By now everyone is aware of the fact that Matt Lauer — the disgraced "Today" host who was fired after allegations of sexual harassment arose against him — was replaced by a woman. But few are aware of the fact that Hoda Kotb, the woman who replaced him, earns far less salary for the same job which paid Lauer $25 million a year.

On Monday, Kotb signed a $7-million-a-year deal with NBC to host the “Today” show with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has a similar deal with the network. This means that the show’s first ever all-female lineup will be earning less than Lauer with their salaries combined, Page Six reported.

Speaking of Kotb alone, she landed $18 million short of what her predecessor made. And this is despite getting a raise from her old gig, where she co-hosted the "Today" show’s fourth hour with Kathie Lee Gifford at 10 a.m. since 2008.

Even after she steps into shoes of Lauer, co-hosting the show from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., she will continue to host her old show with Gifford. The double job might be the reason Kotb received a promotion from the network.

A show insider told Page Six that the issue of wage gap is nothing new in NBC, but Kotb is not bothered by the significant difference in pay at the moment.

“Hoda isn’t complaining about the money,” the source said. “She has landed the big job she always dreamed of, and most definitely deserves. Plus, Matt’s salary reflected the long time he was on the show — 25 years. If things go well, Hoda could ask for more next time if she re-ups her contract. But the figures underline the huge wage disparity at NBC News.”

There is also a huge difference when it comes to the estimated net worth of Lauer and Kotb. While former “Today” host has an estimated net worth of $60 million, his successor has managed to make $12 million, according to Time Magazine.

Kotb had had a long career with NBC News. She joined the network in 1998 as a correspondent for “Dateline.” She began co-hosting "Today" show’s fourth hour a decade later. Apart from reporting news, she is a published author, writing books on a range of topics including inspirational life stories as well as a detailed account of her battle with breast cancer. She carries the title of New York Times bestselling author.

It should be mentioned that after Lauer’s termination from the network, Megyn Kelly became the highest paid news anchor on NBC. However, she too rakes in lesser than Lauer, her estimated salary being $15 to $20 million for hosting “Megyn Kelly Today.”

Kotb began making headlines from the very first day working at Lauer’s replacement. Many of the show’s viewers found the moment cringe-worthy when Kotb referred to the text she had received from show’s former host. “He was sweet this morning. Certain texts popped up, and there was one from Matt: ‘Congratulations!'” Kotb told E! “He said some nice words,” she said on air.

Kotb’s costar Guthrie was also thrilled when the NBC announced who Lauer’s replacement would be on the show. “It’s 2018 and we are kicking off the year right because Hoda is officially the co-anchor of ‘Today,’” Guthrie said. “This has to be the most popular decision NBC News have ever made and I’m so thrilled.”

"Today" has been the network's biggest profit maker, bringing in between $450 million and $500 million annually in advertising revenue, Forbes reported.

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