Kay Quinn Biography 2026: Age, Career, Husband, Salary & Facts

Kay Quinn is a prominent American journalist and news anchor, best known for her role at KSDK 5 On Your Side in St. Louis, Missouri. With a career spanning nearly two decades, she has covered countless local stories and earned a reputation for trustworthy reporting. Her dedication to community journalism and her warm on-air presence have made her a household name in the St. Louis area.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Kay Quinn was born on June 12, 1985, in St. Louis, Missouri, to John and Mary Quinn. Her father worked as a high school history teacher, and her mother was a nurse. Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood, Kay was the youngest of two children; her brother Michael is three years older and now works as an engineer.

From an early age, Kay showed a keen interest in writing and public speaking. She was an avid reader and often wrote short stories for her school newspaper. At age 12, she started a mini neighborhood newsletter, which she distributed to family and friends. Her parents encouraged her curiosity and enrolled her in a summer journalism camp at a local college.

Kay attended Webster Groves High School, where she was on the debate team and served as editor of the school yearbook. After graduating in 2003, she enrolled at the University of Missouri in Columbia, one of the top journalism schools in the country. There, she majored in broadcast journalism and interned at the university’s NBC affiliate, KOMU-TV. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2007, graduating with honors.

Career Journey: From Intern to KSDK Anchor (2026 Update)

Early Career (2007–2010)

After college, Kay landed her first job as a general assignment reporter at KMIZ in Columbia, Missouri. For two years, she covered everything from city council meetings to severe weather events. This experience sharpened her reporting skills and taught her how to connect with a community.

In 2009, she moved to WICS in Springfield, Illinois, where she worked as a weekend anchor and reporter. Her coverage of the 2010 tornado outbreak earned her a regional Edward R. Murrow Award for breaking news reporting. The recognition helped her stand out, and in 2010, she received an offer from KSDK, the NBC affiliate in her hometown.

Joining KSDK (2010)

Kay joined KSDK 5 On Your Side in August 2010 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. The opportunity allowed her to return to St. Louis and report on issues close to her heart. She quickly became a familiar face, covering high-profile stories such as the Ferguson unrest, the St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series runs, and severe flooding events.

By 2015, Kay was promoted to morning anchor, co-hosting the 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. newscast. Her genuine personality and ability to deliver news with empathy helped boost ratings for the morning slot. In 2018, she moved to the evening news desk, anchoring the 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. broadcasts—a role she still holds as of 2026.

Notable Stories and Achievements

Throughout her tenure, Kay has covered numerous impactful stories. One of her most memorable assignments was a 2017 investigative series on lead contamination in St. Louis public schools, which led to district-wide policy changes. She also reported live from the field during the 2019 Missouri River floods, providing critical updates for displaced families.

In 2022, she launched a special segment called “Kay’s Community Corner,” highlighting unsung heroes and charitable events across the metro area. The segment has won several local Emmy awards and remains popular with viewers.

Kay Quinn in 2026: What’s Next

As of August 2026, Kay continues to anchor the evening news at KSDK. She recently celebrated her 16th anniversary with the station. This year, she expanded her role by hosting a new podcast, St. Louis Stories, which deep-dives into local history and current affairs. The podcast has quickly gained a following, showing her versatility as a journalist.

Industry insiders speculate that Kay might consider a national news role in the future, but she has expressed a strong commitment to serving the St. Louis community. In a 2026 interview with Gateway Journalism Review, she said, “There’s so much more to uncover right here at home. I feel blessed to do what I do.”

Personal Life

Family, Husband and Children

Kay Quinn is married to Mark Thompson, a high school math teacher and coach. The couple met in 2010 at a charity run in Forest Park and tied the knot on October 6, 2012, in a small ceremony in St. Louis. They have two children: a son, Alex, born in 2014, and a daughter, Emily, born in 2017.

Despite her busy schedule, Kay prioritizes family time. She often shares glimpses of weekend hikes, baking sessions, and school events on her social media. In a 2026 interview, she mentioned that her husband’s support has been crucial to her career longevity.

Hobbies and Interests

Outside the newsroom, Kay enjoys running half‑marathons and has completed the St. Louis Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon series three times. She also loves photography, often capturing cityscapes and candid family moments. Cooking is another passion; she is known among friends for her homemade lasagna and chocolate chip cookies.

