PROFILE DETAILS
NAME: Leslie Lopez
REAL NAME: Leslie Lopez
AGE: Early 40s (Estimated)
Gender: Female
weight: Approximately 128 lbs (58 kg)
Height: 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m)
Birthdate: November 7
Birth Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Chino Hills, California, USA
NET WORTH: Estimated $1 Million – $5 Million (as of 2026)
Salary: Approximately $150,000 annually
MAIN INCOME SOURCE: Broadcast Meteorology and Journalism
Profession: Broadcast Meteorologist and News Anchor
RELIGION: Information not publicly available
FAMILY: Married with two children
PARENTS: Gregory Lopez (Father), Elizabeth Lopez (Mother)
SPOUSE: Michael Boos Cruise (m. 2016)
CHILDREN: Nolan (Son), Penelope Rose (Daughter)
CAREER: ABC7 Los Angeles (2016–Present), KUSI News, KGET-TV, CBS2/KCAL9
Nationality: American
SOCIAL PROFILES: Instagram (@abc7leslielopez), Facebook (Leslie Lopez), Twitter/X (@abc7leslielopez)
What is Leslie Lopez Net Worth and salary?
As of early 2026, Leslie Lopez’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Her primary source of wealth is her long-standing career in broadcast journalism, specifically her role as a high-profile meteorologist in the Los Angeles market, the second-largest media market in the United States. Her annual salary at ABC7 Los Angeles is estimated at $150,000, though veteran anchors in this region often command higher compensation packages including bonuses and appearance fees.
Early Life
Leslie Lopez was born and raised in Chino Hills, California. Growing up in Southern California, she developed a deep connection to the local climate and geography. She attended Pomona Catholic High School, where she was known for her academic focus. Her interest in the environment and public service led her to pursue higher education at the University of California, Riverside, where she initially earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Before fame
Before becoming a household name in Los Angeles, Lopez transitioned from political science to meteorology, driven by a passion for atmospheric physics. She attended Mississippi State University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Meteorology. Her early professional years were spent behind the scenes as a producer and news writer for CBS2/KCAL 9 in Los Angeles. She later moved to Bakersfield to work as a weekend weather anchor and reporter for KGET-TV (an NBC affiliate) and then to San Diego’s KUSI News, where she worked alongside Weather Channel founder John Coleman.
Awards
- Lone Star Emmy Award (2009): Won during her tenure at NBC 5 (KXAS) for her contributions to the morning news program.
- AMS Seal of Approval: Holds the prestigious seal from the American Meteorological Society, certifying her expertise in television weather broadcasting.
Personal Life and Relationships
Leslie Lopez is married to Michael Boos Cruise, a former U.S. Air Force officer and current commercial airline pilot for Southwest Airlines. The couple married in August 2016. Their relationship is often described as a partnership of “high-flyers,” balancing Michael’s aviation career with Leslie’s demanding early-morning broadcast schedule.
Family life
The couple resides in the Los Angeles area with their two children. Their first child, a son named Nolan, was born on May 4, 2020. Their second child, a daughter named Penelope Rose, was born on June 30, 2022. Despite her public-facing role, Lopez maintains a degree of privacy regarding her extended family, though she has occasionally shared photos of her parents, Gregory and Elizabeth, on social media.
Associated with
- John Coleman: The late founder of The Weather Channel, who mentored her during her time at KUSI San Diego.
- ABC7 Eyewitness News Team: Frequently collaborates with anchors such as Brandi Hitt, Phillip Palmer, and Ellen Leyva.
- Jennifer Lopez: Due to her name, she is frequently (and incorrectly) associated with the pop star Jennifer Lopez. Leslie has often joked about the “J.Lo” comparisons in interviews, clarifying they are not related.
Real Estate
While specific addresses are kept private for security reasons, Leslie Lopez owns property in the Greater Los Angeles area. Her real estate interests are primarily residential, focused on providing a stable environment for her growing family. Public records suggest she has maintained a residence in Southern California throughout her tenure at KABC-TV.
Net Worth History
- 2019: $500,000 (Early years at ABC7)
- 2022: $1.5 Million (Following contract renewals and career growth)
- 2026: $3.5 Million – $5 Million (Reflecting senior status at KABC and diversified investments)
Trivia
- Early Bird: Her shift at ABC7 typically begins in the very early hours of the morning, as she anchors the 4 AM, 5 AM, and 6 AM newscasts.
- Hobbies: She is an avid golfer and enjoys home improvement projects, reading, and exploring the Southern California dining scene.
- STEM Advocate: She frequently visits local schools to encourage young women to pursue careers in STEM and meteorology.
BIOGRAPHY
Executive Summary
Leslie Lopez is a distinguished American meteorologist and a cornerstone of the ABC7 Eyewitness News morning team in Los Angeles. With a career spanning two decades, she has established herself as one of the most trusted weather authorities in Southern California. Known for her “sunny” on-air personality and rigorous scientific accuracy, Lopez provides critical weather data to millions of viewers daily during the 4 AM to 7 AM time slots.
Her journey to the top of the Los Angeles media market was characterized by a relentless pursuit of education and diverse geographical experience. After pivoting from a potential career in politics to the sciences, she honed her craft in smaller markets like Bakersfield and San Diego. Her time at KUSI News was particularly formative, as she studied under industry legends, which helped her earn the AMS Seal of Approval—a gold standard in the field.
Since joining KABC-TV in 2016, Lopez has expanded her role beyond the green screen, participating in major station events like “On The Red Carpet” for the Academy Awards and various community philanthropic efforts, including AIDS Walk LA. In 2026, she remains a vital figure in the Los Angeles broadcasting landscape, balancing a high-pressure career with her role as a mother of two. Her ability to simplify complex meteorological phenomena for the general public while maintaining scientific integrity has made her a role model for aspiring scientists and broadcasters alike.