Chumlee’s net worth has reached a surprising $5 million in 2025. He stands out as one of the most financially successful personalities from the History Channel’s lineup. His remarkable transformation from a Gold and Silver Pawn Shop janitor to a Pawn Stars celebrity has unfolded over the last 15 years.
The story behind Chumlee’s wealth becomes more fascinating with his expansion beyond TV fame. He launched Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard in 2017, proving his entrepreneurial skills. On top of that, his personal collection showcases over 200 pairs of sneakers and classic cars valued at approximately $4 million. Austin Lee Russell (his real name) faced some legal troubles in 2016, yet he managed to build a strong portfolio that adds to his wealth.
Let’s take a closer look at how this 41-year-old star built his fortune. We’ll explore his business ventures and the personal challenges that shaped his financial success.
Chumlee’s Net Worth in 2025: Where It Stands Now
Let’s take a closer look at Chumlee’s finances in 2025. His wealth today shows years of smart business moves and celebrity brand building. He’s grown far beyond his original TV fame by creating multiple income streams.
Most of Chumlee’s money comes from his long-running contract with the History Channel’s hit show Pawn Stars, where fans have loved him since 2009. His salary grew high as the show managed to keep strong viewership ratings. His merchandise sales through the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop bring in steady money, and tourists especially love his personal branded items.
His property investments make up much of his assets. His Las Vegas home is just one part of his property portfolio, which has grown a lot in Nevada’s competitive market. So, these investments helped him vary his income beyond entertainment.
Chumlee’s business ventures show his natural talent for entrepreneurship. He never went to business school, but he knew exactly how to use his fame. His candy store still draws Pawn Stars fans who come to Las Vegas just to see the show’s famous spots.
Money experts say Chumlee handles his wealth wisely. Many reality TV stars struggle with money after their shows end, but he’s stayed financially stable by spreading his investments.
His car collection mixes passion with smart investing. Well-kept classic cars usually go up in value, turning a hobby into a valuable asset. His collection of rare American models shows careful buying instead of random spending.
The sneaker collection isn’t worth as much as his cars, but it shows the collector’s mindset that makes him good at the pawn business. Even after legal troubles temporarily hurt his finances, Chumlee bounced back stronger, just like his TV personality would suggest.
Compared to his Pawn Stars coworkers, Chumlee has built a unique mix of investments that goes well beyond just TV money.
How Chumlee Built His Fortune
Austin “Chumlee” Russell built his wealth well before becoming a familiar face on TV. He started working at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop when he was 21 and spent five years there before Pawn Stars began filming in July 2009. These early years became the foundation of his later financial achievements.
The History Channel show turned Chumlee into an instant hit with viewers, making him the most popular cast member. His fame quickly turned into fortune as he now makes $25,000 for each episode. The show runs about 30 episodes every season, which adds up to substantial earnings from TV alone.
Chumlee’s business sense shined through when he launched his company that sells custom-designed novelty items. His products flew off the shelves faster than his co-stars’ merchandise thanks to his huge fan following. He made a smart business choice by selling half of his merchandise company to Rick Harrison for $155,000 in 2010. This move let the pawn shop handle customer orders better.
His business ventures grew even more in May 2017 as he and his brother Sage Russell opened “Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard”. They picked a spot right across from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, mixing business with pleasure. “I wanted to start a candy shop, and here we are,” Chumlee told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “My brother and I wanted to do something fun, and candy is fun”.
Real estate added another stream to his income. He sold his Las Vegas property for $1.38 million in 2019 after initially asking $1.80 million. The impressive estate featured nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and a guesthouse on two acres of land.
Chumlee’s story shows how he turned TV fame into lasting business success by making smart investments, building his brand, and creating multiple income streams.
The Man Behind the Money: Personal Life and Challenges
Chumlee’s financial success comes with an experience filled with important challenges and changes. Austin Lee Russell was born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada. His life reaches way beyond the reach and influence of his TV personality.
