Cressida Cowell is a name well-known in children’s literature, thanks to her bestselling How to Train Your Dragon series
But beyond her popularity as an author, many wonder about Cressida Cowell’s wealth and how her financial journey unfolded.
This article delves into Cressida Cowell net worth, salary, income sources, and financial highlights as we step into 2025.
Cressida Cowell Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Cressida Cowell |
| Popular Name | Cressida Cowell |
| Birth Date | April 15, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2/15/2025) |
| Birthplace | London, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | British |
| Education | English at Keble College, Oxford; Illustration at Saint Martin’s School of Art |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Simon (former director of Save the Children) |
| Children | Maisie, Clementine, and Alexander |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Marcia Persephone Hare, Michael Hare, 2nd Viscount Blakenham |
| Height | N/A |
| Net Worth | $15 million (estimated 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Books, book adaptations, royalties, media rights |
What is the Net Worth of Cressida Cowell in 2025?
Cressida Cowell’s net worth is estimated at $15 million as of 2025.
This financial milestone largely stems from the success of her How to Train Your Dragon series, both in terms of book sales and its adaptation into a wildly successful film franchise.
While other children’s authors may have similar earnings, Cowell stands out due to the global reach of her works and their cross-media success.
Her financial success places her among the highest-earning children’s authors globally.
In comparison, authors like J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl also have impressive net worths, though Cowell’s earnings have steadily increased with the film and merchandise revenues from How to Train Your Dragon.
Some of the notable individuals in her field include:
- J.K. Rowling
- Roald Dahl
- Jeff Kinney
- David Walliams
- Neal Layton (Illustrator for Emily Brown series)
- DreamWorks Animation (partner in film adaptation)
- Stephen Breyer (U.S. Supreme Court Justice, family connection)
- Emily Brown series
For more on famous wealth, check out this page about the richest celebrities and their earnings.
Cressida Cowell Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Does Cressida Cowell Earn Her Wealth?
Cressida Cowell’s wealth primarily comes from her role as an author, with her How to Train Your Dragon books leading the way.
The series has been a consistent best-seller, selling over 7 million copies globally.
Beyond book sales, Cowell benefits significantly from licensing rights, adaptations into films, and merchandise sales.
The success of the How to Train Your Dragon movie franchise has added another revenue stream, as it reached audiences worldwide, further fueling Cowell’s growing fortune.
While much of her wealth comes from books and adaptations, her publishing deals and royalties from international sales also contribute substantially.
What Are Cressida Cowell’s Main Sources of Income?
Cressida Cowell’s income is multi-faceted. Her primary source of revenue comes from her books, particularly the How to Train Your Dragon series, which has sold millions globally.
Cowell also earns from the Emily Brown series, and her other children’s books add to her overall income.
Additionally, the franchise deals related to How to Train Your Dragon, including movies, TV shows, and merchandise, have expanded her earning potential.
Royalties from these adaptations continue to contribute to her growing wealth.
Her involvement with various educational initiatives and charitable work also enhances her public profile, though these may not directly contribute to her wealth in terms of earnings.
How Much Does Cressida Cowell Make from Her Books?
Although exact figures are not publicly available, it is clear that Cressida Cowell makes a substantial portion of her wealth from her books.
The How to Train Your Dragon series, in particular, has been highly successful, with millions of copies sold worldwide.
Her books are often translated into multiple languages, expanding her reach and income globally.
As with many bestselling authors, royalties from ongoing book sales, especially in different formats (hardcover, paperback, audiobook, and digital), represent a major revenue stream for Cowell.
What Role Does How to Train Your Dragon Play in Cressida Cowell’s Financial Success?
The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is a cornerstone of Cressida Cowell’s financial success.
Not only has the book series sold millions, but its adaptation into a blockbuster film franchise by DreamWorks Animation has opened up massive revenue streams.
The movies have been highly successful, with the first film grossing over $490 million globally.
This success led to several sequels, spin-offs, and even a TV series, all of which continue to bring in significant licensing revenue.
Merchandising, including toys, clothing, and other products, has also added to Cowell’s financial portfolio.
How Did Cressida Cowell Build Her Wealth Over Time?
Cressida Cowell’s wealth didn’t come overnight; it was built over years of hard work, writing, and building a global brand.
After studying English and illustration, Cowell first entered the children’s book market with Hiccup the Seasick Viking. However, it was the release of How to Train Your Dragon that catapulted her to international fame.
Her ability to create compelling characters, along with her strong storytelling skills, contributed to her early success.
The recognition she received from the Nestlé Children’s Book Award in 2006 for That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown helped establish her as a major author.
From there, Cowell’s wealth continued to grow steadily through a combination of book sales, media deals, and adaptations.
What Are Cressida Cowell’s Career Milestones That Contributed to Her Wealth?
Cressida Cowell’s career has been marked by several key milestones, each of which has added to her financial success.
Her How to Train Your Dragon series remains her biggest achievement, leading to an international fanbase and extensive licensing opportunities.
Other important career highlights include her recognition as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2020 and her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2021.
Her creative output continues to grow, with books like The Wizards of Once further contributing to her financial success.
Conclusion
Cressida Cowell’s financial journey showcases how an author can build a significant fortune through a combination of books, licensing, and media adaptations.
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