Pete Buttigieg net worth: How much is the former US Secretary of Transportation worth?

Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, has seen his career—and his net worth—evolve significantly in recent years.As of 2024, Buttigieg's estimated net worth stands at approximately $16 million. This wealth is attributed to various income streams, including his government salary, book deals, speaking engagements, and investments.As per Forbes, Pete Buttigieg earned between $800,000 and $1.8 million from January 2019 through December 2020. That’s a broad range, but the bulk of it came from book deals and media gigs—pretty common income streams for high-profile political figures.His breakout memoir, Shortest Way Home, brought in anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million in royalties. He also snagged an additional $54,000 for the British rights and $2,100 for the Korean rights to the book. His second book, Trust: America’s Best Chance, published in October, came with a hefty $311,500 advance.Buttigieg also cashed in on the podcast trend. He hosted a 20-episode series called The Deciding Decade with iHeartMedia, which earned him a cool $150,000. His guest list? Big names like John Legend, Colin Jost, and Hillary Clinton. And in a fun media crossover, he pocketed $1,825 for stepping in as a guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live!In the investment world, Buttigieg sold off his shares in tech giants like Apple and Alphabet, earning somewhere between $17,000 and $55,000 in dividends and capital gains. Rounding it out, he made $112,000 in 2019 as South Bend’s mayor and picked up another $37,000 from a faculty fellow role at the University of Notre Dame.In May 2025, Pete Buttigieg returned to Iowa, a state where he gained national attention during the 2020 Democratic caucuses, to deliver a politically charged speech. Speaking at Cedar Rapids, Buttigieg strongly critiqued former President Donald Trump and called on Democrats to clarify their agenda. He emphasized the importance of not passively waiting for Republicans to falter but instead actively promoting Democratic ideals.“The American people bow to no king,” he said.The event drew over 1,000 attendees, many of whom showed support from his previous campaign. Buttigieg's remarks signaled a potential second presidential bid, underscored by his focus on Democratic principles such as restoring federal abortion rights. He also addressed the impact of Trump-era cuts on veterans and military families, highlighting the need for a clear and unified Democratic message moving forward.As Buttigieg contemplates a possible run in the 2028 presidential election, his financial standing and recent public engagements suggest a strategic positioning for future political endeavors. His diversified wealth portfolio provides financial independence, allowing him to focus on policy and public service without the constraints of financial uncertainty. Simultaneously, his recent speech in Iowa indicates a continued commitment to Democratic values and a readiness to take on leadership roles within the party.