His personal relationships have had their share of highs and lows. He proposed to Olivia Rademann with a 1.5-carat diamond ring at the Royal Hawaiian Waikiki in 2018. The couple tied the knot in Hawaii in 2019 but split up around 2020. Olivia stood by Chumlee’s side during his toughest moments, including his legal troubles.
March 2016 brought one of Chumlee’s most publicized challenges when police raided his Las Vegas home. Law enforcement found methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax, and several unregistered firearms, including assault-style MP5 weapons and .223-caliber rifles. He faced 19 drug possession charges and one weapons charge. The court gave him three years of probation and mandatory counseling instead of jail time. His felony charge would be dropped if he managed to keep good behavior through 2019.
Chumlee shifted his focus to personal transformation after his legal problems. His weight loss experience became his most visible change. He reached 350 pounds in January 2019 and went through gastric sleeve surgery the next month. His weight dropped to 190 pounds by October 2021, shedding an impressive 160 pounds. This wasn’t his first attempt at better health—he lost 75 pounds through diet and exercise in 2013 after his father’s death from pancreatic cancer at age 54.
Beyond his work life, Chumlee pursues various interests. His shoe collection exceeds 200 pairs, and he loves playing poker. His passion for cars shows in his ownership of a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Maserati GranTurismo. Pokémon trading cards catch his interest too, and he actively supports charities like the Epilepsy Foundation and Children’s Heart Foundation.
Conclusion
Chumlee’s rise from a Gold & Silver Pawn Shop janitor to a multi-millionaire celebrity shows his exceptional business sense beyond his reality TV character. Many viewers doubted his abilities on Pawn Stars at first, but he proved his entrepreneurial skills through smart business expansion. His $5 million net worth in 2025 comes from both his TV fame and well-planned business ventures and investments.
His financial achievements shine even brighter considering how he handled both personal and professional obstacles. Legal issues could have ended his career, yet he rebuilt his reputation and financial standing successfully. On top of that, his personal growth mirrors his financial progress – he shed 160 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery while transforming from an employee to a business owner.
Smart wealth-building lessons emerge from Chumlee’s approach. He didn’t just rely on his TV earnings but expanded into merchandise, real estate, and a candy store business. His $4 million classic car collection proves that passion projects can become valuable investments.
Austin Lee Russell’s financial story goes beyond mere wealth accumulation. He spotted opportunities, bounced back from major setbacks, and created a diverse portfolio that will likely support him long after his TV career ends. The real story behind Chumlee’s fortune isn’t just about his worth—it’s about how cleverly he built it.
FAQs
Q1. How did Chumlee accumulate his wealth? Chumlee built his fortune through multiple revenue streams, including his salary from Pawn Stars, merchandise sales, real estate investments, and business ventures like his candy store. His popularity on the show allowed him to capitalize on various opportunities and diversify his income sources.
Q2. What is Chumlee’s current net worth? As of 2025, Chumlee’s net worth stands at approximately $5 million. This impressive figure is the result of his successful television career, smart investments, and entrepreneurial endeavors over the years.
Q3. Has Chumlee faced any significant personal challenges? Yes, Chumlee has faced several personal challenges. He encountered legal troubles in 2016, which resulted in probation and counseling. Additionally, he has undergone a significant weight loss journey, losing 160 pounds after gastric sleeve surgery in 2019.
Q4. What business ventures has Chumlee pursued outside of Pawn Stars? Beyond Pawn Stars, Chumlee has launched his own merchandise line and opened a candy store called “Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard” in Las Vegas. He has also invested in real estate and maintains a valuable collection of classic cars and sneakers.
Q5. How does Chumlee’s wealth compare to his Pawn Stars co-stars? Interestingly, despite initial perceptions, Chumlee has created a uniquely diversified financial portfolio that extends well beyond television income. His strategic business moves and investments have contributed to his impressive net worth, making him one of the wealthiest cast members from the show.
