Crikey! Robert Irwin’s staggering pay packet revealed for his appearance on US Dancing With The Stars

Robert Irwin is one of the biggest names in Australia.

And it appears the beloved wildlife warrior commands a hefty price when it comes to TV appearances, including his stint on the US version of Dancing With The Stars.

Robert reportedly earns a base salary of US$125,000, or $A188,000, for his first two weeks on the show, which Variety has previously confirmed for contestants.

However, other media outlets report the figure could potentially reach a total of between $US295,000 (A$447,000) to US$400,000 (A$606,000), depending how long he stays on the show.

The final figures remain unconfirmed but it is well known the pay structure is based on weeks spent on the show.

Robert’s sister Bindi Irwin won the US version of the show in 2015.

Robert appears to have huge earning potential these days, after it was revealed his dad Steve Irwin had little money left to give to his family when he passed away in 2006, aged 44.

The Crocodile Hunter was killed by a stingray’s barb piercing his chest while filming in the Great Barrier Reef.

Steve’s sudden death left his wife Terri, who was only 42 at the time, to look after Bindi, who was eight, and Robert, just two years old, while also continuing to run Australia Zoo on her own.

Terri soon found herself in debt, with Steve re-investing all his earnings into conservation and leaving his young family with a life insurance policy worth just $200,000.

Speaking about the surprisingly small sum in 2024, Terri told the Australian Financial Review that it “didn’t even cover half of one week’s payroll” at Australia Zoo.

Terri said she was however grateful that Steve had an “ironclad will” that prevent “some crazy person (from sweeping) in from some distant family connection and trying to take everything”.

Robert and sister Bindi have followed in their dad’s footsteps, becoming wildlife warriors.

Robert has publicly spoken about navigating life since his father’s tragic passing.

“When I see a picture of my dad or footage, I actually love having his presence around,” he said in a podcast last year.

“Living in Australia Zoo, he’s everywhere – the images and pictures, the videos and the sound, he’s still a part of every day for me.”