The former NCIS actress Emily Wickersham has built quite an impressive financial portfolio throughout her successful television career. Known primarily for her role as Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop on the hit CBS series NCIS, she has managed to accumulate substantial wealth through her acting endeavors and smart investments.
Quick Bio Chart
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Emily Kaiser Wickersham |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1984 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 6½ inches (169 cm) |
| Birthplace | Kansas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Former Model |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
| Notable Role | Eleanor Bishop (NCIS) |
| Marital Status | Married to James Badge Dale |
| Children | 2 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $6 Million |
What is Emily Wickersham’s Current Net Worth?
Emily Wickersham’s net worth is estimated to be $6 million as of 2025, according to multiple celebrity wealth tracking sources. This impressive figure represents her earnings from television shows, movies, endorsements, and various business ventures over her nearly two-decade career in entertainment.
Her wealth has been primarily built through her long-running role on NCIS, where she appeared in 173 episodes plus an additional crossover episode on NCIS: New Orleans. The actress has also diversified her income through film appearances and strategic investments.

Career Earnings and NCIS Salary Breakdown
Television Success Story
Emily’s breakthrough came when she was cast as NSA Analyst Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop in a three-episode arc starting from Season 11 of NCIS. Her performance was so well-received that she was quickly promoted to series regular status.
NCIS Per-Episode Earnings
While the exact per-episode salary hasn’t been officially disclosed, industry experts estimate Wickersham was making six figures for each episode, likely higher than $100,000 per episode during her later seasons on the show. This would translate to approximately $2.4 million per season, considering NCIS typically films 24 episodes annually.
Salary Comparison Table
| NCIS Cast Member | Estimated Per-Episode Salary | Years on Show |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Harmon | $525,000 | 19 seasons |
| Emily Wickersham | $100,000+ | 8 seasons |
| Sean Murray | $85,000 | 21 seasons |
| Brian Dietzen | $75,000 | 20 seasons |
Sources of Emily Wickersham’s Wealth
Primary Income Streams
1. Television Acting
- NCIS regular cast member (2013-2021)
- Guest appearances on various shows
- Potential residuals from reruns
2. Film Appearances Her movie credits include significant roles in:
- “I Am Number Four” (2011)
- “Gone” (2012)
- “Remember Me” (2010)
- “Definitely, Maybe” (2008)
3. Real Estate Investments Emily has made prudent financial investments, particularly in real estate, including the purchase of a $2.6 million home in Los Feliz, which demonstrates her savvy approach to wealth building outside of acting.
Net Worth Growth Timeline
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Major Career Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | $500,000 | Early film roles |
| 2013 | $1.2 million | Joined NCIS cast |
| 2017 | $3.5 million | Established NCIS regular |
| 2021 | $5.5 million | Left NCIS after 8 seasons |
| 2025 | $6 million | Current estimated worth |
Career Highlights and Achievements
Early Career Foundation
Emily’s acting journey began with smaller television roles on popular series like:
- The Sopranos
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent
- Gossip Girl
- The Bridge
NCIS Legacy
Her portrayal of Eleanor Bishop became a fan favorite, and her performance has earned her such recognition that fans are calling for a spin-off. This level of audience engagement speaks to her talent and marketability as an actress.
Personal Life Impact on Wealth
Marriage and Family
Emily married musician Blake Hanley in 2010 but divorced in 2018. She later partnered with James Badge Dale, with whom she had a son in 2021, and they married in September 2024, welcoming their second child in October 2024. Her personal stability has likely contributed to her ability to make sound financial decisions.

Lifestyle Choices
Despite her wealth, Emily maintains a relatively modest public profile, focusing on family life rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. This approach has helped her preserve and grow her assets over time.
Future Financial Prospects
Post-NCIS Opportunities
Since leaving NCIS, Emily has been selective about her projects, which could indicate either:
- Strategic career planning for higher-paying roles
- Focus on family priorities
- Preparation for directing or producing ventures
Investment Portfolio Growth
Her real estate investments suggest a diversified approach to wealth building that extends beyond acting income alone.
Comparison with Other NCIS Stars
| Actor | Net Worth | Primary Role | Years on Show |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Harmon | $100 million | Leroy Gibbs | 19 seasons |
| Pauley Perrette | $22 million | Abby Sciuto | 15 seasons |
| Sean Murray | $8 million | Tim McGee | 21+ seasons |
| Emily Wickersham | $6 million | Eleanor Bishop | 8 seasons |
| Brian Dietzen | $3 million | Jimmy Palmer | 20+ seasons |
Conclusion: Building Wealth Through Strategic Career Moves
Emily Wickersham’s $6 million net worth represents the result of strategic career decisions, consistent television work, and smart financial planning. Her journey from supporting television roles to NCIS regular demonstrates how sustained success on a popular series can build significant wealth.
The actress has shown wisdom in diversifying her investments beyond entertainment, particularly through real estate purchases that can appreciate over time. As she enters this new phase of her career post-NCIS, her financial foundation provides the freedom to be selective about future projects while focusing on family priorities.
For aspiring actors, Emily’s career path illustrates the importance of consistency, professionalism, and making smart financial choices during peak earning years. Her story continues to evolve, and fans remain hopeful for her return to television in a role that matches both her talent and financial worth.
FAQs About Emily Wickersham’s Net Worth
How much did Emily Wickersham make per episode on NCIS?
While not officially confirmed, industry estimates suggest she earned over $100,000 per episode during her tenure on NCIS, with potential increases in later seasons.
What is Emily Wickersham’s main source of income?
Her primary income source was her role as Eleanor Bishop on NCIS, supplemented by film appearances and real estate investments.
Did Emily Wickersham’s net worth increase after leaving NCIS?
Her net worth has continued to grow modestly through residuals, investments, and selective new projects since departing the show in 2021.
How does Emily Wickersham’s wealth compare to other NCIS cast members?
With $6 million, she ranks in the middle tier of NCIS cast wealth, below long-time stars like Mark Harmon but ahead of newer cast members.
What investments has Emily Wickersham made outside of acting?
She has invested in real estate, including a notable $2.6 million property purchase in Los Feliz, demonstrating financial diversification.
Will Emily Wickersham return to television for a higher salary?
While unconfirmed, her selective approach to new projects suggests she may be waiting for the right opportunity that matches her financial expectations.
For More Visit all news today

