Aaron Kaufman is one of the most respected custom car builders in the United States, and one of the most recognizable faces from Fast N’ Loud. Known for his unmatched fabrication skills, engineering mind, and calm on-screen presence, Kaufman has built a reputation far beyond Gas Monkey Garage.
In 2025, Aaron Kaufman’s net worth is estimated at $8 million – $12 million, driven by television appearances, business ventures, mechanical projects, and his own automotive brand.
Below is a complete breakdown of how he built his wealth, what he’s doing now, and how much he truly earns.
Who Is Aaron Kaufman?
Aaron Kaufman is an American fabricator, mechanic, entrepreneur, and television personality. He rose to fame as the master mechanic and lead fabricator on Discovery’s Fast N’ Loud, working alongside Richard Rawlings at Gas Monkey Garage.
Over time, he became one of the most recognizable faces on the show, known for:
- His engineering-focused approach
- High-performance custom builds
- Clean aesthetics and precision fabrication
- Strong leadership inside the shop
After leaving Gas Monkey Garage, he built his own automotive identity focused on speed, innovation, and creative freedom.
Aaron Kaufman Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Aaron Kaufman’s net worth ranges between $8 million and $12 million.
His wealth comes from a combination of:
- Gas Monkey Garage salary
- TV earnings
- His own business (Arclight Fabrication)
- Car builds & restoration projects
- Brand partnerships
- Appearances & guest events
His net worth continues to grow due to new business expansions and ongoing re-runs of his TV shows around the world.
How Did Aaron Kaufman Make His Money?
1. Gas Monkey Garage & Fast N’ Loud
Aaron spent nearly a decade working as the master mechanic and lead fabricator for Gas Monkey Garage.
As the backbone of most major builds, he became a fan favorite.
Earnings:
- Reports estimate he earned $50,000–$75,000 per episode at his peak.
- Salary + bonuses from major builds added significantly to his income.
His partnership with Richard Rawlings helped propel Gas Monkey Garage into a multi-million-dollar brand.
2. Shifting Gears & Aaron Needs a Job
After leaving GMG, Aaron launched his own shows:
Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman (2018)
Focused on extreme builds, including race trucks, jeeps, and high-performance vehicles.
Aaron Needs a Job (2019)
A travel-style show where he worked in various mechanical industries.
Earnings:
Combined, these shows earned him six-figure contracts and expanded his global fan base.
3. Arclight Fabrication (His Own Company)
Aaron founded Arclight Fabrication, specializing in:
- Custom Ford F-100 parts
- Aftermarket performance components
- Fabrication tools and accessories
This business is a major revenue stream, selling nationally and internationally.
4. Custom Builds, Tours & Appearances
Aaron is still deeply involved in:
- Specialty race builds
- Fabrication consulting
- Auto events
- Speaking gigs
- Brand deals with automotive companies
He reportedly earns $10,000 to $20,000 per event, depending on location and scope.
5. Merchandise & Licensing
His brand identity is strong, and his merchandise sales include:
- Apparel
- Tools
- Signed collectibles
- Automotive accessories
What Is Aaron Kaufman Doing Now (2025)?
As of 2025, Aaron Kaufman is focused on:
- Expanding Arclight Fabrication
- Custom racing projects, especially Ford-based builds
- Private fabrication consulting
- Occasional TV appearances and automotive events
- Growing his social media automotive community
He remains active in the custom car world but prefers smaller, highly technical projects.
Why Did Aaron Kaufman Leave Gas Monkey Garage?
Aaron and Richard Rawlings worked closely, but creative tension grew. Kaufman preferred complex, detailed builds, while the show focused on fast turnaround for entertainment.
He left to gain creative freedom and pursue passion-driven projects.
Despite rumors, Aaron has stated multiple times that he and Richard Rawlings are still on good terms.
Does Aaron Kaufman Have a Wife?
Aaron Kaufman is not married, but he has been in a long-term relationship with Lauren Moore for several years. They maintain a relatively private personal life.
Aaron Kaufman Cars & Favorite Builds
Throughout his career, he’s built or restored:
- Ford F-100 trucks
- Off-road racers
- Classic hot rods
- Competition vehicles
- High-performance street builds
One of his most famous personal projects is his Ford Falcon race car, built for Pikes Peak and other events.
FAQs About Aaron Kaufman
Through Gas Monkey Garage, TV shows, Arclight Fabrication, racing projects, and event appearances.
Yes, while they took different career paths, Kaufman has said they remain on good terms.
Estimates range from $50K to $75K per episode during his peak years.
Gas Monkey has earned millions annually from builds, TV rights, merchandise, restaurants, and sponsorships.
Running Arclight Fabrication, racing, consulting, and working on passion projects.
No, he is alive and active in the automotive world. Online rumors about his death are false.
Not married but in a long-term relationship.
Final Thoughts
Aaron Kaufman has built a remarkable career through talent, hard work, and a deep passion for custom vehicles. His net worth of $8M–$12M reflects not just TV fame but a strong entrepreneurial mindset, a growing fabrication business, and a respected name in the automotive industry.
He remains one of the most influential mechanics and builders of his generation, and continues to shape the custom car world in 2025.



