Elaine Quijano, a distinguished American television reporter, has made significant strides in journalism, notably as a CBS News correspondent and anchor. Born on January 21, 1974, in Chicago, Illinois, she is currently 51 years old as of 2025. Her net worth is estimated between $1.3 million and $7 million, with an annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $176,166. Quijano, a second-generation Filipino-American, keeps her married life and dating status private, with no confirmed details about a husband or children. Her height is 5 feet 6 inches, and her weight is approximately 56 kg. This article delves into her biography, career milestones, personal life, and more, offering fresh insights and updates.
Early Life and Education: Shaping a Future in Journalism
Elaine Quijano was born to Filipino immigrant parents, with her father from Davao City and her mother from Batangas, Philippines. Raised in the Skokie and Morton Grove suburbs of Chicago, she grew up in a culturally rich environment that instilled resilience and a strong work ethic. Her mother, a seamstress who faced hardships during World War II, inspired Quijano’s determination, as she shared in a 2016 Filipinas Magazine interview: “My Filipino background has made me stronger, resilient, and hardworking.”
Quijano pursued her passion for journalism at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism in 1995. Her early exposure to media through internships laid the foundation for a career marked by tenacity and excellence.
Career Journey: From Intern to Trailblazing Anchor
Early Career Beginnings
Quijano’s journalism career began in 1994 as an intern at WCIA-TV in Champaign, Illinois. She quickly rose to roles as a reporter, producer, and anchor, showcasing her versatility. In 1998, she joined WFTS-TV in Tampa, Florida, as a general assignment reporter, covering local stories with precision.
CNN Tenure and Major Coverage
In December 2000, Quijano joined CNN Newsource, where she reported on pivotal events like the September 11, 2001 attacks and the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. Her month-long coverage in Kuwait City before the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 highlighted her courage. By 2004, she became a Washington, D.C.-based correspondent for CNN/US, covering the Pentagon, Supreme Court, and George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign. In 2006, she was named White House correspondent, reporting on major stories like the War on Terror and the 2008 financial crisis, until her departure in 2009.
CBS News: A Legacy of Excellence
Since joining CBS News in 2010, Quijano has been a New York-based correspondent, covering high-profile stories such as Hurricane Sandy (2012), the Boston Marathon bombing (2013), and the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre (2012). Her reporting on the latter earned her an Alfred I. duPont Award as part of the CBS News team. Quijano’s 2011 report on the lack of presidential condolence letters for military members who died by suicide prompted a policy change by President Barack Obama, showcasing her impact.
As an anchor for CBSN, CBS’s 24/7 digital streaming network, she hosts the political show Red and Blue and co-anchors the weekend morning show for CBS New York. Her historic role as the first Asian-American moderator of a U.S. vice-presidential debate in 2016 at Longwood University marked her as a trailblazer, also becoming the youngest journalist to moderate a debate since 1988.
Net Worth and Salary: Financial Success in Journalism
Quijano’s net worth is estimated between $1.3 million and $7 million, reflecting her successful career across major networks. Her salary as a CBS News correspondent ranges from $60,000 to $176,166 annually, with some sources suggesting an average of $102,548. Her financial success stems from her long-standing career, awards, and high-profile assignments. Unlike many journalists, Quijano’s focus on impactful reporting rather than celebrity endorsements has built her wealth steadily.
Personal Life: Married, Dating, or Single?
Quijano remains highly private about her married life and dating status. As of 2025, there is no confirmed information about her being married, having a husband, or having children. A 2016 Instagram post captioned “Love in the midnight hour” sparked speculation about a possible relationship, but no details were disclosed. Her reserved nature has led to rumors about her personal life, including unverified claims of an engagement, but she has not addressed these publicly. Quijano’s focus remains on her career, and she has expressed a preference for keeping personal matters out of the spotlight.
Physical Attributes: Height, Weight, and Public Persona
Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing approximately 56 kg, Quijano maintains a polished and professional appearance. Her body measurements, reportedly 34-23-34 inches, contribute to her poised on-screen presence. With black hair and dark brown eyes, she embodies a blend of elegance and approachability, resonating with audiences. Her commitment to fitness, including activities like scuba diving, trekking, and skiing, reflects her adventurous spiritក
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elaine Cagas Quijano |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1974 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 51 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino-American |
| Hometown | Skokie and Morton Grove, Chicago, Illinois |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, University of Illinois, 1995 |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 56 kg (approx.) |
| Body Measurements | 34-23-34 inches (reported) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Occupation | Television Reporter, Anchor, Correspondent |
| Current Employer | CBS News (since 2010) |
| Previous Employers | CNN (2000–2009), WFTS-TV (1998–2000), WCIA-TV (1994–1998) |
| Notable Achievements | First Asian-American to moderate a U.S. vice-presidential debate (2016), Alfred I. duPont Award (2012) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $1.3 million – $7 million |
| Salary (Annual) | $60,000 – $176,166 |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | None confirmed |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
| Hobbies | Scuba diving, trekking, skiing, reading political and sci-fi books |
Unique Insights and Contributions
Quijano’s journey as a Filipino-American journalist offers a unique perspective on diversity in media. Her 2016 debate moderation broke barriers, inspiring Asian-American journalists, as noted in a 2023 Asian American Journalists Association report, which found only 2.3% of U.S. newsroom leaders are Asian. Her ability to navigate high-pressure environments, like covering the 9/11 attacks or moderating a national debate, showcases her resilience, a trait she attributes to her cultural heritage. A 2024 interview with CBS News highlighted her mentorship of young journalists, emphasizing storytelling with empathy—a hallmark of her health and wellness reporting.
Recent Updates and Future Outlook
As of 2025, Quijano continues to anchor CBSN’s Red and Blue and contribute to CBS News platforms, focusing on health and political stories. Her recent coverage of mental health initiatives in New York schools reflects her commitment to impactful journalism. Looking ahead, her influence in digital media suggests potential for expanding her role in streaming platforms, possibly launching a podcast, given the 35% rise in podcast listenership among Asian-Americans (Edison Research, 2024).
For more details, visit her Wikipedia page or CBS News profile.
