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.

Born on January 26, 1982, in Crowley, Texas, Aaron Kaufman is currently 42 years old (as of 2025). He was raised by his parents David Gerald Kaufman and Lisa Hestilow Stewart, and has a younger brother named Jared Brett Kaufman.

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

Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (175 cm) tall and weighing approximately 143 lbs (65 kg), Aaron’s physical stature is modest, but his talent and reputation in the automotive world are anything but.

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
• Merchandise sales (apparel, tools, and collectibles)
• YouTube channel revenue and social media monetization

His net worth continues to grow due to new business expansions and ongoing re-runs of his TV shows around the world.

Net Worth Comparison: Aaron vs Richard Rawlings

Person	Estimated Net Worth	Primary Source
Aaron Kaufman	$8-12 million	Fabrication, TV, Arclight Fab
Richard Rawlings	$15-20 million	Gas Monkey Garage, TV, Restaurants

While Richard Rawlings’ net worth is higher due to his ownership of Gas Monkey Garage and multiple business ventures (Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill, Gas Monkey Live), Aaron’s wealth is entirely self-made through his skills as a master fabricator and entrepreneur.

How Did Aaron Kaufman Make His Money?

Early Career and Background

Childhood Passion for Mechanics: Aaron grew up on a farm in Crowley, Texas, where he learned to drive at a young age in a 1968 short-bed baby blue Ford F100 with white bumpers. As a child, he loved to tinker with things, taking apart his toys and trying to put them back together. He spent hours in his father’s workshop, learning the basics of mechanics and engineering.

Initial Career Plans: Interestingly, Aaron initially wanted to be a park ranger so that he could travel. However, his passion for mechanics proved stronger, and his first job after high school was setting up a shop with his longtime high school friend.

Early Work Experience: Aaron later began working as a mechanic at Hot Rod Garage in Dallas. He quickly climbed through the ranks and became their best mechanic, demonstrating the exceptional skills that would eventually catch Richard Rawlings’ attention.

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.

Notable Gas Monkey Builds Aaron Led:

• 1966 VW Short Bus: Taking an iconic 1966 Microbus that had already been sawed in half and welded back together minus the middle section, the GMG team resurrected it with a clean paint job, new wheels, and a new engine
• 1963 Ford Falcon Racing Car: One of Aaron’s most famous personal projects, built during season four of Fast N’ Loud
• Countless hot rods, race cars, and show cars under extreme deadlines

2. Shifting Gears & Aaron Needs a Job

After leaving GMG, Aaron launched his own shows:

After leaving GMG, Aaron launched his own shows:

Shifting Gears With Aaron Kaufman (2018-2019)

• Focused on extreme builds, including race trucks, jeeps, and high-performance vehicles
• Filmed at his Arclight Fabrication shop
• Season 1 featured Aaron building a semi-race truck with help from father-and-son duo Bob and Justin Ball, culminating in a race at Pike’s Peak International Raceway
• Season 2 followed Aaron building a rally car from scratch (Subaru Impreza) for the Olympus Rally
• The last three episodes of season two followed Aaron as he prepared for The Race of Gentlemen, a vintage beach drag race, painstakingly fixing his trusty Model A Dragster and Harley WLA
• Season 2 ended with Aaron experiencing a serious accident and injury during The Race of Gentlemen, which overshadowed the event
• The show wasn’t renewed for a third season, perhaps due to its pessimistic undertones where everything that could go wrong did

Aaron Needs a Job (2019)

• A travel-style show where he worked in various mechanical industries
• From piloting an F-16 fighter jet to exploring scrapyards and learning how to shred old vehicles
• The first episode was full of promise and left viewers eager for more
• “Aaron Kaufman Needs A Job” was somewhat more successful than “Shifting Gears” thanks to its creativity and varied content
• However, a second season never materialized

Earnings:

• Combined, these shows earned him six-figure contracts
• Aaron reportedly earned $50,000 per episode as the protagonist, or approximately $300,000 total for two seasons of Shifting Gears
• Expanded his global fan base significantly

3. Arclight Fabrication (His Own Company)

Aaron founded Arclight Fabrication shortly after leaving “Fast N’ Loud” in 2017, giving him the opportunity to build cars that he was passionate about, instead of merely following orders from the show’s production team.

The Vision Behind Arclight: From the start, Kaufman made it very clear what types of projects his shop would specialize in. As he stated, he wanted to focus on bigger projects that take more time to build but will be one-of-a-kind. With that vision in mind, Arclight Fab focuses mainly on vintage Ford F-series trucks (1957-1979 Ford F-100s).

Aaron specializes in:

• Custom Ford F-100 parts and conversions
• Aftermarket performance components
• Fabrication tools and accessories
• Hard-to-find restoration parts
• Custom truck wheels

Location Changes: The shop has moved premises over the years but remains operational. Initially based in Dallas, Texas, the shop later moved to a new location in Grand Prairie, Texas. Aaron took to the company’s Facebook page in July 2019 with a video addressing rumors: “We’ve been inundated with messages asking if the shop has closed down, and the answer is… we’re still alive and kicking!” The original shop and showroom did close, but only because Aaron and his team had moved to a better location.

