Cheryl Burton is a respected ABC7 Chicago news anchor known for three decades of trusted reporting. Her dedication, leadership, and community impact make many people curious about her 2025 net worth, career journey, personal milestones, and lasting influence in American journalism.

Cheryl Burton is one of the most recognised figures in American television news, with more than thirty years of experience at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV), where she continues to anchor major evening broadcasts. She is admired by viewers across the United States for her confident presentation, smart reporting, and strong on-air presence, especially during breaking news. Because of her long and successful career in a large US city, many people search for “cheryl burton net worth” to learn how she built her income, how much she earns, and what her life looks like in 2025. This article shares key information about her career, earnings, personal life, awards, and future plans.

Biography

Early Life and Education

Cheryl Burton was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in a family that valued education and hard work. She is the fourth of five children. Her mother worked as a teacher, and her father served in the United States Air Force.

Cheryl attended Lindblom Technical High School, where she graduated in 1980. She was an active student who enjoyed science, public speaking, and stage performance, skills that later helped her in journalism.

She went on to study at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a degree in Psychology and Biology. Her education helped her understand people, community, and health issues, which later became important in her news reporting.

Cheryl was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a respected African American women’s organisation that promotes leadership and service.

In 2007, she became the first female graduate from her high school to be added to the school’s Hall of Fame, which shows her impact on education and community work.

Career

Cheryl Burton’s entry into television was unusual compared to most journalists, beginning with appearances on children’s and talent shows. She first appeared on the children’s show Romper Room, and later competed on the talent show Star Search, which was one of the most popular programs in America at that time.

She also hosted a local cable program called Simply Elegant, where she developed strong presentation skills.

Cheryl entered the news industry in 1989, when she joined WGN-TV in Chicago. She co-anchored a show called MBR: The Minority Business Report, which focused on business stories from diverse communities.

She then moved to WMBD-TV in Peoria as a reporter. After that, she worked as an anchor at KWCH-DT in Wichita, Kansas, from 1990 to 1992.

Her career breakthrough came in 1992 when ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV) hired her as a weekend anchor and reporter.. She first worked as a weekend anchor and reporter. In 2003, she was promoted to anchor the 5 p.m. weekday news, one of the most watched time slots.

She later began presenting the 10 p.m. news, which made her a key figure in Chicago television. Over her long career, she has worked with respected journalists, including:

• Ron Magers

• Kathy Brock

• Alan Krashesky

• Rob Elgas

• Ravi Baichwal

Cheryl has covered major national stories, local politics, elections, weather emergencies, and community events.

In addition to TV work, she has also appeared at schools, community centres, and charity events to encourage young people to focus on education and goals.

Her work has earned her many awards, including recognition for journalism, community service, and women’s achievement.

Personal Life and Relationships

Cheryl Burton was married to Jim Rose, a sports reporter at ABC7 Chicago. The pair met when Cheryl worked as a cheerleader for the Chicago Bears. They married in 1986 and separated in 1995.

They did not have children, and Cheryl has not remarried. Cheryl keeps her personal life private and rarely talks about relationships in interviews or on social media.

Cheryl is known for strong independence, discipline, and focus. She often shares messages of encouragement with young women, especially in Chicago’s Black community.

One major event in her life happened in 2008, when she was attacked by a stranger on the street while on a dinner break. She suffered injuries but recovered and returned to work. The incident made news across the US and showed her strength during difficult times.

Net Worth

Many people are curious about Cheryl Burton net worth, especially because she has been a key part of American television for more than thirty years. Working as a prime-time anchor in a major US city like Chicago places her among some of the best-paid professionals in local news. Senior anchors in top markets often earn between $250,000 and $550,000 per year, and those with long careers, strong viewer trust, and high ratings can earn even more through bonuses and contract agreements.

Like many senior news anchors, Cheryl does not rely only on her ABC7 salary. Apart from her work at ABC7 Chicago, she is often invited to speak at events, host community programs, and participate in business or charity activities, which help increase her earnings. She has built a stable financial future through steady work, public appearances, and professional opportunities outside of television.

Based on available estimates, Cheryl Burton’s net worth in 2025 ranges from $2 million to $4 million, placing her among the most successful local news anchors in the United States. Her wealth is not built on entertainment drama or social media hype, but on professional skill, long-term dedication, and strong community presence, which have helped her remain relevant and respected for decades.

Comparison of Cheryl Burton’s Net Worth with Other Media Personalities (2025)

7 Interesting Facts About Cheryl Burton

1. She started her career on children’s television before becoming a news anchor.

2. She was a cheerleader for the Chicago Bears from 1983 to 1986.

3. She competed on Star Search, a show that helped launch many US entertainers.

4. She has won more than ten major awards for journalism and community work.

5. She returned to work after a violent street attack in 2008.

6. She regularly takes part in charity and youth programs in Chicago, encouraging students to focus on education.

7. She has spent more than thirty years presenting prime-time news on ABC7 Chicago.

Current Status and Future Plans

As of 2025, Cheryl Burton continues to work at ABC7 Chicago as one of the main anchors for the 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. broadcasts.

She remains popular with Chicago viewers because of her strong delivery style, clear communication, and trusted presence during major news events.

Cheryl has not announced plans for retirement, but some experts believe she may shift into:

• Media coaching

• Mentoring young journalists

• Speaking at universities

• Charity leadership

She is often seen as a role model for women in American media, especially African American women seeking success in journalism.

Social Media Presence

Cheryl Burton uses social media to share news updates, community events, and positive messages. She does not post personal details or gossip.

She is active on:

• Instagram

• X (Twitter)

• Facebook

Her online style is professional, friendly, and informative.
She uses social media to support students, local projects, and Chicago organisations.

Conclusion

Cheryl Burton is one of the most successful news anchors in the United States. She has spent more than three decades working at ABC7 Chicago, where she continues to present important news to millions of viewers.

Her estimated net worth of $2 million to $4 million in 2025 is a result of long-term work, strong values, and a steady career in a demanding industry.

For Americans who search for “cheryl burton net worth”, Cheryl’s life shows that success in media can come from consistency, service, and professional skill, not just fame.

Her story is inspiring because she remains strong, confident, and connected to her community, even after facing challenges.

Disclaimer:

All information in this article is based on publicly available sources, industry estimates, and media reports. Cheryl Burton has not publicly confirmed her exact salary or net worth. Figures mentioned here are approximations and should not be considered official financial statements. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.

FAQs

1. What is Cheryl Burton’s net worth in 2025?
Her estimated net worth is $2 million – $4 million.

2. How much does Cheryl Burton earn each year?
Top anchors in Chicago earn $250,000 – $550,000 per year, and she is likely in that range.

3. Where does Cheryl Burton work?
She works at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV).

4. Is Cheryl Burton married in 2025?
No. She was married to Jim Rose but is now single.

5. Does Cheryl Burton have children?
No, she does not have children.

6. What happened to Cheryl Burton in 2008?
She was attacked on the street, injured, and later recovered fully.

7. Why is Cheryl Burton popular?
She is known for professional work, strong voice, and long-term success in American news broadcasting.