Dave Turin Net Worth

What is Dave Turin's net worth?

Dave Turin is an American civil engineer, miner, and reality television personality who has a net worth of $4 million. Dave Turin is best known for his long-running association with Discovery Channel's "Gold Rush" franchise, where his professionalism and engineering background earned him the nickname "Dozer Dave." Over more than a decade in the public eye, Turin became one of the most respected and level-headed figures in reality television mining, transitioning from a supporting player on "Gold Rush" to leading his own successful spinoff, "Dave Turin's Lost Mine." He later hosted "America's Backyard Gold," continuing his mission to share the history and excitement of modern prospecting with new audiences.

Early Life and Education

Dave Turin was born on April 21, 1959, in Sandy, Oregon. He grew up in a tight-knit, hard-working family with three brothers in the foothills of Mount Hood. His father operated a successful rock quarry, and Dave spent his youth learning the principles of construction, excavation, and teamwork. In addition to helping with the family business, Turin developed a love for the outdoors and hunting, a passion that would serve him well in the rugged mining environments he later worked in.

After attending Sandy Union High School, Turin studied civil engineering, a discipline that combined his technical aptitude with his interest in heavy machinery and land development. This formal training gave him a unique advantage when he eventually entered the world of professional gold mining.

"Gold Rush" and Rise to Fame

Turin first appeared on Discovery Channel's "Gold Rush" shortly after its debut in 2010. Originally a consultant to the Hoffman crew, he quickly became one of its most skilled and reliable members. His steady temperament and practical problem-solving stood in contrast to the chaos often surrounding crew leader Todd Hoffman, and he soon emerged as the group's go-to engineer for designing wash plants, managing equipment, and optimizing production.

In the show's third season, Turin's team merged with Hoffman's crew, and together they mined 803 ounces of gold—worth over $1.2 million at the time. Their success grew steadily in later seasons, peaking in 2015 when they hauled in over 3,000 ounces valued at more than $3 million. Over the years, Turin mined in locations including Alaska, Oregon, Colorado, and Guyana, building a reputation as one of the franchise's most consistent producers.

Despite his success, Turin left "Gold Rush" after season seven following a dispute with a crew member. His departure was widely felt by fans, who viewed him as one of the most skilled and level-headed miners in the series. He later reflected that while the show brought fame and opportunity, it also tested friendships and faith—two pillars of his life that he sought to preserve as he transitioned to new projects.

"Dave Turin's Lost Mine"

In 2019, Turin launched his own Discovery spinoff, "Dave Turin's Lost Mine," which followed him and a new crew as they reopened abandoned mining sites across the American West. The show combined his technical expertise with a sense of history, exploring forgotten placer mines and reviving old claims with modern equipment and teamwork.

Across four seasons, the series featured operations in Arizona, Montana, Colorado, and Alaska. Turin's crews unearthed gold worth millions, including over 600 ounces in Colorado's Box Creek area and 463 ounces near Valdez, Alaska. The show also documented tragedy in 2020 when crew member Jesse Goins died of a heart attack during filming, a loss that deeply affected Turin and his team.

By 2022, Turin announced his retirement from full-time mining, culminating in an emotional farewell episode aired on the flagship "Gold Rush" series in 2023, during which he sold his Glacier Creek claim in Alaska.

"America's Backyard Gold" and Later Projects

After retiring from active mining, Turin returned to television in 2024 as the host of "America's Backyard Gold," a Discovery and Max series highlighting small-scale prospectors across the United States. The show expanded his on-screen persona from miner to mentor, focusing on everyday Americans chasing their own gold dreams in forgotten corners of the country.

In addition to his television work, Turin remains active as a public speaker, addressing audiences at mining expos, business summits, and church events. His talks often center on leadership, safety, perseverance, and faith—values he has carried through every phase of his career.

Personal Life

Dave Turin has been married to his high school sweetheart, Shelly, for more than 40 years. The couple has three children and remains deeply rooted in their Oregon community. Away from the mines, Turin enjoys golf, hunting, and spending time outdoors with family. Known for his humility and work ethic, he is widely regarded by fans and colleagues alike as one of the most genuine figures to emerge from the "Gold Rush" franchise—a man who turned his engineering expertise, faith, and discipline into a career that inspired countless would-be prospectors.

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