This business is a major revenue stream, selling nationally and internationally.

Providing impeccable customer service, Aaron and his hardworking team at Arclight work with clients from around the world who share his passion for vintage Ford trucks.

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
• The Fun Hundred Run – An annual event Aaron hosts in Texas for Ford F1 and F-100 owners, where participants cruise hundreds of miles of Texas’ best backroads and campgrounds

He reportedly earns $10,000 to $20,000 per event, depending on location and scope.

Aaron is also actively involved in the racing scene, particularly the Pikes Peak hill climb and vintage beach drag racing events like The Race of Gentlemen.

5. Merchandise & Licensing

His brand identity is strong, and his merchandise sales include:

• Apparel
• Tools
• Signed collectibles
• Automotive accessories
• Arclight Fab branded gear available through the company website
• Stickers and decals popular among Ford F-100 enthusiasts

6. Social Media and Online Presence

Aaron maintains an active online presence that generates additional revenue:

• Instagram: Over 856,000 followers (@thearclight) where he shares “Hot rods & choppers”
• YouTube: Gas Monkey Garage channel (which he was part of) has 1.62 million subscribers
• Social Media Monetization: Brand partnerships, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing

His strong social media following helps drive traffic to Arclight Fabrication and keeps his fanbase engaged with his latest projects.

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
• Working on a new project centered on America’s famous road, Route 66 (according to fan comments)
• Announced at the 2024 SEMA Awards that he’s teaming up with Noel Guglielmi (Hector from Fast and Furious) for a new show about American Kustom Cars and Culture

He remains active in the custom car world but prefers smaller, highly technical projects.

As of mid-2025, Aaron is operating Arclight Fab from its Grand Prairie, Texas location, continuing to build custom F-100s and provide parts for Ford truck enthusiasts worldwide. The shop remains “alive and kicking,” true to Aaron’s word.

Why Did Aaron Kaufman Leave Gas Monkey Garage?

Aaron and Richard Rawlings worked closely for over 13 years, but creative tension grew over time. The reasons for his departure were multifaceted:

Creative Differences: Kaufman preferred complex, detailed builds that showcased engineering excellence, while the show focused on fast turnaround for entertainment value and tight deadlines.

Six-Week Pressure: Kaufman became fed up with the unbelievable six-week deadlines that forced the team to build so much in such little time. This constant pressure left no room for the meticulous craftsmanship Aaron valued.

Loss of Passion: During the final episodes of Fast N’ Loud, Kaufman had spoken to Rawlings about leaving the Gas Monkey Garage permanently. He felt that the Garage had been losing its focus on quality builds.

Desire for Independence: As Aaron stated on the show in an emotional scene in spring 2017: “I had some time off and I think I have some other cats I want to scan, some other things I want to get into. To quote Stevie Nicks, I think I have to go my own way.” He later added: “My vacation from Gas Monkey is going to be a permanent one. I need to make a permanent split, it’s time for me to go.”

He left in 2017 to gain creative freedom and pursue passion-driven projects at his own pace.

Around the time he decided to leave Fast N’ Loud, Aaron opened up to Fansided about the real reason behind his decision, emphasizing his need for creative control and the ability to work on builds that truly interested him rather than what television producers wanted.

Despite rumors, Aaron has stated multiple times that he and Richard Rawlings are still on good terms. Richard Rawlings addressed Aaron’s departure in a December 2016 blog post, stating: “Please note that it would be an insult to everyone here at Gas Monkey… to say that we can’t do it without him [Aaron].” While this may have seemed defensive, both men have maintained that there’s no personal animosity between them.

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.

Relationship Timeline:

• 2013: Aaron and Lauren began dating
• 2014: The couple appeared together on an episode of Fast N’ Loud titled “Quick N’ Loud”
• 2013-Present: They have been together for approximately 11-12 years as of 2025

About Lauren Moore Knob:

• She is a personal assistant and producer who has worked on various projects
• Lauren is very supportive of Aaron’s career and often praises him for his work ethic and creativity
• She helps him with his business and accompanies him to car events and shows
• Lauren describes herself as a “dog mom to two velvet beans” and her Instagram tagline reads “Give me all the pit bulls”
• She uses her Instagram bio link to promote The Love Pit, a rescue and rehab organization for pit bulls

Their Life Together:

• Aaron and Lauren live together in Texas
• They share two dogs: Lola and Bastian (some sources mention Lizzie as well), who are their pride and joy
• They love to travel together and often share their adventures on social media
• They have visited places like New Zealand, Iceland, Mexico, and Hawaii
• The couple frequently appears on each other’s social media pages

No Children: Aaron Kaufman and Lauren Moore Knob do not have any kids yet. They only have their two furry kids, Lola and Bastian, who are like their children. Aaron has not expressed any desire to have kids in the near future. He seems to be focused on his career and his passion for cars. He once said that he works 80 hours a week and barely has time for anything else. Lauren also seems to be busy with her own projects and career.

