'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Jim Thornton has been suspended from the long-running game show. Amid this, his massive salary from the show is in the spotlight.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleWheel of Fortune announcer Jim Thornton has found himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. For those unaware, he has been suspended from the long-running game show by producer Sony Pictures Television as they investigate an alleged incident that occurred on a commercial flight in early 2026.
As of now, the studio has confirmed that it is temporarily substituting Jim while they look into the matter more carefully. With the spotlight on Jim Thornton due to his suspension, many have become curious to know how much the announcer had been earning from the show up until now.
Wheel of Fortune is one of the most iconic game shows that has been running on television for years. Pat Sajak had been the show's face for decades until Ryan Seacrest replaced him in 2024. Apart from Ryan and co-host Vanna White, the person who has become a notable presence for viewers is none other than the show’s announcer Jim Thornton.
Jim has been with the show for more than a decade and is paid in line with his popularity. His sudden suspension, which came as a shock to his fanbase, has led his salary to become a major topic of conversation. It is worth noting that Jim’s salary as the Wheel of Fortune announcer had not been shared publicly. However, several online publications have made educated guesses as to how much his earnings could be.
As per Distractify, Jim makes about USD 1 million per season. Meanwhile, a report by Hindustan Times suggests that he takes home an annual salary of USD 400,000 for his role as the show’s announcer. And for those wondering about Jim Thornton's net worth, it is estimated at USD 3 million, as per Celebrity Net Worth.
Jim Thornton was suspended after an incident that took place on May 14, 2026, on American Airlines Flight 1276. At that time, the flight was on its way to Los Angeles International Airport. Speaking on behalf of the airline, a rep remarked:
"On May 14, American Airlines Flight 1276 was met by law enforcement upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport following concerns reported by a customer onboard."
When a complaint was made by another one of the passengers, the flight crew decided to reach out to the airport police before landing. Jim had to comply with a brief inquiry by officers when he reached the arrival gate. However, they soon let him exit without any charges.
Jim’s attorney defended him and made it clear that the game show announcer “did not engage in any illegal conduct, was not arrested, and has not been charged with any crime.” The lawyer further added:
“When questioned about the complaint made by a fellow passenger on the flight, law enforcement spoke to him for five minutes or less, immediately determined that no wrongdoing had occurred, and told my client he was free to go."
On September 1, 2026, Sony Pictures Television Studios confirmed in a statement that Jim Thornton has been suspended from the show and that his role will be recast. As long as the studio looks into the allegations against him, Jim will not be involved with Wheel of Fortune in any way. They said:
“We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from ‘Wheel of Fortune’, and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”
The studio did not go into additional details about the allegations or investigation. It remains to be seen if and when Jim Thornton can return to the show.
What are your thoughts on Jim Thornton’s massive salary on Wheel of Fortune? Let us know.
Also Read: Ariana Grande Breaks Down On Stage During Last Concert Amid Getting Backlash For Weight Loss