The reality television star Parker Schnabel is considered a mining sensation on Discovery’s Gold Rush. He has a more low-profile brother named Payson Schnabel, who has appeared in a couple of episodes of the show. He is a construction and mining professional with an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2023.
Early Life
Payson was born to Roger and Nancy Schnabel in Haines, Alaska. His exact date of birth hasn’t been revealed yet, but it is known that he is older than his only sibling, Parker.
His late grandfather, John Schnabel, was a legendary miner who owned the Big Nugget Mine. He became the inspiration for the Schnabel brothers. Payson grew up playing with construction machinery.
He quickly picked up on how to operate various equipment. Payson also learned about the construction trade. After graduating from Haines High School, he went to Northern Arizona University to study Business Administration and Construction Management.
Career Beginnings
Schnabel was initially apprehensive about working in the mining and construction sectors. However, he did see some merit in joining the family business to enhance his management skills.
While Parker was training to replace the position of his grandfather, Payson Schnabel was taking care of other aspects of their company. He worked his way up to become the property manager at Big Nuggets Mine.
He became efficient in his job and played a significant role in the background. However, Payson moved to a different location in Alaska to start his own construction company not long after.
Gold Rush Appearances
Because of their mining reputation in Alaska, the Schnabel family became a core part of the Discovery Channel reality series Gold Rush. Even so, Payson did his best to avoid the spotlight.
Though he isn’t a part of the main cast, Payson made several appearances on Gold Rush. He made his first cameo in season three, but he is perhaps most remembered when he showed up in season four to hear the last wish of his grandfather.
John Schnabel was on his deathbed at the time. He passed away in 2016, and Gold Rush made a tribute to him. It was called “Remembering John Schnabel”, and Payson was in it. This was his last recorded appearance on reality TV.
Net Worth and Earnings
Despite not being involved directly with his family’s ventures, Payson Schnabel has made quite a living for himself. His salary as a construction engineer is said to be $73,000 per year on average.
It can also be assumed that he earned a lot of money with the Big Nugget Mine. Even though he isn’t a primary cast member in Gold Rush, he is likely paid every time he appears in the hit series. His net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Personal Life
Unlike most of his other family members, Schnabel likes to keep his affairs to himself. It is not known if he is married, in a relationship, or single. It is likely that he is currently focusing on improving his career and business.
