Erin Burnett Bio, Age, Height, Husband, CNN Career, Salary, Net Worth & Family
Erin Burnett is one of the most recognizable faces in American cable news, anchoring Erin Burnett OutFront on CNN since 2011. Known for her sharp financial acumen, fearless international reporting, and signature blend of Wall Street expertise with journalistic instinct, Burnett has built a career that spans Goldman Sachs, CNBC, and CNN’s primetime lineup. With a reported annual salary of $6 million and a net worth estimated at $20 million, she stands among the highest-paid female news anchors in the country. From her humble beginnings on a Maryland farm to moderating presidential debates and reporting from war zones, Burnett’s journey is a masterclass in ambition, reinvention, and relentless drive.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Erin Isabelle Burnett |
| Nick Name | The Street Sweetie |
| Profession | News Anchor, Journalist |
| Birth Date | July 2, 1976 |
| Age | 50 years 1 month old |
| Birth Place | Mardela Springs, Maryland, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Anchor of Erin Burnett OutFront on CNN; Former CNBC co-anchor of Squawk on the Street |
| Ethnicity | Irish, Scottish, English |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | B.A. in Political Economy, Williams College (1998) |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | David Thomas Rubulotta (m. December 21, 2012) |
| Children | 3 (Nyle, Colby, Owen) |
| Father | Kenneth King Burnett (corporate attorney) |
| Mother | Esther Margaret Burnett (née Stewart) |
| Siblings | 2 older sisters: Mara Burnett, Laurie Burnett |
| Hobbies | Lacrosse, field hockey, travel, documentary production |
| Current Work | Anchor, Erin Burnett OutFront (CNN); Chief Business & Economics Correspondent |
| Years Active | 1998–present |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Annual Salary | $6 million (CNN) |
| Residence | Broadway, New York City (near Lincoln Center, one block from Central Park) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @erinburnettoutfront; X/Twitter: @ErinBurnett |
Early Life & Education
Birth and Family Background
Erin Isabelle Burnett was born on July 2, 1976, in Mardela Springs, Maryland, a tiny rural town of roughly 420 people on the Eastern Shore. She is the youngest of three daughters born to Kenneth King Burnett, a corporate attorney, and Esther Margaret Burnett (née Stewart). Her older sisters are Mara and Laurie.
Burnett is of Irish, Scottish, and English ancestry. Her parents made a deliberate choice to raise their family in rural Maryland rather than New York City, where Kenneth’s legal career could have flourished. That decision—prioritizing country life over urban ambition—shaped Burnett’s understanding of what matters and instilled in her a competitive drive to prove herself beyond the limitations of geography.
Education
Burnett attended the Salisbury School, a private independent elementary and middle school in Salisbury, Maryland, before enrolling at St. Andrew’s School, a private co-educational college preparatory boarding school in Middletown, Delaware. She graduated in 1994 and returned in 2009 to deliver the commencement speech.
She then attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where she studied political science and economics and graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in political economy. At Williams, she was a competitive athlete, playing both lacrosse and field hockey—earning Second Team All-NESCAC conference honors as an attack in field hockey in 1997.
Career Journey
Goldman Sachs and the Pivot to Media (1998–2003)
Burnett’s career began not in a newsroom but on Wall Street. After graduating from Williams in 1998, she joined Goldman Sachs as a financial analyst in the investment banking division, working on mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. The position was grueling, competitive, and overwhelmingly male—but she thrived.
The turning point came when her sister and brother-in-law sent her a newspaper article about Willow Bay, a former Estée Lauder model who had become a co-host of CNN’s Moneyline. Burnett reasoned that if a model could become a financial journalist, surely an actual financial analyst could too. She wrote directly to Bay, calling herself a “stalker” in her pursuit of a job. Bay hired her as an assistant.
CNN, Citigroup, and Bloomberg (2000s)
Burnett’s first media role was at CNN as a writer and booker for Moneyline with Stuart Varney, Willow Bay, and Lou Dobbs. She left shortly after to become Vice President of CitiMedia, Citigroup’s digital media group. From there, she moved to Bloomberg Television as Stocks Editor and anchor, hosting Bloomberg on the Markets from 2003 to 2005.
