Meet Jason Riley: Opinionated, Award-Winning, and Always in Print
Bio
Jason Riley has been serving up sharp takes at The Wall Street Journal since 1994—starting as a humble copy reader before leveling up to the Editorial Board in 2005. His column, Upward Mobility, has been running since 2016, giving readers plenty to think (and argue) about.
Beyond the WSJ, Riley wears multiple hats: he’s a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a TV commentator, and—because sleep is overrated—an author of four books, including:
Let Them In: The Case for Open Borders (2008)
Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed (2014)
False Black Power? (2017)
Maverick: A Biography of Thomas Sowell (2021)
The Black Boom (2022)
His work hasn’t gone unnoticed—he snagged a Bradley Prize in 2018, which is basically an MVP award in the world of thought leadership.
A Buffalo, New York native, Riley earned his English degree from SUNY Buffalo before kicking off his journalism career at USA Today and The Buffalo News. Today, he continues to shape conversations, challenge narratives, and keep the editorial world on its toes.
Jason Riley: Age
Jason Riley is 53 years old as of 2025. He was born on July 8, 1971, in Buffalo, New York, making him a Cancer—so expect sharp opinions with a side of deep introspection.
Education
Riley holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo. However, he keeps the rest of his academic history under wraps—perhaps to maintain an air of mystery.
Jason Riley Nationality & Ethnicity
Proudly American, Riley was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He is of African American ethnicity.
Height
He stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall. As for weight, body size, and other stats? Let’s just say he’s in “journalist shape”—brainpower over biceps.
Family & Early Life
Riley was raised in Buffalo by his parents:
Father: Lee Riley, a retired social worker at the Buffalo Residential Psychiatric Hospital.
Mother: The late Ola Riley.
As for siblings? That’s still a mystery—we’ll update if he spills the beans.
Jason Riley Marriage & Love Life
Riley is happily married to Naomi Schaefer Riley, a journalist at the New York Post, covering higher education, religion, and culture. Naomi graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, proving this household is stacked with brainpower. The couple tied the knot on May 22, 2004, in a ceremony attended by close friends and family. They currently reside in New York
Salary and Net worth
Riley is doing well for himself, earning an estimated $83,000 to $100,000 per year from his journalism career. His net worth? A solid $5 million—not too shabby for a guy who started as a copy reader.
Jason Riley Professional Journey
Riley has been with The Wall Street Journal since 1994, climbing the ranks from copy reader to Editorial Board member (2005). His column, Upward Mobility, has been running since 2016.
He is also a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a Fox News contributor.
In 2018, he won the Bradley Prize, solidifying his status as a top-tier thinker.
He has authored four books, covering race, economics, and public policy, including Please Stop Helping Us (2014) and Maverick: A Biography of Thomas Sowell (2021).
Final Thought
Whether he’s writing, debating, or stirring the pot, Jason Riley remains a powerful voice in journalism. If you’re looking for sharp opinions and well-researched insights, he’s your guy.
