Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ryan Bingham’s Net Worth?
Ryan Bingham, the award-winning American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, has accumulated a net worth of $3 million as of today, March 12, 2025. This valuation is primarily derived from his successful music career, encompassing album sales, songwriting royalties, touring income, and acting roles, notably his part in the television series “Yellowstone.” Since signing his first record deal in 2007, Bingham has consistently generated revenue through various channels within the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Born on March 31, 1981, in Hobbs, New Mexico, Ryan Bingham’s journey to a $3 million net worth began with modest roots. His family’s relocation to the Midland area of West Texas and later to Houston, where he attended Westfield High School, set the stage for his musical exploration. At 16, his mother gifted him his first guitar, although he initially hesitated to play it. The turning point occurred during a hitchhiking trip across Texas with his father at age 17, where he started learning the guitar and honing his skills. While attending Tarleton State University, Bingham initially pursued rodeo before dedicating more time to music. He played local gigs while enrolled at Tarleton State University, earning small amounts that contributed to his early income. An opportunity arose for Bingham to work at Disneyland Resort in Paris, France, but upon arrival, the job was no longer available. He managed to secure some local gigs, earning just enough to return to Texas. These early experiences helped shape his work ethic and determination, indirectly contributing to his future financial success.
Rise to Fame and Key Milestones
Upon his return to Texas, Ryan Bingham formed the band Dead Horses and started performing in the Fort Worth area, gaining local recognition. A significant milestone in his career occurred when Marc Ford of the Black Crowes approached Bingham, leading to the recording of “Wishbone Saloon” and “Dead Horses”. He was then signed to Lost Highway Records, a major label, which marked a pivotal moment in his financial trajectory. His first major label debut, “Mescalito,” was released in 2007. In June 2009, Bingham and the Dead Horses released a second studio album called “Roadhouse Sun” via Lost Highway Records. This increased his exposure and provided more significant royalties. However, Ryan Bingham experienced a major breakthrough by contributing two songs to the soundtrack of the film “Crazy Heart,” including “I Don’t Know” and “The Weary Kind.” This accomplishment significantly boosted his net worth. The song “The Weary Kind” earned him a Golden Globe for Best Original Song in 2010. He also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. He then earned a Grammy for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. This was in addition to an Americana Music Association award for Song of the Year. These awards significantly increased his profile and earnings potential.
In August 2010, Bingham released his third album with the Dead Horses, “Junky Star.” The album debuted in the Top 20 of the “Billboard” 200 chart and in the Top 10 of the “Billboard” Rock Album chart, marking his highest-charting release. While specific sales figures for “Junky Star” are not publicly available, charting in the top 20 of the Billboard 200 typically signifies a substantial volume of sales, contributing significantly to Bingham’s income that year. For example, albums that reached the Top 20 in 2010 often sold between 50,000 and 100,000 copies in their first week. Assuming “Junky Star” sold around 60,000 copies in its first week, and considering an average royalty rate of $1 per album for the artist, Bingham could have earned approximately $60,000 from the initial sales of this album alone. Additionally, the increased visibility and demand generated by the album’s success would likely lead to more touring opportunities and higher performance fees.
Independent Ventures and Acting Roles
In 2012, Ryan Bingham and the Dead Horses parted ways, leading him to release “Tomorrowland” on his own label, Axster Bingham Records. This move allowed him greater control over his earnings, although it also shifted the financial burden of production and distribution onto him. The album included the singles “Heart of Rhythm” and “Guess Who’s Knocking.” Although specific sales figures are not available, releasing music independently meant Bingham retained a larger percentage of the revenue compared to being signed with a major label. Assuming “Tomorrowland” generated roughly 20,000 album sales and digital downloads, and considering a higher royalty rate of $3-4 per unit sold due to his independent status, Bingham could have earned between $60,000 and $80,000 from album sales. Furthermore, by owning his label, Bingham also benefited from the publishing rights and royalties, which can substantially increase his income over time.
In 2013, his song “For Anyone’s Sake” appeared in the closing credits of the Nicolas Cage film “Joe,” contributing to his income through licensing fees and royalties. In the same year, Ryan wrote and recorded “Until I’m One With You,” the theme song for the FX television series “The Bridge.” The licensing fees from these placements would have added to his income. Ryan Bingham starred opposite Imogen Poots in the independent film “A Country Called Home” in 2014. He also wrote the film’s title track, earning income as both an actor and a songwriter. In 2015, he released his fifth studio album, “Fear and Saturday Night.” The following year, he recorded his first live album, “Ryan Bingham Live,” at Whitewater Amphitheater in New Braunfels, Texas, with a live stream by Amazon Music. The income from these projects helped sustain his financial stability. The shift to acting in “Yellowstone” starting in 2018 marked a new phase in his career, providing a steady income stream beyond music. Although his exact salary for the role of Walker in “Yellowstone” is not publicly disclosed, recurring roles in popular television series can provide substantial income, often ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per episode, depending on the actor’s prominence and negotiation skills. Assuming Bingham earned an average of $10,000 per episode and appeared in at least 30 episodes, his cumulative earnings from “Yellowstone” could be around $300,000, contributing significantly to his net worth over the years. This supplemental income stream has undoubtedly played a role in maintaining his $3 million net worth.
In December 2018, Bingham announced the release of his sixth studio album, “American Love Song,” in February 2019. The album reached the fourth spot on both the US Indie and US Folk charts. While specific sales figures are not available, charting on these lists indicates a solid performance among independent and folk music enthusiasts. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Bingham posted covers and new songs on his YouTube channel, generating revenue through ad revenue and expanding his audience base. As of today, it is estimated that his music career makes up 75% of his $3 million net worth.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In 2013, Ryan Bingham and his then-wife Anna Axster purchased a home in Topanga, California, for $1.36 million. They sold the home in September 2021 for $2.45 million, realizing a profit of $1.09 million. This sale significantly increased his net worth. On June 29, 2021, Bingham filed for divorce from his wife after 12 years of marriage. The divorce settlement may have influenced his net worth. In April 2023, he began dating his “Yellowstone” co-star Hassie Harrison. Ryan Bingham’s personal life, marked by tragedy and resilience, has also shaped his artistic expression and career decisions. The loss of his parents, his father’s suicide, and his mother’s struggle with alcoholism, deeply impacted him and informed his songwriting. The album “Tomorrowland” is a reflection on his parents, showcasing his ability to channel personal pain into creative work. In 2009, Ryan married Anna Axster, and they later had three children together. This family life also provided stability and support, encouraging him to pursue his career goals. The divorce in 2021, however, likely had financial implications, including potential division of assets.
Overall, Ryan Bingham’s $3 million net worth is a result of his successful career in music and acting. His album sales, songwriting royalties, touring income, acting roles, and strategic real estate investments have helped him achieve this financial success.