CNBC: The Street Sweetie (2005–2011)
In 2005, Burnett joined CNBC, where she became a household name. She hosted Street Signs (2005–2011) and co-anchored Squawk on the Street live from the New York Stock Exchange alongside the legendary Mark Haines. Both shows’ ratings improved significantly under her watch, and industry insiders nicknamed her “The Street Sweetie”—a moniker she tolerated because the alternative was invisibility.
Key Moments at CNBC:
- August 5, 2009: Used the term “serial killer” in a discussion with Jim Cramer about Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s plan to cull feral camels; she later clarified it was meant as a joke
- December 7, 2010: Presented an Emmy-nominated investigative report on chemical giant Transammonia doing business in Iran. The report resulted in Transammonia agreeing to stop Iranian operations entirely
During her NBC tenure, she also reported for MSNBC’s Morning Joe, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press, and substitute-anchored the Today Show for Meredith Vieira. She even appeared as a boardroom advisor to Donald Trump on NBC’s The Apprentice (2008–2010).
CNN: Erin Burnett OutFront (2011–present)
Burnett left CNBC on May 6, 2011, and joined CNN on October 3, 2011, headlining her own primetime show: Erin Burnett OutFront, airing weeknights at 7 p.m. ET. The show films at CNN’s New York studios and airs right before Anderson Cooper’s slot—prime real estate in cable news.
She also serves as CNN’s Chief Business and Economics Correspondent. Her reporting has taken her across the globe:
International Reporting Locations:
- Afghanistan, Rwanda, Mali, Israel, UAE
- China, Ukraine, Pakistan
- Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkey, Yemen
- Ethiopia, Libya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Russia, Jordan, India
Major Career Milestones:
- Moderated the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary Debate
- Hosted Town Halls with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
- Produced and anchored documentaries including City of Money & Mystery (2008), India Rising: The New Empire (2008), The Russian Gamble (2008), Dollars & Danger: Africa, The Final Investment Frontier (2009), On Assignment: Iraq (2010), and Big Money in the Middle East (2010)
- Made a cameo as herself in the 2014 film Edge of Tomorrow and appeared in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)
Controversies at CNN:
- October 4, 2011: Aired a segment on Occupy Wall Street titled “Seriously?” that was criticized by FAIR and Glenn Greenwald for misrepresenting facts about protesters. CNN issued a statement supporting Burnett and the OutFront team
- June 1, 2020: Incorrectly stated that President Trump’s proposed use of the Insurrection Act would be “not invoked since 1807”; she later corrected herself, noting it was last invoked in 1992
Career Stats Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Show | Erin Burnett OutFront (CNN, 2011–present) |
| Previous Shows | Street Signs, Squawk on the Street (CNBC); Bloomberg on the Markets (Bloomberg) |
| Networks | Goldman Sachs → CNN (writer) → Citigroup → Bloomberg → CNBC → CNN (anchor) |
| Documentaries | 6+ produced/anchored |
| Film Appearances | Edge of Tomorrow (2014), The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013) |
| Emmy Nominations | 1 (Transammonia report, 2011) |
| Notable Interviews | U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta (Afghanistan, 2012) |
Personal Life
Marriage to David Rubulotta
Burnett met David Thomas Rubulotta on a blind date in 2003, arranged by a mutual friend. Rubulotta, then a trader at Lehman Brothers, would later become a managing director at Citigroup. When Erin saw him walk into the restaurant, she thought, “I hope that’s him.” It was.
They dated for eight years before getting engaged in September 2011. On December 21, 2012, they married in a simple ceremony at New York City Hall, officiated by a Justice of the Peace. Burnett wore a red dress instead of traditional white.
“We’re very casual. I love how at City Hall people come in everything from wedding gowns to jeans. It’s so mellow and chill, just how we like it.”
— Erin Burnett, on her wedding
The reception at Atlantic Grill had a Christmas theme because, as she put it, “Christmas is our favorite time of year.” She later changed into a gold dress for the celebration.
The couple has been named to the “Top 22 Biggest Power Couples on Wall Street.”
Children
Burnett and Rubulotta have three children:
| Child | Birth Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nyle Thomas Burnett Rubulotta | November 29, 2013 | First child; weighed 8 lbs., 10 oz. |
| Colby Isabelle Burnett Rubulotta | July 18, 2015 | Daughter; middle name honors Erin |
| Owen Thomas Burnett Rubulotta | August 20, 2018 | Third child |
“We are so excited for number three. As one of three myself, I think it’s a lucky number.”
