Bowen Yang net worth is estimated to be $4 million. The American comedian, actor, writer, and podcaster, is best known for his breakout run on Saturday Night Live, where he became one of the show’s most distinctive modern voices and made history as its first Chinese American cast member and one of its few openly gay performers.
Through SNL, film roles, podcasting, and voice acting, Yang has built a diverse entertainment career that continues to expand well beyond sketch comedy.
| Bowen Yang Net Worth | $4 Million |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Brisbane, Australia |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Writer, and Podcaster |
Early Life
Bowen Yang was born on November 6, 1990, in Brisbane, Australia, to Chinese immigrant parents and was raised primarily in the United States. His family later settled in Colorado, where he grew up navigating cultural identity and belonging.
Yang attended New York University, where he initially studied chemistry before turning to comedy and performance. While at NYU, he became involved in improv and sketch comedy, laying the foundation for his future career.
Bowen Yang’s SNL Salary
A standard Saturday Night Live season consists of 21 episodes, with salaries increasing based on tenure and importance to the show.
- First-year cast members: $7,000 per episode (about $147,000 per season)
- Second-year cast members: $8,000 per episode ($168,000 per season)
- Fifth-year cast members: $15,000 per episode ($315,000 per season)
- Top-tier veterans: Up to $25,000 per episode ($525,000 per full season)
Bowen Yang joined the cast in Season 45 (2019) and quickly became a breakout star. By his later seasons, he was likely earning $25,000 per episode, placing him among the show’s highest-paid performers.
Because Yang exited SNL midway through Season 51, his earnings for that final season were prorated. He is estimated to have earned approximately $200,000 to $225,000 for the episodes aired before his departure in December 2025.
Bowen Yang’s SNL Earnings Timeline
- 2018 (Season 44): Writer (separate union salary scale)
- 2019–2020 (Season 45): First-year cast member
- 2020–2021 (Season 46): Second-year cast member
- 2023–2024 (Season 49): Fifth-year cast member
- 2025 (Season 51): Final season, top-tier salary (partial season)
Bowen Yang Breakthrough on Saturday Night Live
Yang joined Saturday Night Live in 2018 as a staff writer. Within a year, he began appearing on screen and was quickly promoted to featured player and then full cast member.
He became known for sharply observed, pop-culture-driven characters and viral pre-taped sketches such as “Straight Male Friend” and “Big Dumb Line.” His work earned him five Emmy nominations and helped modernize the show’s comedic voice.
Yang announced his departure from SNL in late 2025, concluding a seven-season run that coincided with a generational shift in the cast.
Film and Television Career
Outside of SNL, Yang has built a strong presence in film and scripted television. His notable credits include:
- Fire Island
- Bros
- Fantasmas
- Overcompensating
He also joined the cast of the highly anticipated musical films Wicked and Wicked: For Good, expanding his reach into major studio productions.
Podcasting and Las Culturistas
One of Yang’s most influential projects is the podcast “Las Culturistas,” which he co-hosts with comedian Matt Rogers. The show became a pop-culture phenomenon and led to the creation of the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, which later aired on Bravo and streamed on Peacock.
The success of the podcast has been a significant contributor to Yang’s income and cultural influence.
Voice Acting
Yang has also developed a growing career in voice acting. He starred in Audible’s scripted comedy “Hot White Heist” and has been cast in major animated projects, including an upcoming Cat in the Hat film. Voice work has become an increasingly important and lucrative part of his portfolio.
Bowen Yang Net Worth
Bowen Yang net worth is estimated at $4 million.
