Dave Hester Net Worth

Dave Hester net worth is estimated at $4 million, earned through decades as a professional auction hunter, reality television star, and business owner. Best known for his loud “Yuuup!” and fearless bidding style, Hester became one of the most recognizable faces on A&E’s hit series “Storage Wars.”

Early Life

Dave Hester was born on July 23, 1964, at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in Oceanside, California. Raised in a family of collectors, he learned the auction trade from his father, a military man and passionate train-collectible hoarder.

Instead of attending college, Dave chose to turn his father’s hobby into a business. By age 14, he was already buying machinery and tools at auctions and reselling them for profit. In 1992, he became a licensed auctioneer, laying the foundation for a career that would span more than 25 years.

Building a Business Empire

Before television fame, Hester had already established himself as a serious player in the resale world. He opened Newport Consignment Gallery and Rags to Riches Thrift Store, a massive showroom in Costa Mesa, California, where he sold and auctioned off rare and valuable finds.

These businesses became major income streams and helped grow Dave Hester’s net worth long before “Storage Wars” ever aired.

Storage Wars Breakthrough

Dave joined “Storage Wars” when it premiered in 2010 and quickly became one of the show’s biggest stars. His aggressive bidding tactics and signature catchphrase made him a fan favorite — and sometimes a villain.

He appeared in seasons 1–3, skipped season 4, then returned for seasons 5 through 12, becoming one of the most influential figures in the franchise as the show grew into A&E’s highest-rated program.

Dave Hester Storage Wars Salary

In 2012, Dave filed a lawsuit against A&E that revealed how much the cast was actually paid. According to court documents, top cast members earned:

$25,000 per episode with a 26-episode guarantee
Plus travel allowances, expense accounts, and signing bonuses

This pushed a single season’s earnings to over $800,000, with Dave personally earning about $829,500, making television the biggest contributor to Dave Hester net worth.

Controversies and Catchphrase Fame

Dave’s lawsuit also sparked headlines for claims that producers “salted” storage units with pre-placed valuables and paid for cosmetic enhancements to boost ratings — allegations that added to the show’s controversy.

He was temporarily fired, later returned, and remained one of the most talked-about personalities on the series. His trademarked catchphrase “Yuuup!” even led to a legal dispute with R&B star Trey Songz over merchandise rights.

Personal Life

Dave Hester is married to Donna Hester, and they share a son, Dave Hester Jr., who occasionally appeared on “Storage Wars.” Off-screen, he is known to be far more reserved than his loud television persona.

Dave Hester Net Worth

Dave Hester net worth is estimated to be $4 million.