— Erin Burnett, on her third pregnancy
Health Challenges
Burnett has been open about significant health struggles. In her late 20s, she was diagnosed with stage II, triple-positive, invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer). She underwent chemotherapy, which caused side effects including hair loss and fertility complications. She has also spoken about the emotional toll of breast reconstruction surgery.
“I used to joke around with my friends and say: ‘You guys are having these crazy sex lives where someone pulls your hair, while my husband’s picking my hair up off the ground…’ Even though, mentally, I wanted to, my mind didn’t connect. It was like a slow transition into a menopausal state.”
— Erin Burnett, on chemotherapy side effects
Family and Upbringing
Burnett’s parents, Kenneth and Esther, still live near the Maryland farm where they raised their daughters. Their decision to prioritize rural life over urban ambition deeply influenced Burnett’s values. She has described her sisters as people she idolized growing up, saying, “The best part of growing up there was playing with my sisters.”
Hobbies and Interests
- Sports: Lacrosse and field hockey (played competitively at Williams College)
- Travel: Extensive international reporting has taken her to dozens of countries
- Documentary Production: Passionate about long-form investigative storytelling
- Film: Made cameo appearances as herself in Hollywood productions
Controversies
Occupy Wall Street “Seriously?” Segment (2011)
Shortly after joining CNN, Burnett aired an October 4, 2011 segment on the Occupy Wall Street protests titled “Seriously?” The piece was accused by journalism watchdog group FAIR and journalist Glenn Greenwald of misrepresenting facts about protesters. Greenwald attributed the bias to her previous Wall Street experience and her husband’s employment at Citigroup. CNN issued a statement supporting Burnett and the OutFront team.
Insurrection Act Correction (2020)
On June 1, 2020, Burnett incorrectly stated that President Trump’s proposed use of the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces against protesters would constitute “invoking an act not invoked since 1807.” She later issued a correction, noting the act had been invoked much more recently, with the last invocation in 1992.
Guo Wengui Defamation Lawsuit (2019)
In 2019, Chinese billionaire and fugitive Guo Wengui sued Burnett and WarnerMedia for $50 million after Burnett called him a spy on the July 23, 2019 episode of Erin Burnett OutFront. The defamation lawsuit alleged that CNN misled viewers with false statements when Burnett stated, “New tonight, the Chinese billionaire and member of Mar-a-Lago accused of being a spy.”
“Serial Killer” Comment (2009)
During a CNBC discussion with Jim Cramer about Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s plan to cull feral camels, Burnett used the term “serial killer” to describe the plan. Cramer referred to it as “camelcide.” Burnett clarified the next day that her comment was meant as a joke.
Salary and Job Security Concerns (2024)
In May 2024, a source told In Touch that Burnett and fellow anchor Anderson Cooper ($12 million/year) might be “price targets for cost reduction” at CNN, given that newer hosts like Kaitlan Collins, Abby Phillip, and Laura Coates earn significantly less. The insider claimed, “They are aware their days are numbered!”
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Nomination (2011): Investigative report on Transammonia’s business dealings with Iran
- Fortune Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40
- Member of the Council on Foreign Relations
- Named one of the “Top 22 Biggest Power Couples on Wall Street” (with David Rubulotta)
- Joe Scarborough dubbed her “the International Superstar” for her global reporting work at NBC
- Moderated the 2020 Democratic Presidential Primary Debate
- Hosted Town Halls with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
Physical Statistics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 132 lbs (60 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Build | Slim/Athletic |
| Distinguishing Features | Known for her confident on-camera presence and casual yet authoritative delivery style |
Quotes
“We’re very casual. I love how at City Hall people come in everything from wedding gowns to jeans. It’s so mellow and chill, just how we like it.”
— On her City Hall wedding“We are so excited for number three. As one of three myself, I think it’s a lucky number.”
— On her third pregnancy“I used to joke around with my friends and say: ‘You guys are having these crazy sex lives where someone pulls your hair, while my husband’s picking my hair up off the ground…'”
— On the side effects of chemotherapy“The best part of growing up there was playing with my sisters.”
