Bob Ross Net Worth & Earnings

Updated April 1, 2024

Bob Ross, born Robert Norman Ross on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, was an American painter, art instructor, and television host. He gained fame through his PBS television series "The Joy of Painting," which aired from 1983 to 1994. Ross captivated audiences with his calm demeanor, wet-on-wet oil painting technique, and catchphrases like "happy little trees."

Before his rise to fame, Ross had a humble background. His mother, Ollie, worked as a waitress, while his father, Jack, was a carpenter. Growing up in Orlando, Ross developed a love for animals and often cared for injured creatures. He quit school in ninth grade to work with his father as a carpenter, but a "freak saw accident" resulted in the loss of part of his left index finger.

In 1961, Ross enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a medical records technician. During his time in the military, he discovered the wet-on-wet painting technique and honed his skills during breaks. After leaving the Air Force in 1981, Ross vowed to no longer raise his voice, a promise he kept throughout his career.

While working as a bartender, Ross stumbled upon German painter Bill Alexander's television show, "The Magic of Oil Painting." Inspired by the wet-on-wet style, Ross began painting Alaskan landscapes on gold-mining pans, eventually earning more from his art than his Air Force career. He studied with Alexander and later co-founded Bob Ross Inc. with his wife, Jane, and business partners, Walt and Anne Kowalski.

"The Joy of Painting" premiered in 1983 and aired 403 episodes over 31 seasons. Ross's soothing voice and step-by-step instructions made him a beloved figure in the art world. He created an estimated 30,000 paintings before his untimely death from lymphoma in July 1995 at the age of 52.

While Ross's legacy lives on through his paintings and television series, his intellectual property is controlled by Bob Ross Inc. The company licenses his image for various products, and his original paintings have fetched prices as high as $10,000.

In the 21st century, Ross's popularity soared on YouTube, where fans continue to enjoy his tutorials and soothing presence. His impact on the art world and his ability to inspire others to pick up a paintbrush is immeasurable.

Despite the success of Bob Ross Inc., the company's ownership has been marred by legal battles. Ross's son, Steve, has alleged that the Kowalski family, his father's former business partners, robbed him of his father's legacy. The dispute serves as a cautionary tale for business owners on the importance of proper business succession planning.

Advanced business succession planning, such as the creation of a family limited partnership (FLP) or a family limited liability company (FLLC), can help protect a business's assets and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership. Unfortunately, the lack of such planning has led to ongoing conflicts within Bob Ross Inc.

Bob Ross's impact on the art world and his ability to bring joy to 5.69 million viewers is undeniable. His legacy lives on through his paintings, television series, and the countless artists he continues to inspire. As we remember the joyful painter, let us also learn from the challenges faced by his estate and strive to protect our own legacies through proper planning.

Bob Ross is a popular Entertainment channel on YouTube. It has attracted 5.69 million subscribers. It was founded in 2011 and is located in the United States.

So, you may be asking: What is Bob Ross's net worth? And how much does Bob Ross earn? No one has a close understanding of Bob Ross's actual income, but people have made some predictions.

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Bob Ross net worth
Bob Ross earnings

What is Bob Ross's net worth?

Bob Ross has an estimated net worth of about $1.17 million.

NetWorthSpot.com's data predicts Bob Ross's net worth to be near $1.17 million. While Bob Ross's exact net worth is unknown. Net Worth Spot's point of view thinks Bob Ross's net worth at $1.17 million, that said, Bob Ross's real net worth is still being verified.

The $1.17 million prediction is only based on YouTube advertising revenue. In reality, Bob Ross's net worth may actually be far higher. Considering these additional revenue sources, Bob Ross could be worth closer to $1.64 million.

Bob Ross, the beloved American painter, art instructor, and television host, had a net worth of $1.17 million at the time of his death in 1995. However, his true financial value extended far beyond that. The rights to his name, likeness, and collection of artwork proved to be worth millions of dollars. While his estate has faced bitter disputes in recent years, there are several additional revenue sources that contributed to Bob Ross's success and legacy.

1. "The Joy of Painting" Merchandise

During the peak of his career, Bob Ross created and hosted the PBS television series "The Joy of Painting." Although he appeared on the show essentially for free, he used the platform to promote his book and painting kits. In his lifetime, he sold an impressive $15-20 million worth of books, video tapes, and art kits. This merchandise allowed fans to recreate Bob Ross's signature wet-on-wet oil painting technique and capture the joy he brought to the canvas.

2. Licensing and Intellectual Property

Bob Ross's intellectual property is controlled through the holding company Bob Ross Inc. This company has licensed his image for use on various products, including t-shirts, Chia Pets, costumes, underwear, soap, puzzles, and coloring books. The market for his original paintings is also robust, with some pieces selling for as much as $10,000. By carefully managing his brand and licensing his likeness, Bob Ross's legacy continues to thrive.

3. Painting Classes and Workshops

Even after his passing, Bob Ross's influence lives on through the Bob Ross Workshop and Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. This establishment offers classes on his famous wet-on-wet painting technique, allowing fans to become Certified Ross Instructors. Additionally, Bob Ross Inc. organizes painting classes in cities across the United States, with over 1500 Bob Ross Teachers holding local workshops every day. Notable Certified Ross Instructor, actor David Arquette, is just one example of the impact Bob Ross has had on aspiring artists.

Bob Ross's additional revenue sources beyond YouTube demonstrate the lasting impact of his artistic talent and gentle spirit. Through merchandise sales, licensing and intellectual property, and painting classes, his legacy continues to inspire and bring joy to countless individuals around the world.

How much does Bob Ross earn?

Bob Ross earns an estimated $292.35 thousand a year.

You may be questioning: How much does Bob Ross earn?

On average, Bob Ross's YouTube channel receives 4.87 million views a month, and around 162.42 thousand views a day.

If a channel is monetized through ads, it earns money for every thousand video views. On average, YouTube channels earn between $3 to $7 for every one thousand video views. Using these estimates, we can estimate that Bob Ross earns $19.49 thousand a month, reaching $292.35 thousand a year.

Our estimate may be low though. On the higher end, Bob Ross might make over $526.23 thousand a year.

Bob Ross likely has additional revenue sources. Additional revenue sources like sponsorships, affiliate commissions, product sales and speaking gigs may generate much more revenue than ads.