Bill Carlton’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be $2.5 million, showing a steady climb driven by his hit TV show Texas Metal, his successful business Ekstensive Metal Works, and several smart revenue channels. If you’ve ever been wowed by the insane custom builds on the show or followed Carlton’s story from a garage-based passion to televised fame, you already know he’s more than just a metalworker. He’s a craftsman, businessman, TV personality, and proud Texan.
Let’s dive deep into the life, business, and income streams of Bill Carlton to understand how he built his empire.
Who Is Bill Carlton?
Bill Carlton is best known as the mastermind behind Ekstensive Metal Works, a custom fabrication and auto shop based in Houston, Texas. While many might recognize him from Texas Metal, the popular reality series on MotorTrend, his journey started long before the cameras rolled.
Bill’s passion for custom vehicles runs deep, shaped by his father, who owned a mechanic shop. This early exposure sparked a lifelong love for building and modifying cars. He founded Ekstensive in 1994, and since then, it’s become one of the top names in the U.S. for wild, one-of-a-kind builds.
How Did He Get His Start?
Bill Carlton didn’t go the traditional college route. Instead, he went straight into the world of hands-on learning. Right out of high school, he focused on building and modifying cars, eventually turning that drive into a full-time business. Ekstensive Metal Works began as a small custom shop. With hard work, a few standout builds, and a growing reputation, Bill’s team quickly made a name in the custom automotive world.
Then came Texas Metal in 2017, and everything changed.
Texas Metal: The Game-Changer
Texas Metal follows Bill and his crew at Ekstensive Metal Works as they take on ambitious automotive projects. From tricked-out trucks to sleek lowriders, the show gives viewers a close-up look at the process—and the personalities—behind every build.
Bill isn’t just the star of the show. He also takes part in producing it, meaning he earns both appearance fees and a cut of the production profits. By 2025, Texas Metal is going strong with several seasons under its belt and a loyal fan base across the U.S. and beyond.
Updated Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Bill Carlton’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million, a jump from the $2 million valuation in 2024. This increase reflects growth in his TV earnings, business expansion, merchandise sales, and more public appearances.
Here’s a closer look at how his income stacks up.
Main Revenue Sources
Ekstensive Metal Works
This is the core of Bill’s success. Ekstensive Metal Works builds high-end custom vehicles for clients who want something beyond factory standards. Each project is labor-intensive, unique, and often featured on the show, giving the shop massive exposure.
The business brings in steady cash flow through:
- Full vehicle customizations
- Chassis fabrication
- Air suspension installations
- Custom paint and bodywork
Estimates suggest that the shop earns well over $500,000 annually, depending on project volume and client demand.
Texas Metal TV Show
Bill earns between $10,000 to $25,000 per episode of Texas Metal. With each season consisting of 10–12 episodes, that’s a minimum of six figures in income annually just from appearances.
As a producer, he likely gets additional backend profits or a stake in merchandise and streaming rights. The show’s syndication and continued popularity also mean steady income year-round.
Sponsorships and Brand Deals
With fame comes partnerships. Bill often collaborates with automotive brands, tool companies, and parts manufacturers. These deals include product endorsements, featured tools or materials on the show, and online marketing. While the numbers vary, sponsorships likely contribute $100,000 or more per year to his bottom line.
Car Shows and Events
Bill frequently appears at national auto shows, both as a guest and exhibitor. These events are not only great marketing for Ekstensive but also profitable. He’s often paid appearance fees and gets to meet clients, vendors, and fans.
Merch Sales
Branded merchandise like T-shirts, hats, and tools with the Texas Metal or Ekstensive logos have grown in popularity. Online sales and booths at shows generate additional passive income and help promote the brand.
Personal Life and Values
Bill Carlton was born in 1988, which makes him 37 years old in 2025. He stands tall at 6’3″ and weighs around 80 kg. He’s married to Jennifer Carlton, and they share three kids: Keegan, Presley, and Corbin.
Bill is a family man at heart. He often credits his wife and children for keeping him grounded. Despite his growing fame, he remains focused on the values he grew up with—hard work, loyalty, and community.
Community and Charity Work
Beyond the garage and TV set, Bill is active in the Houston community. He’s supported several causes over the years, including the Houston Food Bank and American Cancer Society. Giving back has always been part of his public persona, and in 2025, he continues to support youth and local automotive programs that help young people gain trade skills.
Career Milestones
- 1994: Founded Ekstensive Metal Works
- 2017: Premiered Texas Metal on MotorTrend
- 2020-2024: Gained nationwide popularity and increased business revenues
- 2025: Net worth reaches $2.5 million, and his brand continues to expand
Why People Connect With Bill
One of the reasons Bill Carlton remains popular isn’t just the custom cars. It’s his realness. He talks straight, gets his hands dirty, and gives viewers a peek into both the creative process and the challenges behind the scenes.
Fans appreciate the combination of Texas grit and creativity. Whether you’re into cars or not, it’s easy to respect someone who built a career by doing what he loves.
Final Thoughts
Bill Carlton’s journey from a young car enthusiast in Texas to a national TV personality and successful businessman is both inspiring and grounded in hard work. His estimated net worth of $2.5 million in 2025 reflects years of dedication, smart business decisions, and a growing public presence.
As Texas Metal continues and Ekstensive Metal Works takes on even more wild builds, there’s no doubt that Carlton’s influence in the world of custom vehicles is only getting bigger. Whether you’re a car lover or just someone chasing a dream, Bill’s story reminds us that passion, persistence, and staying true to your roots can take you far.
