The Shocking Wealth Hidden Behind Jordan Peterson’s Controversial Public Image
The Edmonton Journal reported that its audiobook hit #1 in Canada and #3 in the US, becoming Canada’s second-best-selling audiobook of 2018.
The print version remains a fixture on Amazon, boasting a 4.5/5 rating and selling more than a million copies annually (according to Accio). In a viral TikTok interview, Peterson stated that he still sells around 20,000 copies per week, earning approximately $1.50 per sale.
Image credits: Chris Williamson / Getty Images
His sequel, Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life, released in 2021, focused on the balance between structure and freedom. It quickly landed in Amazon’s top preorders (via Newsweek).
Amazon lists it among the top books in applied and medical psychology, while Audible listeners rate it 4.8 out of 5, calling it a worthy follow-up.
Combined, Peterson’s books have sold over five million copies, according to Penguin Random House, with total royalties estimated above $30 million (via Accio).
Public Speaking Engagements
As a global speaker, Peterson commands a steep fee. Celebrity Talent International reports that his in-person speaking engagements typically cost between $150,000 and $299,000. Virtual events are priced lower.
Image credits: jordan.b.peterson / Instagram
During his 2018 tour for 12 Rules for Life, Peterson filled the 1,000-seat Emmanuel Centre in London. He also packed the 2,000-seat Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
That tour alone attracted nearly 200,000 attendees (according to Global News).
In 2019, Spiegel Kultur covered Peterson’s high-profile debate with Slavoj Žižek. The event, titled “Happiness: Capitalism vs. Marxism,” drew approximately 3,000 in-person attendees. Another 6,000 viewers paid $15 to stream it live.
By 2025, results were more mixed. The San Francisco Chronicle reported underwhelming ticket sales for his talk at a 1,600-seat venue, despite prices ranging from $53 to $108.50.
At other stops, such as the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, regular admission prices ranged from $49.50 to $89.50. Premium seating costs $179.
VIP packages, which included meet-and-greets, were priced between $158.50 and $488.50, plus additional fees.
YouTube Channel and Ad Revenue
Long before streaming became a business strategy, Jordan Peterson was uploading lectures, interviews, and commentary to YouTube.
His channel gave him more than reach. It launched a second career.
As of 2025, the Jordan B Peterson channel boasts over eight million subscribers and has racked up more than one billion views. According to Hyper Auditor, the monthly revenue from the platform is estimated to be between $5,000 and $6,800, totaling around $60,000 to $82,200 annually.
Image credits: Richard Lautens / Getty Images
Social Blade offers a broader range, estimating 30-day earnings between $2,000 and $32,000. Their yearly projection stretches from $48,000 to $772,000.
Peterson also runs a second account, Jordan B Peterson Clips, with around 1.98 million subscribers and over 594 million views. Social Blade pegs that channel’s monthly revenue between $1,500 and $24,000, or $16,000 to $259,000 annually.
Despite his success, monetization hasn’t always been guaranteed.
They report that YouTube demonetized at least two videos: one on his Twitter suspension, and another where he compared gender-affirming care to a “Nazi medical experiment.” Ads are no longer allowed on those uploads.
Patreon And Crowdfunding
Jordan Peterson’s Patreon account became a major funding source during the rise of his online presence. Jordan claimed publicly in an interview published on TikTok that his Patreon income reached $80,000 per month.
@wrldwde.llc 🤑 “This Is ALL The MONEY I MAKE” – Jordan Peterson 👉 We post daily on YouTube #jordanpeterson#jordanpetersondaily#jordanpetersonquotes#jordanpetersonmemes#jordanpetersoninspired#jordanpetersoninterview#jordanpetersonmotivation#jordanpetersonbooks#jordanpetersonpodcast#motivationalvideo#inspirationalvideo#jordanpetersonclips#jordanpetersonofficial#jordanbpeterson#drjordanpeterson#jordan_peterson#jordanpetersonshorts#jordonpeterson#motivation#jordanpetersontiktok#peterson♬ original sound – WRLDWDE
He had nearly 10,000 members paying at different tiers, with the lowest tier set at $5 per month for early access to content. These contributions allowed him to directly finance his lectures, video production, and new projects. Despite this support, he eventually left the platform.
In January 2019, he deleted his account in protest over the banning of content creator Carl Benjamin, known as Sargon of Akkad on YouTube, citing free speech concerns (via Washington Examiner).
Fox News also reported that Peterson emphasized a commitment to free speech as the reason behind leaving the platform. He described it as a “stand,” even though Patreon had supported him financially at a crucial time.
Later that year, alongside American host Dave Rubin, YouTube channel The Rubin Report, he launched Thinkspot, a free-speech crowdfunding platform. It entered limited beta in 2019 but drew largely negative reviews (via The Guardian).
Media Appearances and Interviews
While exact payouts for TV and podcast interviews remain unknown, Jordan Peterson’s presence in the media has clearly paid off.
His profile has grown through headline-grabbing debates, viral clips, and popular guest spots. According to The Guardian, this visibility increased his income streams across platforms such as YouTube, Patreon, and book sales.
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