Austen Kroll Net Worth: How Reality TV and Business Ventures Add Up
If you’re searching Austen Kroll’s net worth, you’re probably trying to figure out how much money he’s actually made from Southern Charm—and whether his off-screen businesses really pay. Like many reality TV personalities, Austen’s finances aren’t public, which means there’s no single, confirmed number. What we can do is look at the most commonly cited estimates and examine the real income sources behind them, from Bravo paychecks to beer, bars, and podcasting.
Who Is Austen Kroll?
Austen Kroll is best known as a cast member on Bravo’s long-running reality series Southern Charm. Over multiple seasons, he’s become a familiar face to viewers, with storylines that often blend his personal life and professional ambitions.
Unlike some reality stars who rely solely on TV exposure, Austen has consistently positioned himself as an entrepreneur. His on-screen narrative has closely followed his attempts to build businesses—most notably in the craft beer and hospitality space—which is a big reason fans are curious about his net worth.
What Is Austen Kroll’s Net Worth?
There is no officially verified figure for Austen Kroll’s net worth. Most online estimates place him in the low millions, typically ranging from about $1 million to $4 million.
The wide range exists because these numbers are estimates based on visible projects rather than disclosed financial records. Some sources lean conservative, valuing his businesses cautiously, while others assume stronger revenue from television and brand-driven ventures. The most accurate way to think about his net worth is not as a precise number, but as a general range tied to several income streams.
Southern Charm: The Financial Foundation
For Austen, Southern Charm is the starting point. Long-running Bravo cast members are typically paid per season, with salaries increasing as they become more established and central to the show.
While Austen’s exact salary has never been publicly confirmed, consistent appearances over multiple seasons suggest a steady source of income. More importantly, the show provides exposure. Reality TV income alone may not build long-term wealth, but it creates opportunities—business launches, partnerships, and media projects—that can.
In Austen’s case, nearly every other income stream connects back to the visibility he gained on Bravo.
Trop Hop: From Storyline to Real Business
One of the most tangible contributors to Austen Kroll’s net worth is Trop Hop, a craft beer brand associated with King’s Calling Brewing Co. What started as a Southern Charm storyline eventually became a real consumer product.
Trop Hop has been marketed as a Charleston-inspired beer, aligning closely with Austen’s public image and lifestyle brand. Over time, he has discussed expanding production, introducing new beer styles, and growing beyond limited local distribution.
From a financial perspective, Trop Hop matters because it represents ownership rather than a one-time endorsement. A successful beverage brand can generate revenue through sales, licensing, and partnerships, while also increasing in overall brand value. Even if profits are modest, ownership adds real weight to net worth estimates.
By The Way: Entering the Hospitality Business
Austen expanded beyond packaged products with By The Way, a bar and restaurant venture in Charleston co-owned with fellow Southern Charm star Craig Conover and an established hospitality group.
Hospitality businesses carry more risk than influencer-style income, but they also offer higher upside. A successful bar can generate recurring revenue, strengthen a personal brand, and create opportunities for events, collaborations, and product tie-ins—especially when tied to a popular TV show.
For net worth calculations, By The Way is significant because it’s a physical asset. Unlike sponsored posts or appearance fees, a venue has ongoing operating value that can grow over time if the business succeeds.
Pillows and Beer Podcast: A Modern Revenue Stream
Another important piece of Austen’s financial picture is Pillows and Beer, the podcast he co-hosts with Craig Conover. Podcasting has become a common way for reality stars to monetize their audience through advertising, sponsorships, and live events.
What makes this podcast especially notable is that it has been treated as a business asset on Southern Charm itself. During the show, Craig famously offered Austen money to buy him out of the podcast—an on-screen moment that highlighted the podcast’s perceived value.
While podcast revenue may not rival a hit TV contract, it provides recurring income and strengthens Austen’s media presence beyond Bravo.
Social Media, Appearances, and Brand Deals
Like most reality TV personalities, Austen also benefits from social media visibility. Sponsored posts, event appearances, and brand collaborations often make up a quieter but steady income stream.
These deals are usually private and can fluctuate based on popularity, season storylines, and audience engagement. That variability is one reason net worth estimates differ so widely from site to site.
