Austin Lee Russell, better known to fans of reality television as Chumlee, rose to fame as the comic relief and lovable underdog on History Channel’s Pawn Stars. While he was often the target of jokes on-screen, Chumlee’s business acumen, brand appeal, and hustle behind the scenes have made him a multimillionaire. So what is Austin Chumlee Russell’s net worth, and how did he build his fortune?
What is Chumlee’s Net Worth and Salary?
As of 2025, Austin Chumlee Russell has an estimated net worth of $5 million. His financial success is largely tied to his role on Pawn Stars, his personal merchandise business, and several other ventures including a candy shop.
When it comes to his television income, Chumlee reportedly earns $25,000 per episode of Pawn Stars. With over 675 episodes aired to date, that paycheck adds up quickly—especially considering the global popularity of the show.
Early Life and Origins of the Nickname “Chumlee”
Childhood in Henderson, Nevada
Born on September 8, 1982, in Henderson, Nevada, Austin Russell grew up in a working-class environment. He has two siblings: a brother named Sage and a sister named Terra. As a kid, he became close friends with Corey Harrison, whose father and grandfather owned the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop.
The Birth of “Chumlee”
At age 12, Russell earned the nickname “Chumlee” when his father jokingly compared him to Chumley, the walrus sidekick from the 1960s cartoon Tennessee Tuxedo. Thanks to his prominent chin and round face, the name stuck—and eventually became a beloved brand in its own right.
Rise to Fame on Pawn Stars
From Pawnshop Clerk to Reality TV Star
Chumlee began working at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop at the age of 21, five years before the show was even conceptualized. The store had its first taste of fame on Comedy Central’s Insomniac with Dave Attell, which inspired Rick Harrison to pitch a reality show to major networks.
After numerous rejections, History Channel took a chance on the concept, and in 2009, Pawn Stars premiered. Chumlee quickly emerged as the fan favorite thanks to his quirky personality, lack of bargaining skills, and deep knowledge of niche items like vintage video games and collectible toys.
The “Lovable Lug” of the Pawn Shop
Although often portrayed as the “village idiot” by co-workers, viewers embraced Chumlee’s genuine and laid-back attitude. He wasn’t afraid to make mistakes or laugh at himself—and that authenticity resonated with audiences around the world.
Business Ventures and Merchandise Empire
Launching His Own Brand
At the height of Pawn Stars’ popularity, Chumlee founded a business selling custom t-shirts and novelty items. His merchandise line proved to be far more profitable than even his castmates’, as his fanbase was particularly enthusiastic and loyal.
Partnership with Gold & Silver Pawn Shop
Seeing the potential for synergy, Chumlee eventually sold half of his company to Rick Harrison, allowing the pawn shop to handle the logistics of distributing his merchandise. This move helped him scale operations while keeping the business within his close circle.
Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard
In 2017, Chumlee branched out and opened Chumlee’s Candy on the Boulevard, a nostalgic candy store located just across the street from the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. His brother, Sage Russell, runs the day-to-day operations while Chumlee focuses on promotions and brand visibility.
Chumlee’s Salary from Pawn Stars
As one of the main cast members, Chumlee reportedly earns $25,000 per episode. With Pawn Stars currently surpassing 675 episodes over 21 seasons, that translates into millions of dollars over the life of the show—not including spinoffs like Pawn Stars Do America.
This salary doesn’t include revenue from merchandise sales, appearances, or other ventures, making Chumlee one of the most financially successful reality TV personalities of his genre.
Legal Troubles and Controversy
The 2016 Police Raid
In March 2016, Chumlee found himself in serious legal trouble when Las Vegas police raided his home amid an investigation into alleged sexual assault. Although he was never formally charged with sexual assault, the raid uncovered crystal meth, marijuana, Xanax, and multiple firearms.
Plea Deal and Probation
On May 23, 2016, Chumlee was formally charged with 20 felony counts related to drug and weapon possession. He later accepted a plea deal, admitting to:
- A felony weapons charge
- Unlawful possession of a firearm
- Attempted drug possession (gross misdemeanor)
As part of the agreement, he received three years of probation and was required to attend counseling. While the incident briefly tarnished his image, Chumlee has since stayed out of trouble and returned to business as usual.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Interests and Hobbies
Beyond reality TV and business, Chumlee is an avid collector and pop culture enthusiast. Some of his passions include:
- Vintage pinball machines
- The Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Video games and skateboarding
- Punk rock and rap music
He’s also a sneakerhead with a closet containing over 200 pairs of shoes.
Luxury Car Collection
Like many successful reality stars, Chumlee enjoys the finer things in life. His car collection includes:
- Rolls-Royce Phantom
- Range Rover
- Cadillac Escalade
- 1964 Impala SS
- 1986 Buick Regal with hydraulic lifts
- Maserati (which he famously negotiated down by $15,000)
Health Journey and Weight Loss
At one point, Chumlee weighed 345 pounds, which led him to undergo gastric sleeve surgery to reduce the size of his stomach. Following the procedure, he adopted a healthier lifestyle—working out six days a week, cutting red meat, and drinking more juice.
He successfully lost over 110 pounds and credited his father’s early death from pancreatic cancer at age 54 as his primary motivation.
Relationship Status and Marriage
Marriage to Olivia Russell
Chumlee married Olivia Russell in August 2019 after a long-standing friendship blossomed into a relationship. The couple got engaged in May 2018 and seemed happy together—at least publicly.
However, in July 2020, fans noticed that Olivia had disappeared from Chumlee’s social media. All photos of her were removed, and speculation began to swirl. Olivia had reportedly been attending the University of California, Santa Barbara, while Chumlee remained in Las Vegas.
Though there has been no public confirmation of a split, the distance and lack of shared appearances suggest that the couple may have separated.Real Estate and Investments
Las Vegas Mansion Sale
In February 2019, Chumlee sold his Las Vegas mansion for $1.375 million. The two-acre estate, located just five miles from the Strip, featured:
- A 6,200-square-foot main house
- A guesthouse
- A resort-style backyard with a rock-lined pool
- The infamous “Chum Chum Room”, which included a stripper pole
He originally bought the property in 2012 for $1.1 million, giving him a decent return on investment.
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Chumlee
Despite being typecast as the comic relief on Pawn Stars, Austin Chumlee Russell has built a substantial personal brand and fortune. From merchandising and candy stores to real estate and luxury cars, he has leveraged his fame into a diversified financial portfolio.
While his legal troubles momentarily threatened his image, Chumlee bounced back with weight loss success, new business ventures, and continued popularity on television. His current net worth of $5 million is proof that being underestimated can be the perfect setup for a long-running punchline—and a profitable one at that.
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