— On her childhood in Mardela Springs
Favorites
| Category | Favorites |
|---|---|
| Holiday | Christmas (wedding theme) |
| Sports | Lacrosse, field hockey |
| College | Williams College |
| Career Era | Her investigative documentary work |
| Interview Style | In-depth, on-location breaking news |
| Cars | Mercedes-Benz, Mini Cooper |
| Residence Style | Manhattan apartment near Central Park |
Earnings & Net Worth
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| CNN Annual Salary | $6 million |
| Estimated Net Worth | $20 million |
| Speaking Engagements | Additional income |
| Previous Earnings | Goldman Sachs analyst, Citigroup VP, CNBC anchor |
| Husband’s Career | Managing Director at Citigroup |
Burnett is the 14th highest-paid news anchor on national TV, according to The Street. Her $6 million salary places her behind only Anderson Cooper ($12 million) and Jake Tapper at CNN.
Real Estate
Burnett owns a two-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom apartment on Broadway in New York City, near Lincoln Center and one block from Central Park. She purchased the home in 2013. The building features a parking garage, residential lounge, community swimming pool, 24-hour doorman, and fitness club. The apartment has hardwood floors, high ceilings, large windows, a marble bath, and a breakfast bar.
She also reportedly owns a Mercedes-Benz and a Mini Cooper.
Interesting Facts
- Burnett wrote a “stalker” letter to Willow Bay to get her first media job at CNN
- She was nicknamed “The Street Sweetie” during her CNBC days
- She played field hockey and lacrosse at Williams College and earned All-Conference honors
- She delivered the commencement speech at her alma mater St. Andrew’s School in 2009
- She wore a red dress to her City Hall wedding instead of traditional white
- She has reported from more than 20 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe
- She appeared as a boardroom advisor to Donald Trump on The Apprentice
- She made a cameo as herself in the 2014 Tom Cruise film Edge of Tomorrow
- She is a member of the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations
- She was selected as one of Fortune magazine’s Top 40 Under 40
Did You Know?
- Burnett’s first job out of college was at Goldman Sachs, not in journalism
- She left CNN’s Moneyline assistant position to become VP at Citigroup’s digital media division before returning to TV
- Her investigative report on Transammonia actually caused the company to stop doing business with Iran
- She has been with her husband David Rubulotta for over 20 years (since 2003)
- Her three children were born within a five-year span (2013–2018)
- She overcame stage II breast cancer in her late 20s
Social Media Links
| Platform | Handle/Link |
|---|---|
| @erinburnettoutfront | |
| X (Twitter) | @ErinBurnett |
| CNN Profile | cnn.com/profiles/erin-burnett |
| IMDb | imdb.com/name/nm2574553 |
| Wikipedia | Erin Burnett |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Erin Burnett?
Erin Burnett is 50 years old as of 2026. She was born on July 2, 1976, in Mardela Springs, Maryland.
Who is Erin Burnett’s husband?
Erin Burnett is married to David Thomas Rubulotta, a managing director at Citigroup. They met on a blind date in 2003, got engaged in 2011, and married at New York City Hall on December 21, 2012.
What is Erin Burnett’s salary at CNN?
Erin Burnett earns an estimated $6 million per year at CNN, making her one of the highest-paid female news anchors in the country.
How many children does Erin Burnett have?
Erin Burnett has three children: Nyle Thomas (born November 29, 2013), Colby Isabelle (born July 18, 2015), and Owen Thomas (born August 20, 2018).
What is Erin Burnett’s net worth?
Erin Burnett’s net worth is estimated at $20 million, accumulated through her career at Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, CNBC, and CNN, plus speaking engagements and media appearances.
What show does Erin Burnett host?
Erin Burnett anchors Erin Burnett OutFront, a nightly primetime news program on CNN that airs weeknights at 7 p.m. ET.
Where did Erin Burnett go to college?
Erin Burnett graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in political economy.
Conclusion
Erin Burnett’s journey from a tiny Maryland farm town to the anchor desk at CNN is a testament to ambition, intellect, and sheer determination. With a Wall Street foundation, a journalist’s curiosity, and an athlete’s competitive drive, she has built one of the most respected careers in American cable news. Whether reporting from war zones, moderating presidential debates, or breaking down complex financial stories for millions of viewers, Burnett brings a rare combination of expertise and accessibility that has defined her two-decade career.
As she continues anchoring Erin Burnett OutFront into 2026 and beyond, she remains a powerful voice in primetime journalism—proving that the girl from Mardela Springs can indeed explain the world to millions.
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