Parker Schnabel Net Worth

What Is Parker Schnabel's Net Worth?

Parker Schnabel is an American gold miner and reality television star who has a net worth of $10 million. Parker Schnabel rose to fame as one of the standout figures on Discovery's hit series "Gold Rush" and its spinoff "Gold Rush: Parker's Trail." Known for his relentless drive, technical mining skill, and impressive leadership from a young age, Schnabel has become one of the most successful miners in the show's history. He has unearthed tens of millions of dollars' worth of gold, managed crews of seasoned miners twice his age, and built a reputation as the face of modern-day placer mining in the Yukon and Alaska. His success has helped transform the "Gold Rush" franchise into one of the longest-running and most profitable series in Discovery Channel history.

Early Life

Parker Russell Schnabel was born on July 22, 1994, in Haines, Alaska, to Roger and Nancy Schnabel. He grew up in a mining family, learning the trade from his grandfather, John Schnabel, a respected miner and owner of the Big Nugget Mine. By the age of five, Parker was already tagging along on mining expeditions and operating heavy equipment—his feet barely reached the pedals. His grandfather played a pivotal role in teaching him the value of hard work and precision in gold mining.

Parker attended Haines High School, where he played on the varsity basketball team. He originally planned to study geology or mining engineering in college but ultimately decided to forgo higher education to take over operations at Big Nugget after his grandfather retired. At just 16, he began managing the family mine, a move that would set the stage for his future television and mining career.

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Rise to Fame on "Gold Rush"

Schnabel joined Discovery's "Gold Rush" when the show debuted in 2010, alongside fellow miners Tony Beets, Todd Hoffman, and, later Rick Ness. Initially featured as a young apprentice under the guidance of his grandfather, John Schnabel, at the Big Nugget Mine, Parker quickly became one of the show's breakout personalities. Viewers watched him evolve from an ambitious teenager still learning the ropes into an independent mine boss capable of competing with seasoned veterans like Beets and Hoffman.

During the show's fourth season, Parker made the bold decision to leave Big Nugget and venture into the Yukon to mine his own claims—directly pitting his operation against some of the biggest names in the business. Using his college trust fund as seed money, he led a small crew north and stunned audiences by pulling in more than 1,000 ounces of gold—worth roughly $1.4 million—during his first season as an independent operator. His drive, precision, and willingness to take calculated risks earned him respect from older miners, including Beets, whose success Parker often measured himself against.

By his mid-twenties, Schnabel had mined over $13 million worth of gold and established himself as one of the most successful miners in the Klondike. His attention to detail, heavy reinvestment in equipment, and relentless pursuit of higher yields helped him surpass many of his peers. Throughout later seasons, his friendly rivalry with Beets and his close working relationship with former foreman Rick Ness became central storylines, reflecting both the competition and camaraderie that defined the "Gold Rush" community.

Other Television Work

In addition to "Gold Rush," Parker has appeared in and produced several spinoffs and companion shows, including "Gold Rush: The Dirt" (2012–2016) and "Gold Rush: Parker's Trail," which premiered in 2017. The latter series follows Schnabel and his team—including appearances from Rick Ness in early episodes—as they retrace historic mining routes and explore remote regions such as Papua New Guinea, Australia, and Guyana in search of gold and adventure.

His on-screen rivalry and occasional collaborations with fellow miners like Tony Beets, Dave Turin, and Rick Ness have helped shape the broader "Gold Rush" universe into a multigenerational saga of ambition and endurance. Across all his Discovery ventures, Schnabel has earned a reputation for his intense focus, pragmatic leadership, and deep respect for the mining craft. His series consistently rank among Discovery's most-watched programs and have played a major role in introducing the challenges and triumphs of modern placer mining to a worldwide audience.

Personal Life and Real Estate

Parker previously dated Australian veterinary nurse Ashley Youle, who appeared on "Gold Rush" and worked alongside him in the Klondike. The couple separated in 2018 after two years together. In 2019, he was rumored to be dating Sheena Cowell, an assistant producer on the show, though Schnabel has kept his personal life largely private.

He has described himself as a workaholic, often putting mining above relationships or downtime. In 2017, he purchased a luxury home in Alaska valued at approximately $950,000, featuring modern amenities and scenic mountain views. He later joked with fans when he teased a "baby reveal" on Facebook—only to unveil his new puppy instead.

Despite his wealth and fame, Schnabel continues to spend most of his time in the field, chasing new gold claims and expanding his operations across North America and beyond.

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