Joe Saylor at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $2 Million
- Birthdate: May 6, 1986
- Birthplace: Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA
- Profession: Drummer, Percussionist, Musician
- Nationality: American
- Major Achievements: Grammy Award winner, Juilliard graduate, member of the house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Table of Contents
What is Joe Saylor’s Net Worth?
Joe Saylor is an American drummer, percussionist, and band member best known for his work with Jon Batiste and the band Stay Human, who has an estimated net worth of $2 million as of 2025. His wealth has been primarily accumulated through his long-standing role as the drummer for the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, as well as from album sales, touring, and other musical collaborations.
Early Life
Joseph “Joe” Saylor was born on May 6, 1986, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Raised in a deeply musical family, his passion for rhythm and percussion was nurtured from a very young age. His father was a music educator, providing an environment where his talent could flourish.
Saylor’s formal education solidified his path as a professional musician. He pursued higher education at some of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, earning a master’s degree from the Juilliard School and a bachelor’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. It was at Juilliard where he would meet a collaborator who would define his career: Jon Batiste.
Career
Saylor’s professional journey is a testament to talent meeting opportunity. His classical training combined with a natural feel for jazz, soul, and rock has made him one of the most respected drummers in the industry today.
Breakthrough with Stay Human
While at Juilliard, Saylor connected with pianist and vocalist Jon Batiste. Alongside bassist Phil Kuehn and saxophonist Eddie Barbash, they formed the band Stay Human. The group became renowned for its energetic and improvisational live performances, often taking their music directly to the people in New York City subway cars in what they termed “love riots.”
This grassroots approach, combined with their immense talent, built a dedicated following. As the Jon Batiste drummer, Saylor provided the powerful and versatile rhythmic backbone that allowed the band to seamlessly blend different genres.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
In 2015, Saylor’s career reached a new stratosphere when Stay Human was selected as the house band for CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The nightly gig provided massive national exposure and a steady, significant income.
As the Joe Saylor drummer viewers saw each night, he became a familiar face to millions. This position not only provided financial stability but also cemented his reputation as a top-tier musician, capable of playing with legendary guest artists on a moment’s notice.
Major Earnings & Achievements
Saylor shares in the numerous accolades awarded to Jon Batiste and Stay Human. A major highlight includes the Grammy Award for Album of the Year for Batiste’s 2021 album We Are.
His income streams are diversified:
Television Salary: His primary source of income is his contract with CBS for The Late Show. House band musicians at this level earn a substantial union-scale salary, estimated to be in the low six figures annually.
Album Sales & Streaming: As a member of Stay Human, he earns royalties from their recorded music, including albums like Social Music and The Late Show EP.
Touring: The band has toured extensively, performing at major festivals like Newport Jazz Festival and Bonnaroo, which contributes significantly to their earnings.
Session Work: Like many accomplished musicians, Saylor likely participates in session work for other artists, adding another layer to his income.
Salary & Career Earnings Growth Chart
While exact figures are private, Saylor’s financial growth follows a clear trajectory from a gigging musician to a salaried television performer. The table below provides an estimate of his career earnings growth.
| Early Career (2008–2014) | $40,000 – $70,000 — Live performances, small tours, session work |
| The Late Show (2015–2020) | $150,000 – $250,000 — CBS salary, album royalties, limited touring |
| Current (2021–Present) | $250,000 – $400,000+ — Increased TV salary, Grammy-winning album royalties, endorsements |
Personal Life
Joe Saylor maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married and has children, often sharing glimpses of his family on his social media accounts. He continues to reside in the New York area, balancing his demanding television schedule with his family life.
FAQ
Who is the drummer for Jon Batiste?
Joe Saylor is the primary drummer for Jon Batiste, both in the band Stay Human and previously on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Their collaboration began when they met as students at The Juilliard School.
Is Joe Saylor still on The Late Show?
No. After Jon Batiste departed from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2022, the band was rebranded as “The Late Show Band” under the leadership of Louis Cato. Joe Saylor, along with other original members, also departed from the show to pursue other projects with Batiste and on their own.
How old is Joe Saylor?
Joe Saylor was born on May 6, 1986, making him 39 years old as of 2025.
Where did Joe Saylor go to college?
Joe Saylor earned a bachelor’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a master’s degree from the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City.
