Robert Irwin has significantly increased his net worth after triumphing in the American version of Dancing With The Stars alongside his dance partner Witney Carson. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist captured the hearts of audiences, ultimately receiving the highest number of viewer votes, despite not scoring the top marks from the judges during the finale.
Before his participation in the popular reality television show, Irwin had a commendable net worth estimated at US$5 million (approximately AUD$7.7 million). His busy year in 2025 included starring in a campaign for Bonds underwear and securing a role in Disney’s upcoming film Zootopia 2. Additionally, he is set to appear in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! starting next month. Now, with the coveted Mirrorball Trophy in hand, Irwin is expected to see a notable financial boost.
Financial Gains from Dancing With The Stars
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Irwin earned upwards of AUD$606,000 from his time on Dancing With The Stars. While the exact salary for his participation has not been publicly disclosed, industry estimates provide insight into potential earnings. A report from Variety in 2019 indicated that each celebrity contestant receives an initial base salary of around US$125,000 (approximately AUD$188,000) for the rehearsal period and the first two weeks of competition.
As contestants progress, they can earn additional bonuses, with reports suggesting Irwin’s total earnings could range between US$295,000 (around AUD$447,000) and US$400,000 (roughly AUD$606,000) by reaching the finale. This financial incentive likely influenced Irwin’s decision to participate in the American version of the show, especially when compared to Australian contestants, who reportedly received between AUD$27,000 and AUD$100,000 for the entire season.
Legacy and Family Financials
Although Irwin has amassed a considerable fortune, his financial history is tied closely to the legacy of his late father, Steve Irwin. Despite Steve Irwin’s reported net worth of US$10 million (approximately AUD$15.5 million) at the time of his death in 2006, Terri Irwin disclosed that the family received only around AUD$200,000 from his life insurance policy. In an interview with the Australian Financial Review in July 2024, she stated that the funds were reinvested into Australia Zoo, emphasizing the family’s commitment to conservation efforts.
Terri Irwin explained, “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 also noted that Steve had established a comprehensive 10-year business plan for the zoo, ensuring that the organization remained financially stable after his passing.
As Robert Irwin continues to build his career in the entertainment industry, his recent win on Dancing With The Stars not only enhances his financial standing but also reinforces his family’s enduring legacy in wildlife conservation and public engagement.
