Mariana Van Zeller is an accomplished investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, and the host of the award-winning series Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller, which airs on National Geographic.
Known for her fearless and immersive approach to reporting on global crime networks, black markets, and human trafficking, Mariana has carved a unique space in investigative journalism.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into her life, career, net worth, husband, height, and other fascinating insights.
Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Mariana Van Zeller |
| Born | March 31, 1981 (Age: 43) |
| Place of Birth | Lisbon, Portugal |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Salary per Episode | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million – $3 million |
| Education | Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism |
| Occupation | Investigative Journalist, Documentary Filmmaker, Host |
| Famous For | Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller (National Geographic) |
| Other Major Work | VICE (Field Reporter) |
| Spouse | Dylan (Documentary Filmmaker) |
| Social Media Following | 500,000+ followers on Instagram |
| Income Streams | Documentary Hosting, Speaking Engagements, Brand Collaborations, Social Media Monetization |
| Major Projects | Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller, National Geographic series, and multiple documentary films focusing on underground industries |
| Primary Focus | Investigative Journalism, Long-Form Investigative Reporting, Documentary Filmmaking |
| Ethical Stance | Journalism Ethics, Focus on Field Reporting Safety, Commitment to Editorial Integrity and Human Connection with Subjects |
| Key Topics Covered in Documentaries | Human Trafficking, Drug Trade, Black Market, Global Crime Networks |
Who Is Mariana Van Zeller?
She is an internationally renowned investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker. She is perhaps best known for hosting the groundbreaking documentary series, Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller.
Born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal, Mariana has gained global recognition for her bold, on-the-ground reporting of dangerous global crime networks, drug trade, and underground industries.
Her career has been marked by a commitment to uncovering hidden truths, with a focus on human rights and the illicit underworld that drives global crime.
which explores the complex world of global black markets, illicit economies, and the people involved in these underground operations.
Early Life and Education
Born in Lisbon, Portugal, on March 31, 1981, Mariana Van Zeller grew up with a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in global affairs.
From a young age, she was exposed to the world of media, which led her to pursue a career in journalism. Mariana later moved to the United States, where she attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
So, an institution known for producing some of the most renowned journalists of our time. This education provided her with the skills to navigate the complexities of investigative reporting and set the foundation for her successful career in documentary filmmaking.
Mariana Van Zeller Age
As of 2025, she is 43 years old. Despite her relatively young age, she has achieved remarkable success in her career. Her age reflects her dedication to her craft and her ability to make a significant impact in the field of investigative journalism.
Also Read: Marianna Orlovsky
Physical Appearance
She is known for her professional yet approachable appearance. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), she carries herself with the confidence required to navigate the dangerous industries she often reports on.
Her physical presence mirrors the tenacity she displays in the field, where she fearlessly tackles issues such as human trafficking, the drug trade, and global crime networks.
Mariana Van Zeller Height
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Mariana has a commanding presence that complements her work in field reporting.
Whether reporting from dangerous territories or interviewing key players in the underground economy, her height is symbolic of her stature in the world of investigative journalism.
Mariana Van Zeller Net Worth
As of 2025, her net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million. Her substantial wealth is primarily derived from her work as a documentary host, journalist, and filmmaker.
Through her multiple income streams, including her salary from Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller, brand collaborations, speaking engagements, and social media monetization, Mariana has built an impressive fortune.
Breakdown of Income Streams
Mariana’s income streams are varied and reflect her diverse career. Here’s a breakdown of her main sources of income:
- Salary per Episode of Trafficked: Mariana earns between $50,000 and $100,000 per episode of Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller. This sum reflects her high-profile role as both the host and an executive producer of the show.
- Brand Collaborations and Social Media Monetization: Mariana’s social media following, including over 500,000 followers on Instagram, allows her to partner with brands for sponsored posts and campaigns. She earns upwards of $10,000 per month from brand partnerships.
- Documentary Films: As a documentary filmmaker, she also earns significant income from creating and producing documentary films and series.
- Speaking Engagements: Mariana is a sought-after speaker, with speaking engagements earning her between $25,000 and $50,000 per event.
