When most kids were learning to ride bikes, Parker Schnabel was already operating heavy mining machinery. Fast forward to today, at just 29 years old, Parker has built an impressive career in gold mining and reality television, amassing a net worth of $8 million. Best known for his long-running role on Discovery Channel’s “Gold Rush”, Parker has carved out a name for himself in one of the world’s toughest industries.
Who Is Parker Schnabel, and How Did He Get His Start?
Born on July 22, 1994, in Haines, Alaska, Parker Russell Schnabel was quite literally raised in the dirt—gold-rich dirt, that is. His parents, Roger and Nancy Schnabel, and his brother, Payson, were part of a family deeply rooted in mining. But the person who influenced him most was his grandfather, John Schnabel, the founder of Big Nugget Mine.
By the time he was five, Parker was shadowing his grandpa around the mine. And not long after, he was behind the wheel of massive equipment—before his feet could even reach the pedals. That hands-on experience laid the foundation for everything he’s built since.
Did Parker Ever Plan to Go to College?
He did. Parker was a varsity basketball player in high school and had aspirations to study geology or mining in college. But after graduation, the call of the gold fields was too strong to ignore. He made a bold decision to skip college and invest his college trust fund into a mining operation of his own. Risky? Absolutely. But it paid off.
How Did “Gold Rush” Make Parker a Household Name?
Parker became a breakout star on Discovery’s “Gold Rush”, which first aired in 2010. The show followed several teams of miners hoping to strike it rich in the rugged terrain of Alaska and the Yukon. Parker first appeared while working at his family’s mine but quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his sharp instincts, strong work ethic, and occasional tough-love leadership.
By season four, he branched out on his own. And get this: in his first season running solo, Parker pulled out over 1,000 ounces of gold, worth well over a million dollars at the time. That moment cemented him as more than just a reality TV personality—he was a serious player in the gold mining game.
How Much Gold Has Parker Schnabel Mined So Far?
By the time he turned 24, Parker had reportedly mined more than $13 million worth of gold. And he hasn’t stopped since. Over the years, he’s consistently outperformed expectations, leading crews of miners—many of whom are twice his age—with a level of grit and focus that belies his youth.
He’s also featured in spinoff series like “Gold Rush: The Dirt” and “Gold Rush: Parker’s Trail”, where he ventures into even more extreme and remote locations in search of gold. As a producer on these series, Parker has also played a hand behind the scenes, proving he’s got a mind for both business and entertainment.
What Is Parker Schnabel Like Off Camera?
Despite his fame and fortune, Parker is known for being incredibly down-to-earth—and, by his own admission, a workaholic. He once said mining is his “life,” and that intense focus has often made balancing personal relationships a challenge.
He previously dated Ashley Youle, an Australian veterinary nurse who appeared alongside him on Gold Rush. The couple broke up in 2018 after two years together. Rumors later swirled about a relationship with Sheena Cowell, an assistant producer on the show, though Parker tends to keep his personal life private.
Where Does Parker Schnabel Live?
In addition to mining camps and months spent in the field, Parker also owns his dream home in Alaska. The house, reportedly worth $950,000, is modern, spacious, and tucked away in the kind of rugged terrain he loves. It’s the perfect base for someone who thrives in the great outdoors.
Fans might remember when he teased a “baby reveal” on Facebook in 2017, only to reveal it was his new dog—a move that left some followers laughing, and others a little irritated.
What Keeps Parker Motivated in Such a Tough Industry?
Mining isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s grueling, expensive, and uncertain. But for Parker, the payoff isn’t just the gold—it’s the challenge. He thrives in high-pressure environments and is always looking for ways to improve his process, increase yields, and lead his crew to success.
Even as he’s racked up millions and earned global fame, Parker’s passion remains rooted in the same values his grandfather taught him: hard work, integrity, and determination.
What’s Next for Parker Schnabel?
Parker shows no signs of slowing down. His journey continues on Gold Rush, and his spin-off Parker’s Trail has taken viewers to mining hotspots all over the world—from the jungles of Guyana to the mountains of Papua New Guinea.
He’s hinted at expanding operations and even exploring new industries. Whatever comes next, one thing’s for sure—Parker Schnabel isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty in pursuit of a big dream.
