Neil deGrass Tyson brought Science to people and brought an entire generation of nerds to tears by cutting down the number of planets in our solar system. Here’s more on the icon of Science and Neil deGrass net worth.
Undoubtedly, Billy Carson is one of the millions who would enjoy a lengthy conversation with the world’s most famous scientist, Neil deGrass Tyson. If you have a passion for Science, you might’ve already seen him on television, on social media, or heard him lecturing listeners over the radio.
Tyson, the famous American astrophysicist, needs no introduction. But if you want to know more about this distinctive personality, continue reading this article to find out Neil deGrasse Tyson net worth, his early life, and a look at his stellar career and achievements.

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Neil deGrasse Tyson Net Worth
Neil deGrasse Tyson net worth is currently estimated to be $5 million. His earnings come primarily from the services he has been lending to the Hayden Planetarium, New York. As of this year, Neil’s annual income is reportedly around $500,000. A man of his genius has many sources of income.
Neil’s source of additional earnings comes from royalties from written works. The hosting of late-night shows on the National Geographic Channel has also contributed to Neil deGrasse Tyson net worth.
Neil deGrasse Tyson – Short Bio
The 63 years old Neil deGrasse Tyson was born on the 5th of October, 1958, in Manhattan, New York, United States. The 6 ft 3 inches tall astrophysicist and writer has been married to Alice Young since 1988. The distinguished couple has two children, Miranda Tyson and Travis Tyson.
Early Life
Neil deGrasse Tyson was born to parents of notable government careers. Suchita, Neil’s mother, was associated with the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as a gerontologist. While his father, Cyril, was a respectable man who served as Director of Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a human resource commissioner, and a sociologist until he passed away in 2016.
Neil has two siblings, Stephen Tyson and Lynn Tyson, with whom he grew up in Tyson Hill and Riverdale. He graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1976.
At age nine, Neil deGrasse Tyson became interested in astrophysics. He was utterly enthralled after that one visit to the Hayden Planetarium. Neil pursued his interest and learned more and more about astrophysics. In high school, he became editor-in-chief of the Physics Science Journal.
Education played a significant role in paving his future career path. Aside from Science, Neil excelled in many fields, and his expertise allowed him to hold lectures on astronomy at age fifteen. He was also an athletic young man, adept in many sports and captain of the school’s wrestling team.
At seventeen years old, the famous astronomer Carl Sagan sought him and urged him to join Cornell University. However, Neil opted for Harvard and graduated in 1980 with a BA in physics. In 1983, Neil completed his master’s degree in astronomy after completing his post-graduate work.
In 1986, Neil joined the University of Maryland as a lecturer in astronomy, but his thirst for knowledge and further education still wasn’t quenched. Neil deGrasse secured a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in 1989 and an astrophysics doctorate in 1991 from Columbia University.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson – Career & Achievements
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Writing Career
Tyson’s first book “Merlin’s Tour of the Universe” saw print in 1989, and it was the first of many. His second book, “Universe Down to Earth,” came out in 1994, followed by “Just Visiting the Planet” in 1998. Two years later, he authored “One Universe: At home in the Cosmos.”
His other writing endeavors include “The Sky Is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist” (2004), “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” (2017), and “Letters from an Astrophysicist” (2019).
All of his work reflects his insights into the field of astrophysics. His writing endeavors had a significant impact on Neil deGrasse Tyson net worth. His book “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” stayed on the New York Times Best Sellers list for over a year and sold over a million copies.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Work in Astrophysics
Tyson joined the Hayden Planetarium as a staff scientist in 1994, where his work was much appreciated. He became the director in 1996. He also became an associate director in the American Museum of Natural History in the Department of Astrophysics.
Over the years, Neil deGrasse Tyson has written for various scientific journals, including a monthly column for the Natural History magazine. For a long time, Tyson was associated with the Planetary Society in various capacities, including chairman of the board, vice president, and president. His role became controversial when he omitted Pluto from the Solar System.
Another vital career highlight for Neil deGrasse Tyson is his service to the Commission on the Future of the United States Aerospace Industry. President Bush also appointed him to the Commission on Implementation of United States Space Exploration Policy.
Neil deGrasse Tyson – TV appearances
Neil deGrasse Tyson has been hosting the “Nova Science Now” since 2006 and is also a regular on the History Channel’s show “The Universe.”
Aside from appearing on various radio and TV shows, Tyson also has appeared in a few movies and series, including:
- The Big Bang Theory
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Zoolander
- Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
- And many more
He also did voice-over work for popular animated films and series like “Family Guy,” “Simpsons,” and “Ice Age: Collision Course.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson – Accolades
- Tyson is the recipient of Honorary Doctorates from 20 different schools, including Yale and Gettysburg College.
- In 2014, he received the critics’ choice awards as best reality show host for Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. His other awards include the 2015 Public Welfare Medal by the US National Academy of Sciences, the Medal of Excellence awarded by Columbia University in 2005, and more.
- He was featured in the most influential people list in Time Magazine in 2007.
Neil deGrasse Tyson – Personal Life
Neil deGrasse has been married to Alice Young since 1988, whom he met in physics class. The couple has two children, Travis and Miranda. Neil is also a famous wine connoisseur.
In 2018, he became a center of controversy as four women accused him of sexual misconduct. His ongoing deals and work were held for a while, but he was declared innocent.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson Net Worth – Frequently Asked Questions
What Car Does Neil deGrasse Tyson Drive?
Neil deGrasse Tyson drives a Tesla X, as he prefers it due to the car’s auto-driving and high acceleration features.
What is Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Salary?
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s annual salary is estimated to be around $500,000.
Is Neil deGrasse Tyson a Genius?
It would certainly not be wrong to consider him a genius for all his work in astrophysics: authoring books, presenting theories, and logically defending his stance and lifework.
Does Neil deGrasse Tyson Have a Ph.D.?
In 1991, Neil deGrasse Tyson received his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia University.

Neil deGrasse Tyson Net Worth – Final thoughts
Neil deGrasse Tyson’s contributions to the field of Science spoke volumes of a great man’s passion for learning and teaching. From heading the world-renowned Hayden Planetarium to the relegation of Pluto as a dwarf planet, he has played an invaluable role in astrophysics.
His contributions as a writer, author, host, and science communicator have earned him great respect in the industry and considerable Neil deGrasse Tyson net worth.
Tyson has kept his eyes on the stars but his feet on the ground throughout his career. His passion and dedication to his calling as a scientist and his ability to bring Science to mainstream pop culture have resulted in worldwide renown and sizable income. May we gain inspiration from his stellar journey!
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