The 63-year-old former President of the US, Barack Obama, is still considered one of the most influential figures in the political history of the nation. The former president involved himself in various new business ventures after leaving the office. He and his wife Michelle Obama have earned a substantial amount of wealth from these ventures as well as their books. If you are someone who wants to know more about how much Barack Obama is currently worth, this article is for you. It brings you everything you need to know about Barack Obama’s net worth. The following article also includes information about how he earned his wealth.
The Career-Altering Turn Of Barack Obama’s Life
When talking about Barack Obama’s career and wealth, it is impossible not to talk about the event that altered his political career for good. Barack was a Harvard Law School graduate who was appointed as the state senator of Illinois. He was then given a chance to deliver an address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention held in Boston. The convention nominated then-Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) for the presidency against George W. Bush. His speech was considered an instant classic and earned him significant recognition in the political landscape. It was definitely the turning point of his political career and gave him a way to the Presidency.
Barack Obama’s Net Worth Before Presidency
Former President Obama’s first book, titled “Dreams of My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance,” witnessed a major jump in sales after his address at the convention. He then released another book after he became a national figure. The book titled “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream” was released in 2008. Both the books earned him millions even before he was elected as the President of the US. Later, the former President also authored a book for children titled “Of Thee I Sing: Letters to My Daughters.” According to the reports, Barack Obama already earned around $3.3 billion before his Presidency through his book royalties.
Barack Obama’s Net Worth During Presidency
Obama’s salary when he was serving in the position of a Senator of Illinois amounted to $162,100 before his election as the President. After the successful run for the Presidency in 2008, he received $400,000 per year for 8 years straight. However, even during the Presidency, a major portion of his net worth came from his book royalties and earnings. According to what the reports say, he earned a total of $15.6 million between 2009 and 2017 as royalties. He donated all of his profits after tax deductions that he earned from the sale of his children’s book. These donations helped in offering scholarships for the children of wounded and fallen soldiers. Barack Obama’s net worth during his Presidency amounted to $12.2 million as of January 2017.
Barack Obama’s Various Ventures After The Presidency
Post Presidency, Barack signed a deal with Penguin Random House worth $65 million. Michelle Obama published her book “Becoming,” which was written more in a novel style than a political memoir. This made the book surprisingly emotional and pretty detailed. It reportedly became the highest-selling book published in 2018. Barack’s “A Promised Land” also earned the top-print title in 2020, and the second volume of it is reportedly already underway.
He also reportedly earned a significant amount through his speeches and talks. Barack also founded Higher Ground Productions in 2018, signing a major deal with Netflix for an undisclosed amount. The production company came out with many famous shows like “Leave the World Behind.” He then signed a deal with Creative Artists Agency and Amazon’s Audible service in 2022.
Barack Obama’s Net Worth After Presidency
According to the reports, Barack Obama’s current net worth after the Presidency, along with his wife Michelle Obama, is $70 million. He owns a house in the capital worth $8.1 million. Barack also owns an estate on Martha’s Vineyard at an island off the coast of Massachusetts, worth $11.75 million.
FAQs
Q1. What is Barack Obama’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2024, Barack Obama’s estimated net worth is around $70 million, which includes earnings from book deals, speaking engagements, Netflix production projects, and various other ventures alongside his wife Michelle Obama.
Q2. How did Barack Obama become rich?
Barack Obama built his wealth primarily through book royalties, including bestsellers like The Audacity of Hope and A Promised Land. He also earned millions through speaking engagements, a Netflix deal with Higher Ground Productions, and contracts with Penguin Random House and Audible.
Q3. What was Barack Obama’s salary as president?
During his two terms as President of the United States (2009–2017), Obama earned a salary of $400,000 per year, totaling $3.2 million across eight years.
Q4. How much did Barack Obama earn from book deals?
Reports suggest Barack Obama earned around $15.6 million in book royalties between 2009 and 2017. In 2017, he and Michelle Obama signed a $65 million book deal with Penguin Random House.
Q5. How much did Barack Obama make before becoming President?
Before his presidency, Barack Obama earned around $3.3 million from book royalties, especially after his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech brought him into the national spotlight.
Q6. What is Michelle Obama’s contribution to their net worth?
Michelle Obama significantly contributes through her best-selling memoir Becoming, speaking engagements, and the shared ventures with Barack, including the Netflix deal and Penguin Random House book deal.
Q7. Is Barack Obama one of the richest former presidents?
Yes, Barack Obama is among the wealthiest living former U.S. presidents, largely due to his diversified post-presidential ventures in publishing, media, and public speaking.
Q8. What is Barack Obama’s income source after leaving office?
Post-presidency, Obama earns from Netflix production, book sales, paid speeches, and deals with platforms like Audible. These ventures continue to generate significant revenue annually.
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