RICK LAGINA’S Crew Just Got PAID From Oak Island

The History Channel has followed two brothers, Marty and Rick Lagina, as they attempt to uncover the truth of cursed Oak Island. Oak Island is just off the coast of Nova Scotia and is a mysterious place steeped in secrets and myths that have ties to the Knights Templar, kings, and pirates. There are also rumors that over 200 years ago, a pirate by the name of Captain Kidd left a hidden treasure there.

The need to unravel the secrets of this cursed island began when the Laginas were just boys. Now, they and the rest of their crew have been on an 11-season journey to find the elusive treasure. However, as they search high and low for these treasures, one has to wonder how much treasure they are already in possession of—and how they have been able to afford this elaborate hunt for so long.

American brothers and treasure hunters Rick and Marty Lagina started their Fellowship of the Dig in 2006 when they began their search for the Oak Island treasure. It is speculated that they took out loans and invited investors into their venture when they first got the funds to search Oak Island. Raised together in Northern Michigan, they first learned about the hidden treasure from a 1965 issue of Reader’s Digest and have clung to the dream ever since. Both brothers remain very close, even though they pursued completely different careers as adults.

Marty Lagina

Marty Lagina is the younger brother of Rick and is a much more practical man. He is more skeptical about finding anything on the island, but he’s still willing to dream and try. He studied to become an engineer and founded his own energy company, Terra Energy, which he sold for $60 million. Marty has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. He is also a member of the state bar.

He has an enduring love of science and met one of his best friends—and now co-star—Craig Tester in college. Marty is also the founder and CEO of Heritage Sustainable Energy, where Craig serves as vice president. According to Salary.com, the typical yearly salary of a CEO of a company that size is around $600,000. Marty also founded Mari Vineyard in Michigan, offering affordable wines through its website. He supplements this business with a wine club, events, tastings, and merchandise like apparel and accessories.

Though many of his other investments remain undisclosed, he is known to fund other treasure hunters. An unconfirmed report claims the brothers get paid around $100,000 per episode, and possibly more from reruns as executive producers of the show. With 25 episodes in a season, this would bring in $2.5 million annually. With 166 episodes aired since 2014, their earnings could exceed $16 million. They also do speaking engagements for a minimum of $5,000 per appearance and have published several books and merchandise on the History Channel website.

The island also hosts Salty Dog Sea Tours, a company that offers tours around the waters of Oak Island, booked months in advance—another revenue stream. Marty’s net worth could be as high as $90 to $100 million.

Craig Tester

Craig Tester, Marty’s longtime friend and business partner, helped build Terra Energy. An expert in earth scans and drilling, Craig has been instrumental in analyzing the island’s dig operations. Like Marty, he likely earned a significant amount from the sale of Terra Energy. On Beyond Oak Island, it’s revealed that Craig, Marty, and Rick invest in other treasure hunts hoping to find something of great value.

Craig is also vice president and manager of Heritage Sustainable Energy, a position estimated to earn around $250,000 a year. Additionally, he manages the Rock Management Group and holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University. His net worth is likely close to Marty’s, estimated between $80 and $90 million. Craig has appeared in 100 episodes of The Curse of Oak Island and one episode of Beyond Oak Island.

Alex Lagina

Alex Lagina, Marty’s son and Rick’s nephew, holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Michigan. He works with his father on the winery and energy company and has invested in Michigan real estate. A fan-favorite for his intelligence and strategic thinking, Alex has appeared in 95 episodes of Curse of Oak Island, 10 episodes of The Curse of Civil War Gold, and one episode of Beyond Oak Island. If he earns $100,000 per episode, his earnings could total around $11 million. Some estimates place his net worth as high as $50 million.

Jack Begley

Jack Begley, stepson of Craig Tester, is another core member of the crew. Known for his hands-on approach, Jack often works alongside Craig and metal-detecting expert Gary Drayton. Jack is also a producer on the show and has been featured in 100 episodes, suggesting a potential $10 million net worth before considering his producer earnings. However, as a supporting cast member, he likely earns less, possibly placing his net worth between $3 and $10 million. Jack owns Remote Energy Solutions and is a certified drone pilot, an occupation that can bring in over $100,000 annually.

Gary Drayton

Gary Drayton, originally from England, taught himself metal detecting and has helped the team uncover some of Oak Island’s most intriguing finds, including a lead cross believed to be linked to the Knights Templar. He has appeared in 150 episodes of the show and has also written two books. His independent finds include rare coins, a Roman perfume bottle, and an emerald-and-gold ring from the Inca civilization. Estimates of his net worth range from $1 to $3 million.

Charles Barkhouse

Charles Barkhouse is a historian and fan-favorite with 93 episode appearances. A lifelong researcher of Oak Island, Charles also works as a guide for island tours and the Oak Island Museum. According to Alex Lagina, Charles is one of the most knowledgeable experts on Oak Island’s history. He originally served as an adviser to the Lagina brothers and later became a production assistant on the show. Production managers in this field can earn significant salaries, though exact figures for Charles are unknown.