- Sponsored Posts: Her social media platforms also generate additional revenue through sponsored posts, where she collaborates with brands to promote their products and services.
Mariana Van Zeller Salary Per Episode
Each episode of Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller is not only a field reporting journey into the heart of global crime networks but also a lucrative opportunity for Mariana.
Her salary per episode typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the production’s scale and her role.
This salary reflects her significant involvement in the project, both as the host and as a key contributor to the creative direction of the show.
Mariana Van Zeller Family
She comes from a close-knit family that values privacy. However, it is known that her family played an instrumental role in supporting her throughout her career.
She often credits her parents for instilling in her a strong work ethic and a passion for storytelling.
Her husband, Dylan, who is also a documentary filmmaker, plays an essential role in both her personal and professional life.
Mariana Van Zeller Husband
Dylan, Mariana’s husband, is a fellow documentary filmmaker. The couple has a strong partnership, both personally and professionally.
Dylan’s influence and collaboration with Mariana in documentary projects, including their shared interest in covering global crime networks and dangerous industries, have contributed to her success.
While they prefer to keep their private life away from the spotlight, their relationship has undoubtedly been a significant source of support for Mariana’s demanding career.
Career Journey
Her career is marked by investigative reporting that delves into the hidden facets of society. She began her professional journey in Portugal before moving to the United States, where she worked with major media outlets, including VICE.
At VICE, she honed her skills as a field reporter, covering some of the most dangerous and controversial topics of our time.
Her work in covering global crime, human trafficking, and the drug trade set her apart as a journalist with a unique ability to investigate complex issues in an engaging, yet deeply insightful, way.
In 2020, Mariana launched Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller, a series that explores the criminal underground, including illicit trade, human trafficking, and black markets across the globe.
This series has been lauded for its immersive storytelling, with Mariana herself often entering dangerous territories to witness these illicit activities firsthand.
Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller
Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller is a unique and daring documentary series that gives viewers an inside look at global crime networks, focusing on black markets, the drug trade, and underground industries.
Through her fearless reporting, Mariana takes her audience on a journey through some of the world’s most dangerous and lesser-known corners, providing a raw, uncensored look at the global underground economy.
The show’s success has brought Mariana widespread recognition, and it continues to be a valuable tool for investigative reporting on issues like human trafficking and global crime investigations.
Social Media Presence
In addition to her work as a documentary host and investigative journalist, Mariana has built a strong social media presence.
With over 500,000 followers on Instagram and a growing presence on platforms like Twitter and TikTok, Mariana uses social media to share behind-the-scenes content, personal updates, and insights into her investigative work.
| Platform | Profile Name | Link |
| @MarianaVZeller | Click here | |
| @marianavzeller | Click here | |
| Mariana Van Zeller Official | Click here | |
| Mariana Van Zeller | Click here |
Her platforms have become a space where she engages with her audience and provides updates on her ongoing documentary projects.
Mariana Van Zeller Wikipedia
For a comprehensive overview of her life, work, and career, Mariana Van Zeller’s Wikipedia page provides valuable information.
It chronicles her rise as a documentary filmmaker and investigative journalist, detailing her significant contributions to global crime reporting and long-form investigative journalism.
Conclusion
Her career stands as a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the importance of shedding light on issues like human trafficking, black markets, and global crime networks.
Through her work on Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller, she has become a leading figure in documentary filmmaking, inspiring future generations of female journalists to push boundaries in the pursuit of truth.
With an estimated net worth of $2 million to $3 million, Mariana continues to be a trailblazer in the world of crime investigation and documentary films.
Her career serves as an example of how one can leverage social media, brand collaborations, and documentary hosting to build a multifaceted, successful career.
FAQ’s
What is Mariana Van Zeller net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at $2 million to $3 million as of 2025.
Where did Mariana grow up?
She grew up in Lisbon, Portugal.
How did Mariana Van Zeller become famous?
She gained fame through her investigative journalism and her role as the host of Trafficked with Mariana Van Zeller.
Is Mariana Van Zeller married?
Yes, she is married to Dylan, a documentary filmmaker.
What is Mariana salary per episode?
Her salary per episode of Trafficked ranges between $50,000 and $100,000.
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