As Robert Irwin’s star continues to rise following high profile ad campaigns, regular TV hosting gigs, and his surging popularity in the US, it’s got some curious fans asking: how much is the young conservationist worth these days?
The 21-year-old’s bumper month was capped off by a Dancing with the Stars win on Wednesday, with the Wildlife Warrior taking home the Mirrorball trophy after his older sister Bindi achieved the feat in 2015.
And while a shiny memento is nice, the son of Steve’s pay packet would have increased with each passing week he appeared on screen.
Although Irwin’s exact pay cheque on the show has not been made public, Variety reported in 2019 that each celebrity contestant on the US-based show is paid a base salary of $188,000 (US$125,000) for a rehearsal period and the first two weeks on the show.
Contestants then receive extra weekly bonuses if they stick around, with several media outlets reporting Irwin could be paid a total of between $447,000 and $606,000 (AUD) for making it to the finale.
Robert Irwin and Whitney Carson won Dancing with the Stars. Credit: Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images
For comparison, the Aussie version of the reality dance show reportedly paid local celebs between $27,000 and $100,00 for the latest season, with the highest paid stars being Rebecca Gibney, Osher Gunsberg and Shaun Micallef.
Celebrity Net Worth measured the youngest Irwin’s net worth at $US5 million ($7,650,000) in August this year, with his recent TV appearance fee surely pushing that figure above $8 million.
While continuing to work as a manager at Australia Zoo, Irwin has also become a bankable star for advertisers and networks in Australia, appearing as a presenter on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! for the last two seasons as well as a regular on Crikey! It’s the Irwins which first aired in 2018.
He also caused a stir earlier this year when posing in a series of head-turning underwear commercials for Bonds’ Made for Down Under campaign, reminding the public he’s not the fresh-faced, blonde boy they might have grown up with.
Robert Irwin for Bonds. Credit: Bonds
Irwin’s father Steve, also known as The Crocodile Hunter, was valued at $US10 million ($15,300,00) according to the site, with much of his net worth tied up in illiquid real estate assets and conservation projects such as Australia Zoo, which his wife Terri is now owner and chairwoman.
The Brisbane-based zoo — initially branded Beerwah Reptile Park — was established in 1970 by his Steve’s parents.
The family also operate their non-profit charity Wildlife Warriors which seeks to protect endangered animals, founded in 2002 by Steve and Terri.
The Irwin family. Credit: Instagram
Terri’s net worth has been estimated at $US20 million ($30,600,00), including her stake in The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, which the family opened in 2022 and operates as a luxurious suite of cabins near the Sunshine Coast.
She told the Australian Financial Review in 2024 that she has no debts to her name.
“I pay my bills when they come in. I’m completely debt free … I have expanded with the (lodge and restaurant) and overall, my head’s above water,” she said.
But that wasn’t always the case, with Steve’s death in 2006 leaving her in an uncomfortable financial position.
“Everything was reinvested into conservation work. I was in debt … and Steve’s life insurance, I think, was the sum total of $200,000 which didn’t even cover half of one week’s payroll,” she added.
Similar to Robert, Bindi’s net worth has also most recently been estimated at $5 million ($7,650,000) based off her conservation work and historic TV ventures, although it appears the bank account of her hardworking brother is surely set to surpass hers.
