Joe Kernen CNBC Bio, Age, Wife, Daughter, Salary, Net Worth, Squawk Box

Joe Kernen is the 70 years old, fast-talking co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk Box—the network’s flagship pre-market show that traders have relied on since 1995. A former cancer-research scientist turned Wall Street broker, “The Kahuna” has spent three decades translating market jargon into plain English and is still behind the desk at dawn every weekday.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Joe Kernen grew up in Western Hills, Cincinnati, graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1974. He earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular, cellular & developmental biology from the University of Colorado, then moved to MIT for graduate work, publishing cancer-cell research in Cell and Developmental Biology journals .

Career Journey

1984-1991 – Stockbroker Era

Joe Kernen joined CNBC in 1991, starting as a stockbroker with nearly a decade of experience working with financial institutions. His in-depth knowledge of the financial markets, combined with his scientific background, made him a perfect fit for a career in financial journalism.

1991-1995 – Financial News Network

• Joined FNN as on-air stock editor; survived 1991 CNBC merger.

1995-present – Squawk Box Anchor

• Became original co-host of Squawk Box in 1995 alongside Mark Haines, later becky quick & Andrew Ross Sorkin.
• Known for sparring with CEOs, libertarian-leaning market monologues, and humorous “hair” banter.
• Covered every major market event live: 2008 crash, COVID-2020 circuit breakers, 2022 bear, 2024 Fed pivot.

Side Ventures

• 2011 – Co-wrote book Your Teacher Said What?! defending capitalism for kids, with daughter Blake .
• Frequent speaker at broker-dealer conferences; booking fee ~$50 k .

Career Stats (Jan 2026)

Personal Life

Marriage & Family

Met Penny Scott when she joined CNBC as a commodities trader in 1996; they married on a golf course in 1998 and live in a 1906 New Jersey home renovated for Architectural Digest . Daughter Blake (b. 2000) is now a marketing executive.

Wife and Daughter

Joe Kernen is married to Penelope Scott Kernen, a former commodities trader whom he met while working at CNBC. The couple tied the knot in 1998 and have been together ever since. They have two children, including a daughter, Blake Kernen, who has gained some attention in the media due to her appearances with Joe and her involvement in public discourse.

The family lives in a beautiful home in New Jersey. Joe often shares anecdotes about his family life during his shows, giving viewers a glimpse into his personal life.

Hobbies & Interests

• Single-digit handicap golfer; member of Ridgewood Country Club.
• Drums in a classic-rock band of CNBC staffers.
• Owns Scottish terrier “Scottie” (b. 2002) .

Controversies

• 2013 Indian Accent Incident – Mimicked accent on-air while discussing rupee; later apologized .
• 2020 Fed Rant – Called Fed chair “Santa Claus with a printing press”; drew viewer complaints of partisanship.

Awards & Achievements

• 2× CableACE nominee (Business Programming)
• 2009 – “Best Market Reporter” – Trader Monthly
• 2020 – inducted into Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame
• 2025 – 30-year CNBC service award

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Weight: ≈ 175 lb (79 kg)
• Hair: Thick silver “TV hair” (inspired nickname “The Hair”)
• Eyes: Hazel
• Suit size: 42 R
• Shoe: 11 US

Quotes

1. “I’m not a bull, I’m not a bear—I’m a chicken with a microphone.”
2. “The market is like a toddler: feed it sugar and watch it run.”
3. “If you’re still in pajamas at 9 a.m., you’re not watching Squawk Box right.”

Favorites

• Market Indicator: 10-yr T-note yield
• Beverage: Kentucky bourbon (Woodford Reserve)
• Band: Grateful Dead
• Movie: Trading Places
• Book: The Fountainhead – Ayn Rand
• Vacation: Maui golf trips

Salary & Net Worth 2026

• Net Worth: $20 million (industry estimate)
• CNBC Salary: ≈ $3 million/yr (2025 contract renewal)
• Book royalties: ~$25 k/yr
• Speaking fees: $200 k+ annually
• Real estate: NJ home valued $4.2 M

Interesting Facts

• Still uses a 2005 BlackBerry for emails off-air.
• Keeps a 1987 stock-ticker machine in office for “good karma.”
• Once bet Becky Quick $100 the Dow would finish >30 k—paid in casino chips.
• Appeared as himself in Damages (Season 5) & The Apprentice boardroom .

Did You Know Already?

Joe’s MIT cancer-research thesis is still cited in hematology journals—yet he hasn’t been in a lab coat since 1983 .

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @JoeKernen
• Instagram: @joekernencnbc
• LinkedIn: Joe Kernen
• CNBC Bio: cnbc.com/joe-kernen

FAQs

Q1: How long has Joe Kernen been on Squawk Box?
Since its debut in 1995—over 30 years.

Q2: What degree does Joe Kernen hold?
MSc in molecular biology from MIT; did cancer research before Wall Street.

Q3: Who is Joe Kernen’s wife?
Penelope “Penny” Scott Kernen, former commodities trader; married 1998.

Q4: What is Joe Kernen’s nickname?
“The Kahuna” (and “The Hair”).

Q5: How much is Joe Kernen worth?
Estimated $20 million in 2026.

Conclusion

From test tubes to tickers, Joe Kernen’s unique blend of science smarts and market swagger has made him the undisputed voice of pre-market television for three decades. Whether grilling CEOs or riffing on rock lyrics, “The Kahuna” proves you can be both serious about money and serious about fun.
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