Mari Payton Bio
Mari Payton is a renowned American Emmy Award-winning journalist who served as a senior investigative reporter and weekend news anchor at NBC 7 San Diego in San Diego, California. She joined the station in January 2006 and retired in May 2023 after nearly 20 years with the station’s news department.

How Old is Mari Payton?
Payton was born in the United States. Unfortunately, she has not mentioned her date, month, or birth year to the public; therefore, details regarding her age and when she celebrates her birthday are presently unavailable. However, further information will be updated when available.
Mari Payton Education Background
Payton attended the University of Southern California, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science, and graduated magna cum laude. She is also a 2003 graduate of the Annenberg School for Communication, where she pursued Political Science and Government and was recognized as a Renaissance Scholar.
Mari Payton Career Experience
Payton serves as a media strategist and storyteller, collaborating on freelance projects and enhancing brand storytelling through voice-over and on-camera talent. Since retiring from NBC 7 in May 2023, Payton has held several positions, including working as a producer at Full Disclosure Films (October 2024 to June 2025), Senior Media Strategist at My Merch Factory (from January 2024 to October 2024), and as a Director of Public Relations at Thank You Small Biz (from January 2023 to January 2024).
At NBC 7 San Diego (KNSD-TV), Payton served as a senior investigative reporter leading the NBC 7 I-Team and as a weekend news anchor. Her investigative stories prompted local, state, and federal investigations, often leading to policy changes. She was also a regular contributor to the station’s award-winning NBC 7 Insight Investigative Podcast.
During her tenure, she reported breaking news live on national platforms such as the TODAY Show, MSNBC, and other NBC affiliates across the country. Her coverage of the 2007 San Diego Firestorm earned her an Emmy Award, and she was later nominated for another Emmy in 2010 for her investigative piece Prescription for Pot. Before joining NBC 7, Mari worked at WLBT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi. While there, she covered major stories, including Hurricane Katrina, riding out the storm on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and reporting on its devastating aftermath. She also won an Associated Press Award for her coverage of the obesity epidemic in Mississippi.
At NBC 7 San Diego, Payton works alongside the following:
- Mark Mullen
- Omari Fleming
- Monica Dean
- Sheena Parveen
- Steven Luke
- Todd Strain
- Artie Ojeda
- Catherine Garcia
- Dagmar Midcap
- Audra Stafford
Mari Payton Height
Payton has an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches, which is equivalent to 167.64 cm.
Who Is Mari Payton’s Husband?
Payton is married but hasn’t disclosed the identity of her husband. Together, they are proud parents of two children (a son and a daughter) whose identities also remain undisclosed to the public. When she’s not reporting, Mari is chasing her two young kids around. On January 4, 2021, Payton posted a reel on her Instagram account, where she captioned, “Work from home life continues into 2021. Morning #NBC7 editorial call with my son. Oh, and I couldn’t figure out how to mute or unmute myself. Glad everyone heard me talking about the laundry with my husband…”
Who Are Mari Payton’s Parents and Siblings?
Payton was born and raised in the United States, but she has not disclosed detailed information concerning her parents and siblings. Therefore, details about her family are presently inaccessible for the time being.
How Much Does Mari Payton Earn?
Payton has an average salary range of between $30,000 and $80,000 from working as a media strategist and storyteller.
Mari Payton’s Net Worth
Payton has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $5 million, reflecting her successful career in the media industry. Her foremost source of income is mainly associated with working as a broadcast journalist.
Mari Payton’s Social Media Accounts
Payton frequently uses social media sites where she interacts and connects with her followers by sharing information about her professional and personal encounters. Some of her platforms include Instagram @maripaytontv with more than 1.5k followers, and Facebook @Mari Payton NBC with more than 7.7k followers.
Quick check about Mari Payton
- Age: Information currently unavailable
- Birth name: Mari Payton
- Born: Information currently unavailable
- Marital status: Married
- Spouse: Information currently unavailable
- Children: Two children (a son and a daughter)
- Nationality: American
- Net worth: A range of $1 million to $5 million
- Salary: Estimated salary of $30,000 to $80,000
- Height: 5 feet and 6 inches, equal to 167.64 cm
- Profession: Journalist
- Parents: Information currently unavailable
- Siblings: Information currently unavailable
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