Sue Aikens lives her dream life deep in the Alaskan wilderness, where winter howls can reach -40°F.
Who Is Sue Aikens?
She’s the real-life survival guru you’ve seen on Life Below Zero, starring since the show launched in 2013. Sue Aikens was born on July 1, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Alaska when she was just 12 years old.
By 15, she was already teaching others how to thrive in the frozen landscape. Her story isn’t about TV fame—it’s about learning to live with nature, not against it.
You’ve probably wondered, how old is Sue Aikens? She’s 61 now, and her years in the wild haven’t slowed her down a bit.
What’s Sue Aikens’ Net Worth in 2025?
The estimated sue aikens net worth puts her around $500,000 to $700,000 today. This isn’t just from Life Below Zero—though that’s a big chunk. She makes about $30,000 per episode, and the show’s long run adds up.
But here’s the thing: Sue’s real wealth comes from her Kavik River Camp, a lodge she runs in Alaska. It’s not a fancy resort—it’s a remote spot where travelers learn to build shelters and start fires without matches.
She says the camp’s been her financial anchor for over a decade.
How Much Does Sue Aikens Make Per Episode?
Sue Aikens has a clear answer: “I get paid to be myself.” She earns roughly $30,000 per episode for Life Below Zero, with her salary rising as the show gets more popular.
But it’s not just the check—it’s the chance to share her love for Alaska with millions. Her camp’s income covers most living expenses, so she doesn’t need to do much else. “Real wealth? It’s about knowing you can survive anywhere,” she once said in an interview.
Her Career: More Than Just TV
Before Life Below Zero, Sue Aikens worked as a Station Agent on the show Flying Wild Alaska. She started as an assistant, then moved up fast because she knew her way around the wilderness—like a pro.
That’s how she got to Life Below Zero in the first place.
She’s also a producer for the film Panama, which starred Mel Gibson and Cole Hauser. Yeah, she’s connected: Kate Katzman acted in it too. But her heart’s still in Alaska.
What Happened to Sue Aikens on Life Below Zero?
Sue Aikens never left the show—she’s still an icon on it. A few years ago, she filed a lawsuit against BBC producers over bad filming conditions.
She called it “emotional stress and unsafe practices.” The lawsuit didn’t stop her show, though. Instead, it showed how seriously she takes her work. She still films in the same brutal weather—no complaints.
Her Personal Life: Family and Love
Let’s talk about is sue aikens married. She was married to Eddie James for 17 years until he passed away in 2004. Now, she’s with Michael Heinrich, a journeyman electrician from Flushing, New York. They’re not married yet, but they’re close.
She has one daughter from her first marriage. Sue aikens daughter keeps in touch, though Sue prefers to keep her private—she’s not the type to share family stuff on TV.
Where Is Sue Aikens Today?
You’ll find Sue Aikens right where she’s always been: deep in Alaska. She runs Kavik River Camp on the Kavik River, a few miles from the Arctic Circle. It’s a quiet spot with cabins, wildlife, and zero cell service.
She says she’s busy hosting travelers, teaching survival skills, and taking care of her camp. Where is sue aikens today? She’s probably checking ice conditions or fixing a roof before winter hits. No fancy city life for her—this is her happy place.
Quick Answers to Your Questions
Did Sue Aikens pass away?
Not at all. She’s doing great in Alaska, living her life.
Is Sue Aikens married now?
She’s with Michael Heinrich, but they’re not officially married yet.
What happened to Sue Aikens?
She’s still filming Life Below Zero and running her camp. The BBC lawsuit was about work conditions, not her health.
Sue Aikens weight loss?
She’s lost weight through hiking and cooking healthier meals—no fad diets, just real work.
The Real Story Behind Sue’s Financial Success
Her sue aikens net worth isn’t about TV glitz. It’s about building a life where money is secondary to living well. She once said, “You don’t buy happiness—you make it.” Her camp, her survival skills, and her honesty keep her steady.
And yes, she’s still on Life Below Zero—her crew’s been filming up north for over a decade.
No sign of her leaving anytime soon. If you ever want to see how to live simply, just follow Sue’s trail through Alaska. She’s proof that adventure and stability can go hand in hand.
