Dave Turin, widely recognized as “Dozer Dave,” has carved a niche for himself in the competitive realm of reality television and gold mining. With a career spanning engineering, quarry management, and the Discovery Channel’s hit series Gold Rush, Dave Turin net worth is a reflection of his unwavering dedication and expertise. This article dives deep into the life and career of the resourceful Turin, unraveling how he built his $2 million fortune.
Early Life and Family Background
Born on April 21, 1959, in Sandy, Oregon, Dave Turin grew up in a close-knit family that valued hard work and resilience. His father, Jim Turin, was the owner of Mt. Hood Rock, a successful family-run quarry business in Oregon, and acted as a significant influence in Dave’s early life. Turin inherited a profound appreciation for the outdoors, spending his childhood fishing, hunting, and exploring nature alongside his four siblings.
Turin’s love for sports was evident early on. A skilled high school football player, he earned recognition for his prowess on the field, which led to a stint playing college football during his time at Portland State University. However, a passion for engineering ultimately determined his career pathway—he traded the football field for a degree in civil engineering.
Education and Career Foundations
After graduating from college, Turin joined his family’s quarry business. Applying his civil engineering expertise, he contributed significantly to growing the business’s reputation for delivering high-quality construction materials across Oregon. Dave’s leadership and innovative approach ensured that Mt. Hood Rock became a robust, enduring enterprise.
Career Journey and Gold Rush Breakthrough
Transition to Mining
Dave Turin’s life took an unexpected turn when his friend Todd Hoffman invited him to consult on the Porcupine Creek gold mining claim during the first season of Gold Rush. Initially hesitant, Turin found himself captivated by the adrenaline and challenges of gold prospecting. By the second season, his indispensable skills and problem-solving abilities earned him a permanent spot on the Gold Rush crew.
His transition from the quarry to mining was seamless. Armed with practical engineering knowledge and expertise with heavy machinery, Turin quickly became a critical member of the Hoffman crew. His meticulous planning and execution turned several mining challenges into profitable ventures.
Spotlight on “Gold Rush” and Spin-Off Shows
Gold Rush was the stepping stone that catapulted Turin into the limelight. He remained a vital part of the series until its seventh season. After parting ways with the Hoffman crew, his independent venture, Gold Rush: Dave Turin’s Lost Mine, premiered in 2019. This spin-off series showcased Turin’s efforts to breathe new life into abandoned mines across the United States.
His latest venture, America’s Backyard Gold, debuted in 2024. Unlike the high-stakes drama of Gold Rush, the show presents a refreshing narrative of helping ordinary individuals discover gold resources in their own environments. Through these series, Turin established himself not only as a gold miner but also as a television personality with an unparalleled work ethic.
Dave Turin Net Worth Overview
Dave Turin net worth is approximately $2 million as of 2025. His wealth stems primarily from his television career and decades of success in mining and quarrying. Despite attaining financial stability, Turin remains grounded, focusing on family, mentoring, and new mining opportunities.
Financial Highlights Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Primary Income Sources | Mining, Reality TV |
| Major Projects | Gold Rush, Dave Turin’s Lost Mine |
| Television Salary | $50,000–$75,000 per episode (estimated) |
| Assets | Real estate in Oregon and Idaho |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Family plays an integral role in Turin’s life. Married to Shelly Turin, the couple shares three children. Their enduring partnership reflects the core values that Turin publicly espouses—hard work, mutual respect, and humility.
When Turin is not mining or filming, he devotes time to community service and mentoring the younger generation. His commitment to promoting trades as viable career paths is particularly noteworthy. Turin regularly highlights the importance of addressing industry labor shortages by encouraging youth to explore professions in engineering, mining, and quarrying.
Challenges and Triumphs
Dave Turin has faced his share of personal and professional challenges. From technical setbacks during mining expeditions to navigating the unpredictable terrain of reality television, Turin’s ability to persevere sets him apart. His departure from Gold Rush at the height of its popularity symbolized a pivotal moment, as he ventured into his own spinoff series with renewed autonomy and ambition.
Balancing a high-octane career with family responsibilities has also been a challenge. Turin recently adapted his living arrangements to care for his aging mother, further emphasizing the strength of his family connection.
Notable Achievements and Legacy
Throughout his career, Turin has accomplished significant milestones:
- Quarry Success – Spearheaded operations at Mt. Hood Rock for 25 years, establishing it as a reputable business in the construction industry.
- Reality TV Star – Became a staple figure on Gold Rush and its spin-offs, earning a dedicated fan following.
- Gold Mining Expertise – Turin’s calculated methods and innovative engineering solutions have paved the way for successful mining expeditions.
Turin’s legacy extends beyond his professional achievements. His mentorship, media appearances, and community-focused projects inspire individuals across the globe to believe in the power of resilience and hard work.
Future Plans
At 65, Dave Turin shows no signs of slowing down. With the positive reception of America’s Backyard Gold, his commitment to transforming the mining industry continues. Plans for future shows and collaborations are in the works, reinforcing Turin’s role as a visionary in the gold mining space.
Closing Thoughts
Dave Turin’s rise from quarry manager to reality television fame is a story of diligence, expertise, and perseverance. Whether through his on-screen projects or off-the-camera mentorship, Turin’s contributions to mining and the trades industry exemplify a life centered on purpose and passion. Dave Turin net worth may quantify his achievements, but his impact on countless lives is his truest treasure.
