.
How Forbes calculated podcast earnings
Forbes said the figures represented estimated pretax earnings linked specifically to podcast activities.
The calculations covered revenue-sharing agreements, platform payments, advertising, licensing arrangements and income from related live events.
The publication gathered information through conversations with agents, managers, lawyers and other professionals familiar with the podcast industry.
The estimates do not represent the total personal wealth of those included. Several of the podcasters also receive income from television, films, books, endorsements and other businesses.
Rogan’s $82 million earnings nevertheless underline his continued commercial dominance in the industry.
His long-form interview programme regularly features comedians, athletes, scientists, politicians and entertainers. Its wide audience has made it one of the most valuable programmes in digital audio.
The 2026 ranking also shows that podcasting is no longer limited to audio advertising. Major creators now retain ownership of their intellectual property while expanding into video, touring, production companies and licensing deals.
Forbes’ highest-paid podcasters 2026 ranking therefore reflects the transformation of popular shows into full media businesses capable of generating tens of millions of dollars annually.
