Check out James May’s net worth and amazing career path as a journalist, TV presenter, book writer, author, and entrepreneur. We also talked about his personality and how he made so much money and fame.
What Is James May’s Net Worth
James May’s net worth is around $40 million, which he got from his journalism and TV presenter career, as well as different endorsement and brand deals. James May appeared on popular programs like Top Gear and AutoCar as far back as the early 90s.
The next section explains James May’s net worth annually, his professional career, personal life, investments and every other fact about him.
James May’s Net Worth Annually
James May started his journalism career on a bright note earning around £500,000 per annum at Top Gear. He was among the best-paid TV hosts with additional income streams from sponsorship and endorsement deals.
Even when James May left Top Gear, he still had popular TV presentations like Grand Tour, courtesy of Amazon Prime Video. Besides, James May’s annual net worth includes multiple revenues from endorsement deals like Amazon and Honda.
James May also earns from his YouTube channel with 216K subscribers. James May’s net worth annually from the channel is over $620,000. His other revenue sources include a Gin brand, Pub and other investments.
How Did James May Get Rich?
James May became rich from his unique and brilliant thought processes. James is also hardworking as he took some jobs just after he graduated from university.
However, James May net worth was placed on a fast-rising pedal when he started his professional journalism career. It did not take long before James became popular in the industry, and his side interest in automobiles further paved the way for him.
James May worked with Autocar before his dismissal and bagged an endorsement with Honda shortly after. It was no surprise since James had previously written different publications about the automotive brand.
Other sources of revenue for James May are his endorsement agreement with Amazon and DHL. James May also owns a Gin Brand “James Gin” and a Pub called the “Royal Oak Swallowcliffe.” James May has also hosted popular TV series like “Oh Cook!”. Some of his other famous appearances are “James May’s Man Lab” and “James May’s Cars of the People.” James May also owns a YouTube channel, “JM’s unemployment tube.”
Biography
James Daniel May was born on the 16th of January, 1963, in Bristol, England. James’ father was James, a worker for an aluminum factory, while his mother was Kathleen. James May also had three siblings; a brother and two sisters.
Growing up, he attended Caerleon Endowed Junior School located at Newport. James May later furthered at Rotherham’s Oakwood Comprehensive School.
He loved music as a child and was on the choir team at his father’s church – Whiston Parish Church. James May’s musical passion propelled him to study Music at Lancaster University. He was at Pendle College and graduated in 1985.
Just after graduation, the smart-witted James May briefly worked as a Ward Assistant at a hospital in Chelsea. He later joined the Civil Service and developed a unique interest in journalism. James May also maintained an interest in the engineering aspect of automobiles.
Net Worth: | $40 million |
Full Name: | James Daniel May |
Stage Name: | James May |
Birth Place: | Bristol, England |
Birthday: | January 16, 1963 |
Zodiac Sign: | Capricorn |
Age (How Old): | 60 years |
Gender: | Male |
Nationality: | British |
Weight: | 85 kg |
Height (How Tall): | 6’0’’ |
Marital status: | Dating |
Wife: | N/A |
Girlfriend: | Sarah Frater |
Parent’s Name: | Father: James May
Mother: Kathleen |
Children Name: | Unknown |
Siblings: | Unknown |
High School: |
|
College: | Lancaster University |
Profession: | Journalist, TV presenter and writer |
Religion: | Unknown |
Social media: | Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook, |
Career And Awards
James May net worth and career story is an inspiring one of how a young man started as a sub-editor for magazines. James worked with “The Engineer” and later joined “Autocar” where he became popular in the early 1980s. They were a British auto magazine but later dismissed James May for including an offensive acrostic in one of their articles.
However, James May went on to write for some other top publications, including the famous BBC series Top Gear, in 2003. He quickly became a fan’s favorite with co-hosts Richard Hammond and Jeremy Clarkson.
Remember how we mentioned May’s early interest in automobiles? He took things further and wrote some auto books like “The Reassembler” and “Oz and James’ Big Wine Adventure.”
James May also collated all his magazine articles into his 2006’s “May on Motors.” James was distinguished for his liking functional automobiles over flashy racing ones.
Investments And Endorsements

James May manages several businesses apart from his profession as a journalist and TV presenter. They include his stake in the production company, “W.Chump and Sons”, the “Royal Oak Swallowcliffe”, and the “Oh Cook!” show.”
James May has also endorsed brands like DHL, Honda, Hornby, and Amazon. In addition, he owns the “James Gin” brand.
Personal Life

James May has been in a dating relationship with Sarah Frater since 2000. The duo met as co-workers at Autocar magazine and have remained lovers in the public eye. However, they are not yet married despite living together.
James May once explained that his partner, Sarah, does not have a problem with not getting married. According to him, they are both happy and he knows how to make her feel valued. The couple doesn’t have any kids together and they seem just fine about that.
Assets
While James May does not publicly boast about his assets and net worth, he spends well on his comfort. James May owns a £325,000 home in West London. He bought the house in 2000 and purchased the property adjacent to it later in 2013.
However, James demolished both properties and reconstructed it into a bigger and spacious mansion. James May also has a £770,000 mansion he bought in Ansty in 2015.
Cars
James May has a unique taste in cars. He owns a 2019 Tesla Model S 100D and 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera which he described as the perfect sports model. James May’s garage also contains a Rolls-Royce Corniche, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale, and 2016 BMW i3.
Another interesting look into James May auto collections reveals his interest in motorcycles like his Brompton folding bicycle.
James May also trained at the White Waltham Airfield for a pilot license and owns an American Champion 8KCAB Decathlon.
Some Of James May’s Charitable Deeds
In addition to his welcoming personality, James May also loves giving to charity. For example, he ran the 1,200-mile race from London to Edinburgh. The proceedings went to charitable acts. Another instance was his 2015’s involvement in the charity drive around Africa hosted by UNICEF.
James May is a big part of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, a supporter of the “Children’s Trust” initiative, and he joined the “The Great Brain Robbery” fundraising event in 2019.
FAQs
What awards have James May won?
James May has won numerous awards like the 2008’s Best Presenter Award by Royal Television Society, Guiness World Record for the Fastest Caravan (2009) and the 2019’s Rose D’Or award for the Best Entertainment Program in 2019.
Has James May ever set any World Records?
Yes, James May set the record for top speed using a Caravan in 2008. He also broke the record for longest distance covered via train in 2009.
What TV shows has James May presented?
James May has appeared on over 20 documentaries and different TV shows like “James May’s Man Lab”, James May: Oh Cook!”, and “James May’s Cars of the People.”
Why do James May and his partner not have kids?
James May recently shared that the decision not to have kids with his partner, Sarah Frater was due to being a late developer. But he affirmed it was not a regrettable one.