Susan “Sue” Aikens is a well-known face from the National Geographic show Life Below Zero. Many fans want to know: what is her net worth? In this clear, friendly guide, we look at what reliable sources say, where her money may come from, and why the numbers you see online are different.
Personal Information
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Susan “Sue” Aikens |
| Date of birth | July 1, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Known for | Star of Life Below Zero (National Geographic) since 2013 |
| Home base | Kavik River Camp, northern Alaska, near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge |
| Work | TV personality, camp owner, producer/photographer |
What sources say about her net worth
There is no official, audited number for Susan Aikens’ net worth. Entertainment and lifestyle sites give estimates, not exact figures. Many of these place her around $500,000.
Because these are not primary financial records, we should use careful wording: most public estimates cluster near $500,000, but real net worth can be higher or lower.
Why the numbers differ online
It helps to know why online figures do not match:
- Private finances
Susan Aikens is a private person. She does not publish her bank statements. Websites build estimates from public clues and industry guesses. - Changing income
TV seasons can pause or end, which changes earnings. Life Below Zero has run for many years and has won multiple Emmys, which likely helped visibility and pay over time. - High costs in the Arctic
Living and working at Kavik River Camp is very costly. Fuel, food, flights, and gear in the far north are expensive, which affects how much money someone can save. The camp is remote and supports logistics for Arctic trips.
Where Susan Aikens’ money likely comes from
1) Television work
Her main public role is on Life Below Zero, which follows people living in remote Alaska. She has been a key cast member since 2013. The series is respected in TV craft circles and has won many Creative Arts Emmys for cinematography and editing. This long run likely provided steady income.
She also appeared on other shows, such as Flying Wild Alaska, and received a producer credit on Panama (2022). These credits add to her professional profile.
2) Kavik River Camp
Susan owns and runs Kavik River Camp, a unique camp a few miles from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The camp offers logistics and support for visitors and crews in the high Arctic. Income from guests and services likely forms another revenue stream.
3) Public speaking, photos, and brand work
Her large fan base and social media following help her book talks, share wildlife photos, and do collaborations. This type of income is hard to size, and it can change each year.
Big costs that can reduce net worth
People often forget that net worth = assets minus debts. Life in the Arctic brings big expenses:
- Transport and fuel: Most supplies must fly in. That costs a lot.
- Maintenance and safety: A remote camp needs constant repair and special gear to handle storms, bears, and extreme cold.
- Staff and logistics: When crews or guests come, staff and planning add more cost.
These costs are part of the reason a public figure can be well known yet still have a modest net worth.
A careful estimate (what we can say with confidence)
Putting the best sources together:
- Most public estimates today place Susan Aikens’ net worth around $500,000.
- Some outlets repeat a rough per-episode figure (about $4,500). These numbers are not confirmed by the network, so take them as guides, not facts.
- The long run of Life Below Zero and the camp likely provide the main income. The show’s continued awards show a strong production, which can support stable work, but awards do not tell us exact salaries.
In short: It is reasonable to say her net worth is in the low six figures, often cited near $500,000. Exact numbers are private.
About Life Below Zero and why it matters
Life Below Zero began in 2013 and follows several people who live in very cold, remote parts of Alaska. The series has earned many Emmy wins and nominations for cinematography and editing, showing the high quality of the crew’s work over many seasons. This success likely helped keep the show on air for a long time and supported cast income.
The place she calls home: Kavik River Camp
Kavik River Camp sits in far northern Alaska, close to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a rare and rugged place, used for research, filming, and adventure trips. Susan Aikens has lived there for more than 20 years and keeps emergency services going year-round. Running such a camp is both a lifestyle and a business, and it plays a big role in her finances.
Key takeaways
- Public estimate: About $500,000 net worth (not official).
- Main income: TV work on Life Below Zero, plus Kavik River Camp and other projects.
- High costs: Remote Arctic life is expensive, which affects savings.
- Privacy: Exact earnings and assets are not public, so treat all numbers as estimates.
Final word
Susan Aikens has built a life that is brave, unusual, and inspiring. She turned a remote Arctic camp and a tough lifestyle into a career that fans follow around the world. While most sources estimate her net worth near $500,000, the exact figure is private. What we can say for sure is that her income likely comes from long-running TV work and her camp business, balanced by the very high costs of living and working in the far north.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1) What is Susan Aikens’ net worth?
Most public estimates say about $500,000. This is not an official figure, but it is repeated by many outlets.
2) How does she make money?
Mainly from Life Below Zero and Kavik River Camp. Other work, like speaking and photography, may also help.
3) How much does she earn per episode?
Some sites claim around $4,500 per episode. These are unconfirmed estimates.
4) Where does she live?
At Kavik River Camp in northern Alaska, near the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
5) Is Kavik River Camp open to visitors?
Yes, it offers logistics and support for Arctic trips; details are on the camp’s site.
6) When was she born?
July 1, 1963.
7) What is Life Below Zero?
A National Geographic series about people living in remote Alaska. It has won several Emmy awards for cinematography and editing.
8) Has she worked on other shows?
Yes. She appeared on Flying Wild Alaska and has other credits, including a producer credit on Panama (2022).
9) Does living in the Arctic change her finances?
Yes. Fuel, food, and transport are costly in such a remote place, which can reduce how much money is left after expenses.
10) Why do different websites give different net worth numbers?
Because real financial records are private. Sites use estimates and industry guesses, so the numbers vary.
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