Phil Mattingly, a renowned American journalist, is CNN’s chief domestic correspondent, celebrated for his incisive political reporting. Born on December 16, 1983, in Toledo, Ohio, Phil Mattingly’s age is 41 years old as of August 2025. His net worth is estimated at $2–4 million, driven by a lucrative salary from CNN, reportedly around $108,000–$176,000 annually. Married to Chelsea Carter since 2011, they share four children. This article delves into Mattingly’s biography, career, married life, salary, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his professional and personal journey. Follow him on Twitter @Phil_Mattingly.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Journalist
Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Phil Mattingly’s early life was marked by a passion for sports and academics. Growing up in a tight-knit community, he developed a curiosity for storytelling, which later fueled his journalism career. He attended Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English in 2006, where he was a standout varsity athlete on the baseball team. His athletic discipline translated into a relentless work ethic in journalism. Mattingly furthered his education at Boston University, graduating with a Master’s degree in Journalism in 2008, equipping him with the skills to navigate complex political landscapes. His education laid a robust foundation for his career, blending analytical rigor with narrative finesse.
Reflecting on his journey, Mattingly once shared, “I was rejected from 113 internships before breaking into journalism. Persistence is everything.” This resilience, forged in his Ohio roots, defines his approach to reporting.
Career Trajectory: From Bloomberg to CNN Stardom
Phil Mattingly’s career began at Congressional Quarterly in 2007, where he covered economics and the financial crisis, sharpening his ability to distill complex issues. In 2010, he joined Bloomberg News, initially as a print reporter, before transitioning to Bloomberg Television as a White House and national political correspondent. His coverage of the Obama administration, including exclusive interviews with figures like Attorney General Eric Holder, earned him accolades, such as a Society of American Business Editors and Writers Award.
In December 2015, Mattingly joined CNN as a New York-based correspondent, covering the 2016 presidential campaigns of Chris Christie, John Kasich, and Donald Trump. His investigative work on Trump’s business dealings set him apart. By 2021, he was promoted to Senior White House Correspondent, covering the Biden administration. In 2023, he became Chief White House Correspondent and briefly co-anchored CNN This Morning before its cancellation in 2024. Currently, as chief domestic correspondent, he focuses on the 2024 election cycle, delivering enterprise reporting on Trump’s campaign. His 2023 White House Correspondents’ Association Award for excellence in presidential coverage underscores his impact.
A unique angle: Mattingly’s ability to humanize policy discussions, like his reporting on the October 7, 2023, attacks, where he interviewed survivors, adds emotional depth to his work, distinguishing him from peers.
Phil Mattingly’s Net Worth and Salary: Financial Insights
Phil Mattingly’s net worth is estimated at $2–4 million in 2025, accumulated through his high-profile roles at CNN and Bloomberg. His salary as CNN’s chief domestic correspondent is approximately $108,000–$176,000 per year, competitive with top-tier journalists like Jake Tapper or Anderson Cooper, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Additional income from speaking engagements and media appearances likely bolsters his wealth. Unlike some peers, Mattingly maintains a low-key lifestyle, focusing on family over flashy expenditures, which enhances his relatability.
For context, a 2024 industry report from Glassdoor suggests senior correspondents at major networks earn between $100,000–$200,000, aligning with Mattingly’s estimated earnings. His financial stability reflects his career longevity and strategic moves within journalism.
Married Life and Family: Phil Mattingly and Chelsea Carter
Phil Mattingly’s married life with Chelsea Carter is a cornerstone of his personal narrative. The couple met in 2008 in Washington, D.C., and tied the knot on December 10, 2011, in a private ceremony. Chelsea, an account executive at Twilio in San Francisco, is four years younger than Phil, born in 1989. They have four children: sons TJ (born 2015), Carter (born 2017), daughter Brooke (born 2019), and daughter Paige Catherine (born April 11, 2022). Their family life, though private, is occasionally shared via Mattingly’s Instagram, featuring their pet dog, Dane.
Their enduring partnership counters earlier rumors about Mattingly’s sexuality, which arose due to his private nature. “Chelsea’s strength and grace are my anchor,” Mattingly said in a 2022 interview, highlighting their supportive dynamic. This family-oriented perspective sets him apart in a field often dominated by public personas.
Personal Details and Physical Stats
Phil Mattingly’s height is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), and he weighs approximately 143 pounds (65 kg), maintaining a polished on-screen presence with brown hair and green eyes. His disciplined lifestyle, rooted in his athletic background, complements his professional rigor. As a Sagittarius, he embodies traits like optimism and courage, evident in his bold reporting style.
Recent Updates and Career Outlook
In 2024, after CNN This Morning was canceled, Mattingly transitioned to chief domestic correspondent, focusing on the 2024 presidential election. His role involves anchoring and covering major political events, including the RNC and DNC conventions. His adaptability and reputation for breaking news, like Biden’s sanctions on Vladimir Putin, position him as a key player in CNN’s 2024 coverage. Looking ahead, Mattingly’s trajectory suggests potential for a primetime anchor role, given his versatility and award-winning track record.
Biography Table: Phil Mattingly at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Phil Mattingly |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1983 |
| Age | 41 (as of August 2025) |
| Birthplace | Toledo, Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Bachelor’s in English, Ohio State University (2006); Master’s in Journalism, Boston University (2008) |
| Occupation | Journalist, CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent |
| Years Active | 2007–present |
| Net Worth | $2–4 million (estimated, 2025) |
| Salary | $108,000–$176,000 annually (estimated) |
| Marital Status | Married to Chelsea Carter (since December 10, 2011) |
| Children | Four: TJ, Carter, Brooke, Paige Catherine |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 143 pounds (65 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Awards | 2023 White House Correspondents’ Association Award, Society of American Business Editors and Writers Award |
| Social Media | Twitter: @Phil_Mattingly |
| Notable Works | Coverage of 2016 and 2020 elections, Biden administration, Obamacare repeal |
| Hobbies | Sports, animal welfare (owns pet dog Dane) |
Unique Insights and Why Mattingly Stands Out
Mattingly’s ability to blend hard-hitting journalism with human stories sets him apart. For instance, his 2023 reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict post-October 7 attacks included interviews with survivors, offering a rare emotional lens on geopolitics. His Twitter engagement, with over 100,000 followers as of 2025, reflects his knack for connecting with audiences directly, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work. Unlike some journalists, Mattingly avoids sensationalism, focusing on policy impacts, which resonates with viewers seeking substance over drama.
For further reading, explore his Wikipedia page or recent coverage on CNN.