Community Involvement

Giving back is a core value for Kay. She serves on the board of the St. Louis Area Foodbank and volunteers regularly at the Humane Society of Missouri. Since 2020, she has helped organize the annual “Run for Relief,” a 5K that raises funds for local disaster response efforts.

Awards & Achievements

• Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News (2010)
• Mid-America Emmy Award for Best Morning Newscast (2016, 2017)
• Missouri Broadcasters Association News Anchor of the Year (2019)
• St. Louis Press Club Media Person of the Year (2021)
• Multiple AP Awards for feature reporting
• Women in Media Trailblazer Award (2025)

Physical Statistics

Kay Quinn stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall and maintains a healthy weight of around 130 pounds (59 kg). She has dark brown hair and striking blue eyes. Her warm smile and professional appearance have made her a standout on television. She follows a regular fitness routine that includes yoga and outdoor running.

Quotes

“Journalism isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about giving a voice to the voiceless. That responsibility keeps me going every day.”

“My dad always said, ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I’m lucky to live that truth.”

“The best part of my job? Meeting the incredible people who make St. Louis such a special place.”

Controversies

Throughout her career, Kay Quinn has maintained a clean public image with no major scandals. In 2023, she faced mild criticism on social media for a light-hearted comment made during a cooking segment, which some viewers found out of touch. She quickly apologized on air, and the incident blew over. Overall, her reputation remains untarnished.

Favorites

• Food: Italian (especially pasta carbonara)
• Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• TV Show: The West Wing
• Sport: Baseball (avid St. Louis Cardinals fan)
• Travel Destination: Colorado mountains for hiking
• Music Artist: John Mayer

Salary & Net Worth

Kay Quinn’s Salary

As a seasoned news anchor for a top‑rated local station, Kay Quinn’s annual salary is estimated to be between $90,000 and $130,000 as of 2026, according to industry data from PayScale and Glassdoor. This figure aligns with the earnings of lead anchors in mid‑sized markets like St. Louis.

Net Worth in 2026

Kay Quinn’s net worth is projected at $1.5 million as of August 2026. This wealth stems from her nearly 20-year broadcasting career, wise investments in real estate, and additional income from speaking engagements and her podcast. She and her husband own a home in the St. Louis suburbs valued at around $450,000.

Interesting Facts

• Kay is a certified scuba diver and has explored reefs in Belize.
• She once interviewed former President Barack Obama during his visit to St. Louis in 2016.
• Her first job was as a cashier at a local grocery store at age 16.
• She adopted two rescue dogs: a beagle named Scoop and a lab mix named Molly.
• Despite being on TV, she admits to being camera-shy as a child.

Did You Know Already?

Kay Quinn once appeared as an extra in a local production of A Christmas Carol when she was 10 years old. She played a street urchin and fondly recalls the experience as her first taste of performance.

Social Media Links

Stay connected with Kay Quinn on her official platforms:

• Twitter/X: @KayQuinnKSDK
• Facebook: Kay Quinn Journalist
• Instagram: @KayQuinnOfficial
• LinkedIn: Kay Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Kay Quinn been at KSDK?

Kay Quinn joined KSDK in August 2010, so as of 2026, she has been with the station for over 16 years.

Is Kay Quinn married?

Yes, Kay has been married to Mark Thompson since 2012. They have two children together.

What is Kay Quinn’s net worth in 2026?

Her estimated net worth as of 2026 is $1.5 million, accumulated through her journalism career and investments.

Where did Kay Quinn go to college?

Kay Quinn graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.

What is Kay Quinn’s role at KSDK?

She is the evening news anchor for the 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. newscasts, and she also hosts the St. Louis Stories podcast.

Does Kay Quinn do any volunteer work?

Yes, she is active with the St. Louis Area Foodbank and the Humane Society of Missouri, among other charitable activities.

Conclusion

Kay Quinn’s journey from a hometown girl with a love for storytelling to one of St. Louis’s most respected journalists is truly inspiring. Her unwavering commitment to ethical reporting, community service, and family life continues to resonate with viewers. If you enjoyed learning about Kay Quinn’s biography and achievements, share this article with your friends and family!