Troy Hayden Biography: Bio, Age, Wife, Daughter, Career, 12 News, FOX 10, Salary, and Net Worth

Troy Hayden is an Emmy Award-winning American journalist, television news anchor, and reporter best known for his decades-long career in broadcast journalism in Phoenix, Arizona. He currently serves as a weekday evening anchor at 12 News (KPNX-TV), where he continues to deliver trusted news coverage after spending nearly three decades as one of the most recognizable faces at FOX 10 Arizona (KSAZ-TV).

Known for his professionalism, engaging storytelling, and ability to report from the front lines of major news events, Hayden has covered everything from high-profile criminal trials and presidential politics to natural disasters, sporting events, and military operations. His fearless reporting style and willingness to go beyond the newsroom have earned him numerous journalism awards and the respect of viewers across Arizona.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Troy has established himself as one of the state’s most accomplished television journalists and a trusted source of news for millions of viewers.

Troy Hayden Age

Troy Hayden has chosen to keep details about his personal life private, including his exact date of birth. As a result, his age has not been publicly disclosed.

Although his birthday remains unknown, Hayden has spent more than 30 years in television journalism, making him one of Arizona’s most experienced and respected news anchors.

Early Life and Education

Troy Hayden grew up with a passion for storytelling, sports, and journalism. His interest in news reporting led him to pursue a career in media, beginning with newspaper journalism before transitioning to television.

He attended California State University, Sacramento (Sacramento State), where he studied journalism and communications. During his college years, he developed strong writing and reporting skills that prepared him for a successful career in broadcast journalism.

Before entering television, Troy worked as a sports writer for The Sacramento Bee, one of California’s leading newspapers. His experience in print journalism helped him build a solid foundation in reporting, interviewing, and storytelling that would later define his television career.

Television Career

After gaining experience in newspaper journalism, Troy Hayden transitioned into television news, where he quickly established himself as an exceptional reporter and anchor.

His biggest career breakthrough came when he joined FOX 10 Arizona (KSAZ-TV) in Phoenix. Over nearly 30 years, he became one of the station’s most recognizable personalities, anchoring evening newscasts while covering many of Arizona’s biggest news stories.

Throughout his career at FOX 10, Hayden reported on major local, national, and international events, earning a reputation for delivering accurate, balanced, and engaging journalism. His strong connection with viewers made him one of the most trusted news anchors in the Phoenix television market.

Troy Hayden at 12 News (KPNX)

In 2024, Troy Hayden began a new chapter in his broadcasting career by joining 12 News (KPNX-TV) in Phoenix as a weekday evening news anchor. His move marked one of the most significant television news changes in Arizona in recent years. Longtime viewers welcomed his arrival at 12 News, where he continues to provide comprehensive coverage of breaking news, investigative stories, politics, and community events.

His decades of experience, calm delivery, and commitment to factual reporting continue to make him one of Arizona’s leading broadcast journalists.

Notable Reporting

Throughout his career, Troy Hayden has covered many of the most significant stories in Arizona and across the United States. One of his most widely recognized assignments was the Jodi Arias murder trial, which attracted international attention. Hayden provided extensive daily coverage for both FOX 10 Arizona and Fox News Channel, helping viewers understand the complex legal proceedings.

Following Arias’ guilty verdict, he conducted one of the trial’s most memorable interviews by speaking with her shortly after the decision was announced. Beyond courtroom reporting, Troy has covered:

• Presidential campaigns and elections
• The Democratic National Convention
• Multiple Super Bowls
• World Series events
• Space Shuttle Discovery launches
• Major wildfires and natural disasters
• Military operations and defense stories

His ability to report from the scene while explaining complex stories clearly has been one of the defining strengths of his journalism career.

Adventure Reporting

Troy Hayden is well known for taking viewers beyond traditional news coverage through immersive reporting experiences. A certified scuba diver, he has participated in operations alongside underwater search-and-rescue teams and swift-water rescue agencies to better understand their work.

Some of his most memorable assignments include:

• Exploring one of the deepest drug smuggling tunnels ever discovered by the U.S. Border Patrol.
• Flying in an F-16 Fighting Falcon over the Barry Goldwater military bombing range.
• Spending several days aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
• Reporting on military training exercises and aviation operations.
• Covering unique behind-the-scenes stories involving emergency responders and public safety agencies.

These experiences allowed Hayden to provide viewers with firsthand perspectives rarely seen in local television news.

Troy Hayden Awards

Throughout his distinguished career, Troy Hayden has received numerous awards recognizing his excellence in broadcast journalism.

His honors include:

• Five Emmy Awards for Best News Anchor
• Associated Press Anchor of the Year
• Phoenix Magazine’s Best 10 PM News Anchor
• Phoenix New Times Best Live Reporter

These awards reflect his outstanding reporting skills, credibility, and long-standing commitment to high-quality journalism.

Troy Hayden Wife

Troy Hayden is married to his wife, Kristy Hayden.

The couple has enjoyed a long and supportive marriage, and Troy occasionally shares family moments on social media. Despite spending decades in the public eye, he has generally chosen to keep his personal life private while offering occasional glimpses into family celebrations and special occasions.

Their relationship has remained one of the constants throughout his successful broadcasting career.

Troy Hayden Daughter

Troy and his wife Kristy have a daughter named Ash.

Although Hayden occasionally posts photos with his daughter on social media, he has largely kept his family out of the public spotlight, preferring to protect their privacy while maintaining a healthy balance between his professional and personal life.

Troy Hayden Salary

Troy Hayden’s exact salary at 12 News has not been publicly disclosed.

However, as one of Arizona’s most experienced television news anchors with decades of broadcasting experience, he is believed to earn a competitive annual salary consistent with veteran anchors working in a major television market.

Troy Hayden Net Worth

As of 2026, Troy Hayden has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million.

His wealth has primarily been accumulated through his long and successful career in television journalism. Additional income may come from public appearances, speaking engagements, media-related projects, and other professional opportunities developed throughout his career.

Legacy

Troy Hayden has become one of Arizona’s most respected and recognizable television journalists. Over more than three decades, he has built a reputation for accuracy, professionalism, and fearless reporting, earning the trust of viewers across the state.

Whether covering nationally significant criminal trials, reporting live from political conventions, flying in military aircraft, or anchoring nightly newscasts, Hayden has consistently demonstrated a commitment to delivering reliable, informative journalism.

Today, as an anchor at 12 News Phoenix, he continues to serve the community with the same integrity and dedication that have defined his remarkable broadcasting career. His numerous awards, decades of experience, and lasting impact on Arizona journalism have firmly established him as one of the state’s most accomplished news anchors.