Parker Schnabel, an American gold miner and reality television star, has a net worth of $8 million.

Best known for his prominent role on the Discovery Channel’s long-running reality series Gold Rush and its spinoff Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail, Schnabel has become a household name in the world of mining and reality TV.

Early Life

Born Parker Russell Schnabel on July 22, 1994, in Haines, Alaska, he was introduced to the world of gold mining at a very young age.

His parents, Roger and Nancy Schnabel, raised Parker alongside his brother Payson. From as early as five years old, Parker was working with his grandfather, John Schnabel, at the family-owned Big Nugget Mine.

Operating heavy machinery before he was tall enough to reach the pedals, Parker’s early exposure to mining laid the foundation for his career.

During his school years, Parker was also an athlete, playing on his high school’s varsity basketball team. However, his true passion lay in exploration and the outdoors.

With a keen interest in geology and mining, Parker initially planned to attend college to deepen his knowledge in these fields, with the ultimate goal of returning to run the family business.

However, upon his grandfather’s retirement, Parker stepped into a leadership role at Big Nugget Mine, taking charge of a crew of miners—most of whom were twice his age.

Demonstrating exceptional skill, he quickly proved his ability to uncover significant quantities of gold.

Rather than pursuing formal education, Parker made the bold decision to use his college trust fund to finance a new mining venture in the Yukon Territory.

This controversial choice marked the beginning of his independent journey in the mining world, where his drive and intuition would yield extraordinary results.

Reality TV Fame

Schnabel’s rise to fame came with his starring role in Gold Rush, which premiered on the Discovery Channel in 2010 under the name Gold Rush: Alaska.

By 2023, the show had aired 330 episodes across 13 seasons, captivating audiences worldwide.

Parker’s presence on the show became notable for his efforts to assist miners at the Porcupine Creek claim, where he discovered their lack of expertise.

However, he decided to strike out on his own, separate from the family business, that truly defined his success.

In his very first year running his own mining operation, Parker extracted an impressive 1,029 ounces of gold. His ability to consistently yield high returns solidified his status as a leading figure in the industry.

In addition to Gold Rush, Parker also appeared on the spin-off series Gold Rush: The Dirt from 2012 to 2016 and later starred in Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail, which premiered in 2017.

His involvement extended beyond acting, as he also took on the role of producer for each of these series. By the age of 24, Parker had mined more than $13 million worth of gold, an astonishing achievement that has set him apart as one of the most successful miners of his generation.

Personal Life

Despite his high-profile career, Schnabel has managed to keep his personal life relatively private. He previously dated Ashley Youle, an Australian veterinary nurse, who appeared on Gold Rush and worked alongside him in the Klondike.

The couple separated in December 2018 after two years together. Following the split, rumors swirled that Parker was romantically involved with Sheena Cowell, an assistant producer on his show, although neither party confirmed the relationship publicly.

Parker has often described himself as a workaholic, with his intense dedication to mining taking precedence over his personal relationships.

His passion for the trade and unrelenting drive has been a central theme in his life, guiding his decisions and shaping his success.

In terms of real estate, Parker purchased his dream home in Alaska—a luxurious mansion equipped with modern amenities, valued at over $950,000.

While Schnabel’s personal announcements are usually work-related, in January 2017, he stirred some controversy among fans when he teased a major reveal on social media, hinting at the arrival of a “baby.”

However, the surprise turned out to be the introduction of his new dog, leading to mixed reactions from his followers.