Ben and Erin Napier are the husband-and-wife hosts of HGTV’s hit renovation series Home Town, known for transforming old homes and revitalising the community of Laurel, Mississippi. They’ve become among the most beloved figures on home-renovation television. Ben and Erin Napier have a net worth of $5 million and earn $30,000 per episode.
While HGTV does not officially confirm exact salaries, this figure aligns with known network rates for established hosts and what other HGTV stars have publicly been estimated to earn.
Background & Early Life
The reality TV stars hail from Laurel, Mississippi, but Ben moved around as his parents were ministers. Ben was actually a youth minister up until 2014 but resigned to focus on running his business. In comparison, Erin’s mom is a realtor, and her dad is a physical therapist.
They started dating during their college days at the University of Mississippi. Erin studied graphic design, and Ben graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history. Erin was also a design editor for the school’s yearbook and first met her future husband while writing a story about Ben.
Early Career and Marriage
After graduating and getting married, the young couple were looking to settle in areas such as Birmingham, Memphis, and Nashville. But ultimately, they settled in their hometown.
There, Ben tried his hand at woodworking and craftsmanship. Erin was working as a graphic designer for large businesses. Later on, Erin helped on some of her husband’s projects at their local store, Laurel Mercantile Co.
Joining HGTV
Erin gained a massive following online after their work went public. Little did she know that an HGTV producer was following her on social media. One day, she woke up with an invitation email for them to star in a reality show.
In 2016, Home Town began airing on HGTV and documented the couple’s ventures, fixing houses in their area. The show had the highest rated pilot in HGTV history with 2.2 million people tuning in for the first episode. It became a huge hit, which led to several spinoff series, including “Home Town: Ben’s Workshop”, “Home Town Takeover” and “Canada Home Town Takeover.”
Some viewers have questioned if the show is fake but Home Town is not scripted. During the final reveal, the homeowners have to pay extra for the staged items. If they don’t pay, the items are taken back.
Net Worth and TV Show Earnings
The main Home Town series is starting its 10 season on January 4, 2026. It’s currently recognized as one of the most popular home renovation shows on HGTV. Due to its success, Ben and Erin are reportedly making $30,000 per episode. Networks typically pay more to hosts who bring reliable ratings, cross-platform appeal (broadcast and streaming), and brand stability over multiple seasons.
Home Town isn’t exclusive to HGTV broadcasts anymore – it streams on multiple platforms, including Netflix, HBO Max, Discovery+, Hulu, and others
Alongside their TV careers, the Napier’s earn an income from their Laurel Mercantile shop, which sells home appliances and decors. Laurel Mercantile Co. employs 128 people as of January 2022. They also operate the Scotsman Manufacturing Co., a woodshop producing quality furniture and architectural products.
Erin’s past venture Lucky Luxe and their Timber-focused products also contribute indirectly to their brand value and earnings. Also, Erin Napier has published books such as Make Something Good Today and others that bring in royalties, adding a publishing dimension to their earnings.
These businesses are a big factor in their $5 million fortune. For context, the Napiers’ net worth is modest next to stars like Chip and Joanna Gaines, who are reportedly worth around $50 million.
Personal Details
Ben and Erin Napier got married in 2008 and are raising two children, Helen and Mae, in their iconic craftsman cottage in Laurel. However, their lives weren’t always easygoing. In 2014, Erin was diagnosed with a perforated appendix, and still suffers from symptoms of the illness today.
