Mariska Hargitay Net Worth: ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Salary, Career, Assets & Legacy
A revealing look at how her SVU tenure and savvy investments shaped enduring success.
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Mariska Hargitay Net Worth: Fortune, TV Reign, and Personal Legacy
Mariska Hargitay has become synonymous with Detective Olivia Benson, a role she has portrayed for decades on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). Her unwavering performance, resilience, and commitment have made her one of television’s highest-paid actors and a cultural icon whose net worth stands as a testament to both her talent and determination.
What Is Mariska Hargitay’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Mariska Hargitay’s net worth is estimated at $100 million. This figure reflects her impressive salary, long-running career on Law & Order: SVU, real estate holdings, and additional ventures. Hargitay’s fortune comfortably places her among the elite of American television, and, as her wealth continues to grow with every season, fans and industry-watchers alike marvel at her financial accomplishments.
How Much Does Mariska Hargitay Earn on Law & Order: SVU?
The bulk of Hargitay’s net worth is derived from her longstanding role as Detective Olivia Benson. For her work on Law & Order: SVU, she earns a reported $500,000 per episode. With over 22 episodes per season and now into the show’s 27th season, this amounts to multimillion-dollar annual earnings.
- Estimated per episode salary: $500,000
- Annual take-home (based on typical season): $11 million+
- Additional royalties and residuals: $2–4 million per year
Hargitay’s unwavering loyalty to SVU—having appeared in nearly every episode since 1999—has solidified her as the show’s highest paid actor. The next-highest earner, Ice-T, makes roughly half her per-episode salary at $250,000.
Television Triumph: The Legacy of Olivia Benson
Hargitay has carved out an indelible place in television history as the central force behind the success and cultural relevance of Law & Order: SVU. She is the longest-running cast member on the series, bringing to life a character that became an emblem of justice, empathy, and advocacy for victims of violence.
- SVU premiered: 1999
- Seasons as Benson (as of 2025): 27
- Episodes missed: Only a handful over two decades, including maternity leave and a brief injury
- Other TV roles:
- “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List” (as herself)
- “Barefoot Contessa” (as herself)
- “The Jim Gaffigan Show” (as herself)
- “Nightcap” (as herself)
- “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (reprised Benson, 2021)
The Road to $100 Million: Key Earnings Milestones
| Year | Reported Annual Earnings | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $10 million | Forbes |
| 2013 | $10 million | Forbes |
| 2014 | $13 million | Forbes |
| 2016 | $14.5 million | Forbes |
| 2017 | $12.5 million | Forbes |
| 2019 | $13 million | Finance.yahoo |
| 2025 | $25 million ($29 million gross) | Forbes |
In recent years, her total annual take (including salary, royalties, and investments) can reach $25 million or more. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013, testament to her enduring influence and industry-wide recognition.
Is Mariska Hargitay the Highest-Paid Actor on SVU?
Yes. Her $500,000 per episode puts her at the top of the cast’s pay scale. Her consistency and leadership on set have made her the most indispensable member of the team, with salaries reflecting her vital status. Ice-T, a fan favorite, stands at second highest at $250,000 per episode.
Has Mariska Hargitay Made Money Outside of Acting?
Absolutely. While acting accounts for the lion’s share of her net worth, Hargitay’s wealth is also fueled by:
- Production credits — She has served as executive producer and director for many episodes of SVU.
- Real estate investments — Her real estate dealings in New York and the Hamptons have garnered substantial returns.
- Startup investments — Hargitay has invested in tech-driven ventures, such as The Skimm, broadening her portfolio.
Real Estate: Homes, Investments, and Luxurious Living
Hargitay’s investment strategy has long included high-value real estate. Some of her major property transactions include:
- Manhattan Penthouse: Purchased in 2007 for $7.1 million; sold a year later for $8.15 million.
- Upper West Side Townhouse: Bought in 2012 for $10.7 million; lived there for seven years with her family before selling for $9.75 million.
- Hamptons Home: A sprawling estate bought for $7.34 million in 2010, featuring a pool, 11 bedrooms, and abundant amenities—her current primary residence.
Her profitable real estate moves have added millions in value to her net worth, demonstrating a shrewd eye for property investment.
Biography: From Hollywood Royalty to Primetime Queen
Mariska Magdolna Hargitay was born into Hollywood stardom but carved her own legacy through hard work and resilience. Daughter of legendary actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay, Mariska faced early life tragedy with her mother’s death but overcame adversity to create her own enduring career.
- Birth: January 23, 1964
- Parents: Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay
- Awards: Emmy, Golden Globe, Hollywood Walk of Fame star
- Philanthropy: Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse
Hargitay’s career began in film and television with small roles, but skyrocketed with her casting as Olivia Benson. Her commitment to advocacy for survivors of trauma both on and off screen has become a trademark of her persona.
Law & Order: SVU Accolades and Awards
- Emmy Award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2006)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress (2005)
- Multiple nominations across major awards: Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (2013)
These accolades underscore her status as not only a financial juggernaut but also a critically respected performer and role model.
Joyful Heart Foundation: Hargitay’s Philanthropic Mission
Mariska Hargitay is more than a screen icon—she is a passionate advocate for survivors. In 2004, she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, a nonprofit committed to advancing the healing of survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The organization provides resources, education, and lobbying efforts, leveraging Hargitay’s visibility and influence for real-world change.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Mariska married actor Peter Hermann—whom she met on the set of SVU—in 2004. Together, they have built both a home and a formidable combined net worth. The couple shares three children, and their enduring partnership is often noted as one of Hollywood’s most stable relationships.
- Husband: Peter Hermann (actor, writer)
- Children: Three
- Primary residences: Hamptons (current), previously Manhattan and Upper West Side
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long has Mariska Hargitay starred on Law & Order: SVU?
She has played Olivia Benson since the show’s premiere in 1999, appearing in nearly every episode into its 27th season as of 2025.
What is Mariska Hargitay’s per-episode salary on SVU?
Her current salary is reported at $500,000 per episode.
Who is the highest-paid cast member on Law & Order: SVU?
Mariska Hargitay is the highest-paid actor on the show, earning twice as much as the next highest, Ice-T.
Is Mariska Hargitay a millionaire?
She is not only a millionaire but a member of the TV elite, with a net worth at $100 million.
What are Mariska Hargitay’s notable philanthropic efforts?
She founded the Joyful Heart Foundation to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Where does Mariska Hargitay live?
She currently resides in the Hamptons, with previous residences in Manhattan and the Upper West Side of New York.
Key Takeaways: The Power of Longevity and Purpose
- Consistent, top-rated TV roles can build generational wealth.
- Real estate investments are a powerful tool for increasing net worth.
- Cultural impact and philanthropy cement a legacy beyond financial gain.
- Strategic contract negotiations can more than double a TV star’s baseline pay over time.
As Mariska Hargitay continues to inspire millions both on and off screen, her story is a shining example of the blend of talent, business acumen, and purposeful living that defines today’s entertainment icons.
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