You’ve seen him standing on the edge of a muddy pit in Nova Scotia, looking skeptical while his Uncle Rick gets misty-eyed over a piece of old wood. Alex Lagina has become a staple of Tuesday night television, but if you think his bank account only grows when they find a rusty "top pocket find," you’re missing the bigger picture.
Most people searching for Alex Lagina net worth want a single, clean number. The reality? It’s a mix of reality TV checks, high-end Michigan real estate, and a massive family wine empire. Honestly, he’s doing a lot better than the "assistant treasure hunter" title might suggest.
The Reality of the Oak Island Payday
Let's get the TV stuff out of the way first. Being on a hit History Channel show for over a decade isn't just about the fame; it's a steady, lucrative gig. While the network is notoriously tight-lipped about exact salaries, industry insiders and production leaks suggest the "Fellowship of the Dig" members aren't working for free.
Alex isn't just a face on the screen. He’s often credited as a producer or associate producer. In the world of reality TV, that’s where the real money lives.
Estimates for cast salaries on The Curse of Oak Island vary wildly. Some reports suggest the secondary cast members—like Alex or Jack Begley—pull in anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 per episode. If you do the math on a 25-episode season, that’s over a million dollars a year just for showing up and looking at dirt.
But here’s the kicker: the Lagina family isn't just "talent." They own a significant stake in Oak Island Tours Inc. They aren't just getting paid to be there; they own the sandbox.
It’s Not All About the Dig
If the show ended tomorrow, Alex wouldn't be looking for a cubicle job. He’s a Michigan boy through and through, and his "day job" is arguably more impressive than his TV career.
Alex graduated from the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering in 2008. He’s a literal engineer. That background is why you see him handling the technical side of the sonar scans and the GPS mapping. He isn't just guessing where to dig; he’s applying a $100,000+ education to the problem.
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The Villa Mari Empire
The real backbone of the Alex Lagina net worth story is in Traverse City, Michigan. Specifically, at Mari Vineyards.
His father, Marty Lagina, started the winery, but Alex is the General Manager. We’re talking about a massive, state-of-the-art facility with underground tasting rooms and some of the best wine in the Midwest.
- It’s a 60-acre estate.
- It features high-tech "Oasis" systems to grow grapes that shouldn't survive Michigan winters.
- It’s a destination for thousands of fans who drive hours just to buy a bottle and hope for a sighting.
Running a business of that scale is a seven-figure responsibility. When you combine the winery profits with his engineering background, the "TV money" starts to look like a nice bonus rather than a primary income.
The Marriage and Personal Life Shift
For years, the internet was obsessed with whether Alex was dating the show’s resident archaeologist, Miriam Amirault. It was the "shipping" rumor that wouldn't die.
Well, it’s dead now.
In early 2024, Alex married Katherine Sneed in a private ceremony in Coral Gables, Florida. Katherine is a successful professional in her own right, and the couple seems to prefer a life away from the paparazzi. This stability matters when you're looking at long-term wealth. He’s not out blowing his money on a "celebrity" lifestyle; he’s building a family legacy in his hometown.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Alex Lagina Net Worth in 2026
So, what is the actual number?
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Most conservative estimates place Alex Lagina net worth at approximately $10 million to $12 million.
Wait. Before you compare that to his father Marty’s reported $100 million+, remember that Alex is still in his late 30s. He is the heir apparent to a diversified portfolio that includes:
- Renewable Energy: Marty’s company, Heritage Sustainable Energy, is a powerhouse in wind power.
- Real Estate: The Michigan vineyard land alone is worth a fortune.
- Production Income: Residuals and appearance fees from the Oak Island franchise.
He’s basically a wealthy engineer who happens to have a very famous hobby.
Common Misconceptions About the Lagina Money
A lot of skeptics on Reddit claim the show is "faking it" because the Laginas are already rich. That’s a bit of a reach.
Yes, they have money. No, they aren't spending all of it on the holes. The show is heavily subsidized by the Nova Scotia government through film industry tax credits. In some years, they've received over $3 million in reimbursements for their "eligible expenditures" on the island.
Basically, the search for the Money Pit is a self-sustaining business. They use the TV revenue to fund the search, which creates more TV revenue. It’s a brilliant loop. Alex is a key part of that machine.
Why He Still Does It
You might wonder why a guy with a $10 million net worth and a beautiful winery to run spends his summers in a mosquito-infested swamp in Canada.
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It’s about the family.
The Laginas are famously close. Alex is there because his father and uncle are there. It’s a family business that happens to be broadcast to millions. Whether they ever find a golden menorah or a chest of Shakespeare’s manuscripts doesn't really matter to his bottom line. The search itself is the product.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to follow the "Alex Lagina" model for wealth or career:
- Diversify your skills: Don't just be one thing. He’s an engineer, a winemaker, and a TV producer.
- Leverage the family brand: He didn't shy away from the family business; he stepped up and ran it.
- Stay private: Despite being on a hit show, he keeps his private life off the tabloids, which protects his brand.
The treasure of Oak Island might be a myth, but the business of Alex Lagina is very, very real. He has successfully transitioned from "Marty's son" to a wealthy, independent businessman who just happens to be pretty good at finding 18th-century ox shoes.
For those tracking the financial side of reality TV, Alex remains one of the most stable and "low-drama" success stories in the industry. He’s not looking for a quick payout; he’s playing the long game.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning a trip to see where the money is actually made, check out the Mari Vineyards tour in Traverse City. It's often the best way to get a feel for the scale of the Lagina operations outside of the History Channel cameras.