Joe Keery is an American actor and musician who became internationally recognized for playing Steve Harrington in Netflix’s Stranger Things. Over the years, his acting career has expanded into films and other television projects, while his music career under the name Djo has added another source of income and recognition. Because celebrities generally do not publicly disclose their complete financial records, estimates of Joe Keery’s net worth can vary depending on the source.
Who Is Joe Keery?
Joseph David Keery was born on April 24, 1992, in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He developed an interest in acting during high school and later studied at The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago, graduating in 2014. Before becoming a household name, Keery appeared in smaller television roles and commercials.
His major breakthrough came in 2016 when he was cast as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things. The character initially appeared as a popular high-school student, but Steve’s role developed considerably as the series progressed. Keery eventually became one of the show’s recognizable cast members.
Joe Keery Net Worth
There is no universally verified public figure for Joe Keery’s current net worth. Various entertainment websites publish estimates, but these numbers should not be treated as audited financial information.
One reason estimates differ is that an actor’s overall wealth is not simply based on television salary. Taxes, management fees, agents, production costs, investments, endorsements, and other private financial arrangements can significantly affect a celebrity’s actual wealth.
Keery’s earnings have nevertheless grown substantially since his early acting years, particularly because of the success of Stranger Things and his expanding work in film and music.
Earnings From Stranger Things
Stranger Things has been the most important project in Keery’s acting career. He joined the series during its first season and was promoted to a series regular for the second season.
Reported salary figures for television actors can vary by season and contract. IMDb’s biographical information lists a reported salary of $150,000 per episode for Keery during Season 3 and a reported $6 million figure for Season 5. These figures are third-party reported amounts rather than financial disclosures from Keery himself, so they should be viewed as reported estimates.
The growth in his reported compensation reflects the difference between his position as a developing actor early in the series and his status after the show’s worldwide success.
Film Career
Keery has also built a film career outside television. His credits include Molly’s Game, Spree, and the 2021 action-comedy Free Guy, in which he played Walter “Keys” McKey alongside Ryan Reynolds and Jodie Comer.
Working in films provides another potential source of income and has helped Keery establish himself beyond his best-known television role. He also appeared as Gator Tillman in the fifth season of Fargo, giving him an opportunity to take on a character very different from Steve Harrington.
Joe Keery’s Music Career as Djo
Acting is not Keery’s only professional career. He is also a musician who performs under the name Djo. Before his solo work, he was associated with the Chicago psychedelic-rock band Post Animal. He later developed Djo as his solo musical identity.
His music career gained significant attention after the song “End of Beginning” became widely popular online. The success increased his visibility as a musician and created another professional avenue separate from his acting work. His album The Crux was released in 2025.
Music can generate income through streaming, album sales, touring, publishing, and other licensing opportunities, although Keery’s personal earnings from these activities are not publicly disclosed.
Other Sources of Income
Joe Keery’s overall earnings can potentially come from several areas, including acting salaries, film projects, music streaming and sales, live performances, songwriting, and other professional opportunities.
However, there is limited reliable public information about his private investments, properties, business interests, or endorsement income. Therefore, claims about specific assets or exact annual earnings should be treated carefully unless supported by a credible source.
Joe Keery’s Career Growth
Keery’s financial career reflects a broader transition from a relatively unknown actor to an internationally recognized performer. Before Stranger Things, he worked smaller jobs and attended numerous auditions. His later success allowed him to take on larger acting roles while continuing to develop music under the Djo name.
As Stranger Things concluded its run, Keery also began looking toward projects beyond Steve Harrington. His work in Fargo, films, and music demonstrates his effort to maintain a career across different forms of entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Joe Keery’s net worth is difficult to establish with complete accuracy because there is no official public financial statement showing his total assets and income. What is clear is that his career has expanded significantly since he first appeared as Steve Harrington in Stranger Things.
His television success, film appearances, and growing career as Djo have created multiple professional income streams. As Keery continues working in acting and music, his career and financial profile may continue to change.