Robert Reich Net Worth: A Complete Look at His Life, Career, Family, and Influence
When people search for Robert Reich net worth, they are often trying to understand how a lifelong public servant, economist, and outspoken political commentator has built his wealth. Robert Reich is not just known for his time in government but also for his sharp views on inequality, labor rights, and the modern economy. Over decades, he has shaped public debate through books, teaching, documentaries, and digital media.
This article explores Robert Reich net worth, who he is, his age, height, family, religion, personal life, YouTube career, political ideology, and much more—all in one place.
Who Is Robert Reich?
Robert Bernard Reich is an American economist, professor, author, and political commentator. He served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Labor from 1993 to 1997 under President Bill Clinton. Beyond government service, Reich has spent most of his life teaching, writing, and speaking about economic fairness, workers’ rights, and income inequality.
Reich is widely respected in academic circles and equally recognized by the public for his media presence. Unlike many former cabinet members who move quietly into corporate consulting, Reich chose a more public path—educating and challenging everyday citizens about how economic systems work.
Robert Reich Birthday and Age
Robert Reich was born on June 24, 1946, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States.
As of 2025:
- Age: 79 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Despite his age, Reich remains extremely active. He continues to publish commentary, appear in interviews, teach, and post frequent videos online, showing no sign of slowing down.
Robert Reich Height and Health Background
One of the most searched personal details about him is Robert Reich height.
- Height: Approximately 4 feet 10 inches to 4 feet 11 inches (around 1.49 meters)
Robert Reich has a rare genetic condition called multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, which affects bone growth and results in short stature. He has spoken openly about this condition and how it shaped his perspective on resilience, empathy, and social justice.
Rather than being a limitation, his condition became part of his public identity—demonstrating that leadership and influence are not defined by physical appearance.
Robert Reich Net Worth
The central topic of this article—Robert Reich net worth—is often misunderstood.
Estimated Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Robert Reich net worth is approximately $4 million to $5 million.
This figure may seem modest compared to wealthy politicians or media personalities, but it aligns with Reich’s career path, which has focused more on education and public service than corporate wealth accumulation.
Sources of Income
Robert Reich’s wealth comes from multiple long-term income streams:
- Government Salary (Past)
As Secretary of Labor, Reich earned a standard federal salary, not extraordinary wealth. - Academic Career
He has taught at:- Harvard University
- Brandeis University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Book Royalties
Reich has authored more than a dozen books, many of which became bestsellers. Topics range from capitalism and inequality to democracy and the future of work. - Speaking Engagements
He is a sought-after speaker at universities, conferences, and policy events. - Media and Documentaries
Reich has appeared in and produced documentaries, including those focused on wealth inequality and corporate power. - YouTube and Digital Media
His online presence also contributes indirectly to his overall financial standing.
Despite advocating for higher taxes on the wealthy, Reich has never hidden his own financial status and often uses it to illustrate how wealth differs dramatically across society.
Is Robert Reich a Socialist?
A very common question is: Is Robert Reich a socialist?
The short answer is no—at least not in the traditional sense.
Robert Reich identifies as a progressive Democrat, not a socialist. His views support:
- Regulated capitalism
- Strong labor protections
- Progressive taxation
- Universal access to education and healthcare
He does not call for the abolition of private property or markets. Instead, he argues that capitalism must be fair, transparent, and accountable. Critics on the political right often label him a socialist, but his actual positions align more closely with social democracy.
Robert Reich Religion
Robert Reich was born into a Jewish family, and he is widely described as having Jewish heritage.
While he does not frequently discuss religion in public, his values—such as fairness, justice, and community responsibility—often reflect ethical principles common in Jewish social thought. Reich tends to focus more on economic morality than religious identity.
Robert Reich Family and Relatives
Parents
- Father: Edwin Saul Reich – owned a women’s clothing store
- Mother: Mildred Freshman (née Dorf)
His family background was middle-class, which heavily influenced his understanding of work, wages, and economic security.
Children
Robert Reich has two sons:
- Sam Reich – CEO of the entertainment company Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor), a well-known figure in digital media.
- Adam Reich – a sociology professor and academic.
Both sons have followed intellectual and creative career paths rather than political office.
Robert Reich New Wife and Marital Life
Robert Reich was previously married to Clare Dalton, a British-born legal scholar. The couple married in 1973 and divorced in 2012 after nearly four decades together.
Later, Reich married Perian Flaherty, a photographer. She is often referred to in searches as Robert Reich’s new wife, although the marriage is not new in recent years.
Reich keeps his private life relatively low-key, focusing public attention on ideas rather than personal drama.
Robert Reich – YouTube and Media Influence
In recent years, Robert Reich’s YouTube presence has become a major part of his influence.
YouTube Channel
- Channel Name: Robert Reich
- Subscribers: Over 1 million
- Content Focus:
- Wealth inequality
- Corporate power
- Democracy
- Labor rights
- Political accountability
His videos are short, direct, and easy to understand, making complex economic ideas accessible to a younger audience.
Inequality Media
Reich co-founded Inequality Media, a digital platform that produces viral videos and educational content. This project significantly expanded his reach beyond traditional academic circles.
Robert Reich Career Highlights
- Secretary of Labor (1993–1997)
- Professor at UC Berkeley
- Bestselling author
- Political commentator
- Documentary filmmaker
- Digital educator
Unlike many political figures, Reich transitioned smoothly into media without losing credibility in academia.
Why Robert Reich Net Worth Matters
People are curious about Robert Reich net worth because it reflects a rare case of someone who critiques wealth inequality while living comfortably—but not extravagantly.
His financial status supports his argument that:
- You don’t need extreme wealth to have influence
- Public service and education can still provide financial stability
- Wealth should be measured alongside social impact
Final Thoughts
Robert Reich’s life is a blend of public service, intellectual rigor, and modern media influence. His net worth, estimated at around $4–5 million, reflects decades of consistent work rather than sudden financial gain. More importantly, his legacy lies in shaping how millions of people understand economics, fairness, and democracy.
As debates around inequality grow louder, Reich remains one of the most recognizable voices explaining why the system works the way it does—and how it could work better. Articles like this one on Buzstart help readers understand not just the numbers behind public figures, but the values and stories that shape them.
