Steve Irwin's net worth remains a tangible proof of his hard work and the passion he displayed towards his job before his death in September 4, 2006.

Australian wildlife expert Steve Irwin's net worth made a considerable jump after he starred in his own television show, "The Crocodile Hunter's Croc Files" in 1999. The show became Irwin's first shot at fame and fortune.

Steve Irwin's net worth continued climbing off the charts as the documentary he and his wife, Terri Baines Irwin, created drew an even larger audience around the globe.

Steve Irwin was named "Crocodile Hunter" long before he became a TV sensation. After his parents launched the Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park, Irwin worked in the park, took part in daily animal feeding and basically grew up around crocodiles and other reptiles. Steve Irwin grew up in a family of animal naturalists so it's no wonder he loves animals so much.

Later on, Steve Irwin established himself with the government of Queensland, working with the nation's Crocodile Relocation Program. He was involved in transferring and relocating reptiles in proper localities in the most absolute humane, non-tranquilizing manner. This was the principle he lived by in his treatment of animals for this TV documentary.

Steve Irwin's net worth continued expanding throughout his career until his death in 2006. Irwin died after being stabbed in the chest by a stingray barb while filming the underwater documentary film Ocean's Deadliest near the Great Barrier Reef.

So how much is the world's first Crocodile Hunter worth? TheRichest.com says Steve Irwin's net worth is an impressive US$40 million.