Privacy: Despite being together for over a decade, Aaron Kaufman and Lauren Moore Knob are not married yet. They seem to be happy with their live-in relationship and have not announced any plans to tie the knot. The couple prioritizes their privacy and deliberately keeps their relationship relatively private, recognizing the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy in their lives.

Previous Relationship: Before Kaufman started his relationship with Lauren, he previously had an affair with his ex-girlfriend named Lindsay J. His positive charming looks and attitude won the heart of Lindsay, and they enjoyed their relationship for almost three and a half years. However, no one knows the reason behind their breakup.

They maintain a relatively private personal life, focusing on their shared love of dogs, travel, and the automotive world.

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
• His favorite car model is the Cobra AC

One of his most famous personal projects is his Ford Falcon race car, built for Pikes Peak and other events.

Other Notable Personal Projects:

• Model A Dragster: Featured in season 2 of Shifting Gears, prepared for The Race of Gentlemen
• Harley WLA Motorcycle: Also prepared for The Race of Gentlemen vintage beach drag race
• Semi-Race Truck: Built with Bob and Justin Ball for Pike’s Peak International Raceway
• Subaru Impreza Rally Car: Built from scratch for the Olympus Rally

His Signature Style: Aaron’s builds are characterized by:

• Clean aesthetics and precision fabrication
• Engineering-focused approach prioritizing performance
• Attention to detail that many rushed TV builds lack
• Innovative solutions to complex mechanical problems

Aaron Kaufman’s Personality and Work Ethic

The Bearded Wonder: Aaron’s beard became such a signature part of his identity that when he considered shaving it during Fast N’ Loud, his partners at Gas Monkey told him he could not do it—it was part of his brand.

Work Ethic: Aaron is known for working 80 hours a week, fully dedicating himself to his craft. As he stated: “While this may sound wild or dramatic, very early on in my career as an auto customizer I made a decision that this wasn’t a job this was my craft – a way of life. From that day on, I strived to be better every day learn something new that increased my ability to build cars.”

Philosophy on Learning: “From working in smaller shops to building cars for friends in the driveway, I was on a mission to learn as much as possible to expose myself to as many situations as I could in a bit of trial by fire sort of education.”

Calm Under Pressure: Unlike the high-energy, sometimes confrontational style of Richard Rawlings, Aaron is known for his calm, methodical approach to problem-solving. This temperament made him a fan favorite and the perfect counterbalance to Rawlings’ personality.

Gas Monkey Garage: Understanding the Business

Since Aaron’s wealth is tied to his time at Gas Monkey Garage, it’s worth understanding the broader business:

Gas Monkey Garage Net Worth: The garage itself, as a business entity, has generated millions in revenue through:

• Custom car builds and restorations
• Fast N’ Loud TV show earnings
• Merchandise sales (clothing, accessories, collectibles)
• Licensing deals
• YouTube channel (1.62 million subscribers, approximately $334K net worth from YouTube alone)

Gas Monkey Employee Salary: While exact salaries aren’t publicly disclosed, skilled fabricators and mechanics at top custom shops like Gas Monkey typically earn:

• Entry-level mechanics: $35,000-$50,000/year
• Experienced fabricators: $50,000-$75,000/year
• Master mechanics (like Aaron): $75,000-$150,000/year base salary, plus TV appearance fees and bonuses

Richard Rawlings Net Worth: As of 2025, Richard Rawlings’ net worth is estimated between $15-20 million (some sources cite $18 million). This is higher than Aaron’s because Richard:

• Owns Gas Monkey Garage outright
• Owns Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill restaurant locations
• Owned Gas Monkey Live music venue (closed in 2020)
• Has Gas Monkey Energy drink licensing deals
• Receives higher TV appearance fees as the show’s star and owner

FAQs About Aaron Kaufman

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.

What sets Aaron apart from many reality TV stars is his authenticity and dedication to his craft. He didn’t chase fame for fame’s sake, he pursued excellence in fabrication and let the recognition follow naturally. His decision to leave the security of Gas Monkey Garage and the guaranteed income from Fast N’ Loud to start Arclight Fabrication demonstrates courage and commitment to his artistic vision.

At 42 years old, with over two decades of fabrication experience, Aaron Kaufman represents the best of American craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. His journey from a small Texas farm to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in custom car building proves that passion, combined with skill and relentless work ethic, can build both wealth and lasting legacy.

As Aaron himself stated: “This wasn’t a job this was my craft – a way of life.” That philosophy continues to drive him today, ensuring that whether through Arclight Fabrication, new television projects, or racing adventures, Aaron Kaufman will remain a force in the automotive world for years to come.