Ellie Kemper net worth of $12 million as of 2025, earned through her roles in The Office and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, plus voice work in The Secret Life of Pets franchise, writing projects including her memoir My Squirrel Days, and various comedy ventures.
You probably know her as the bubbly Erin Hannon from The Office or the unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. But how much has Ellie Kemper actually earned from these iconic roles?
Ellie Kemper net worth stands at $12 million in 2025, a figure built through smart career moves and multiple income streams. From her Princeton education to Netflix stardom, her financial success tells a story of talent meeting opportunity at the right time.
Early Life and Family Background
Born Elizabeth Claire Kemper on May 2, 1980, in Kansas City, Missouri, she grew up in St. Louis with mother Dotty, father David, and three siblings. What many fans don’t know is that the Kemper family ranks among Missouri’s wealthiest families, with an estimated worth of $425 million.
Her father David served as CEO and chairman of Commerce Bancshares, a bank holding company founded by the Kemper family. Despite this privileged background, Ellie chose to forge her own path in entertainment.
Kemper attended John Burroughs School, where future Mad Men star Jon Hamm was her acting teacher. She then enrolled at Princeton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2002. She also spent a year at Worcester College, Oxford, studying toward a graduate degree in English Literature.
Breaking Into Comedy
Kemper’s path to success started humbly. She earned her Screen Actors Guild card after appearing in a 2006 Kmart commercial that involved a tarantula crawling across her face. That dedication to her craft would become a hallmark of her career.
She interned at Late Night with Conan O’Brien, as did her future The Office castmates Mindy Kaling, John Krasinski, and Angela Kinsey. She appeared in sketches on the show in 2007 and 2008, building her comedy credentials.
Kemper auditioned for Saturday Night Live in 2008, though she didn’t land the spot. However, Variety named her one of “10 Comics To Watch” in 2009, signaling bigger things ahead.
The Office Breakthrough
Her big break came when an audition for Parks and Recreation led co-creators Greg Daniels and Michael Schur to cast Ellie on their other series, The Office. She began playing Erin Hannon during the show’s fifth season and went on to appear in more than 100 episodes.
What started as a small role quickly expanded. The producers molded Erin’s character around Kemper’s naturally cheerful personality, making her a perfect fit for the ensemble cast. Her performance helped carry the show through its later seasons after Steve Carell’s departure.
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Success
The Netflix series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, premiered on March 6, 2015, and ran for four seasons, ending on January 25, 2019. Kemper starred as the title character, a woman adjusting to life after escaping a doomsday cult.
Kemper earned $150,000 per episode in 2017, making this her most lucrative television role. With four seasons and an interactive special, these earnings significantly boosted her net worth.
Co-star Tituss Burgess brought in $90,000 per episode, showing that Kemper commanded top-tier compensation as the lead. Her performance earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations, cementing her status as a leading comedic actress.
Film and Voice Acting Career
Beyond television, Kemper has appeared in several successful films. She had supporting roles in:
- Bridesmaids (2011)
- 21 Jump Street (2012)
- Identity Thief (2013)
Her voice acting work has been particularly profitable. The Secret Life of Pets grossed $885.3 million worldwide, making it the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2016. She voiced Katie, Max and Duke’s owner, in both the original film and its sequel.
She’s also provided voices for:
- The LEGO Batman Movie
- Smurfs: The Lost Village
- Sofia the First
These projects provided steady income streams outside her main television work.
Writing and Publishing
In 2018, Kemper published her memoir My Squirrel Days, adding author to her resume. The book received positive reviews and created another revenue stream. She’s also written for respected publications including The Onion, McSweeney’s, and The Huffington Post.
This writing work showcases her versatility and provides income even when she’s between acting projects.
Real Estate Investments
Ellie Kemper and her husband Michael Koman purchased a pre-war co-op in New York’s Upper West Side for $2.8 million. The three-bedroom property demonstrates smart financial planning and long-term investment thinking.
Her family background in banking likely contributed to her financial literacy and careful approach to wealth management.
Current Projects and Earnings
Kemper’s most recent project is the Netflix romantic comedy Happiness for Beginners, where she played the main character, Helen Carpenter, a schoolteacher. She continues to work steadily across multiple platforms.
Her income sources in 2025 include:
- Acting in films and television
- Voice work for animated projects
- Podcasting ventures
- Writing projects
- Residual payments from streaming shows
Net Worth Comparison
How does Kemper’s wealth stack up against her co-stars?
| Actor | Net Worth | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Carell | $80 million | The Office lead |
| John Krasinski | $80 million | Acting, directing, producing |
| Mindy Kaling | $35 million | Acting, writing, producing |
| Jenna Fischer | $16 million | The Office |
| Ellie Kemper | $9 million | The Office, Kimmy Schmidt |
| Angela Kinsey | $12 million | The Office |
While she hasn’t reached the heights of co-stars who expanded into producing and directing, her consistent acting work has built solid wealth.
Personal Life and Values
In 2012, Kemper became engaged to comedy writer Michael Koman, and they married on July 7, 2012. They have two sons, born in August 2016 and September 2019.
She’s been vocal about balancing career and motherhood, choosing projects that align with her family priorities. This approach may have limited some high-earning opportunities but reflects her values beyond wealth accumulation.
Future Earnings Potential
Looking ahead, Kemper has several paths to increase her net worth:
Content Creation: Following former co-stars like Mindy Kaling into producing could significantly boost earnings.
Voice Acting: The animation industry pays well for established talent, and she’s already built strong credentials.
Writing: A second book or television writing work could tap into her Princeton education and comedy experience.
Streaming Series: Another lead role in a successful streaming series could add millions to her net worth.
If she pursues these opportunities, her wealth could potentially double over the next decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Ellie Kemper make per episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt?
She earned $150,000 per episode in 2017.
Is Ellie Kemper from a wealthy family?
Yes, the Kemper family is worth an estimated $425 million.
What’s Ellie Kemper’s most successful film?
The Secret Life of Pets grossed $885.3 million worldwide.
How many episodes of The Office did Ellie Kemper appear in?
She appeared in more than 100 episodes as Erin Hannon.
Does Ellie Kemper still act?
Yes, her most recent project was Happiness for Beginners on Netflix.
Conclusion
Ellie Kemper’s $12 million net worth reflects a career built on consistent work, smart choices, and genuine talent. She didn’t just rely on her wealthy family background. Instead, she earned her success through comedy clubs, commercial auditions, and memorable performances that connected with audiences.
Her financial success proves you don’t need to become a producer or director to build substantial wealth in Hollywood. Sometimes staying true to your strengths—comedy and acting—can create lasting financial stability. As she continues taking on new projects and expanding her creative portfolio, there’s every reason to expect her net worth will keep growing in the years ahead.
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