Rick Petko holds an estimated net worth between $1.5 million and $3 million, built primarily through a 13-year career as a master metal fabricator and lead bike builder at Orange County Choppers. While reality television brought him global recognition on the hit Discovery Channel series, his long-term financial standing stems from professional trade work, specialized industrial background, and independent fabrication ventures.
Understanding how Petko built his career requires looking past inflated internet rumors and examining his actual path from steel mills and race tracks to custom motorcycle shops.
Early Life, Industrial Trade Work, and Racing Roots
Born in Bath, Pennsylvania, in 1968, Petko developed an early affinity for engines, mechanical systems, and speed. Long before designing customized choppers for television audiences, he spent his youth riding minibikes, go-karts, and dirt bikes.
Rather than jumping straight into custom design, Petko built a foundation in heavy blue-collar labor. He worked as a crane operator and cold-saw operator before taking on a demanding decade-long stint as an industrial contractor relining high-temperature furnaces and kilns. He also worked at Bethlehem Steel and spent roughly five years involved with the Pocono Raceway driving school and a Hooters Pro Cup racing team. To read more about the background here, Variety offers an excellent summary.
Seeking to merge his mechanical skills with his passion for motorsports, Petko attended welding school with the initial goal of constructing NASCAR chassis. He spent years sharpening his hand-fabrication and welding abilities on automotive restorations and industrial projects, setting the stage for his entry into the custom motorcycle industry.
The Orange County Choppers Years
Petko joined Orange County Choppers (OCC) in Newburgh, New York, around 2003, right as the custom bike shop became a global phenomenon through the reality series American Chopper. Over a 13-year tenure, he became known for his calm demeanor, meticulous metal shaping, and ability to steer clear of the volatile family arguments between Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Jr.
During his time at OCC, Petko helped construct some of the shop's most famous themed motorcycles, including the POW/MIA bike, the Iroquois Chopper, and the Cadillac Bike. When the working relationship between the Teutuls fractured, Petko appeared on the 2010 spin-off series American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior, followed by the 2014 Shaq Bike special and the 2018 series revival.
Reality television compensation contributed significantly to his income during peak viewership years, though his primary role remained that of a lead fabricator and salaried employee rather than a company owner. This distinction explains why his net worth, while comfortable, sits lower than top-tier enterprise owners from the industry.
Transition to RPD and Co. and Independent Projects
In 2006, while still working full-time at OCC, Petko launched his independent creative outlet, RPD & Co. Operating out of his farm property in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, the business allowed him to pursue custom fabrication outside of television production constraints.
After leaving OCC in 2016, Petko expanded RPD & Co. into a full-time venture. His current workshop focuses on several distinct disciplines:
- Vintage Motorcycle Restoration: Rebuilding and servicing classic iron, including vintage Harley-Davidson models.
- Handmade Culinary Knives: Forging high-end chef knives, often utilizing specialty pattern-welded Damasteel.
- Custom Metalwork: Crafting specialized parts, architectural elements, and custom wedding bands made from titanium, zirconium, and stainless steel.
In addition to running his home shop, Petko partnered with Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson, serving as a resident builder where clients can commission custom fabrication and restoration work directly.
Vintage Racing and Personal Life
Petko's connection to motorcycles extends far beyond stationary custom builds. He maintains an active presence in vintage motorcycle racing, competing in events featuring Indian Powerplus engines and participating in high-speed exhibition events like the Sons of Speed races.
He married Brittany Cockeram in 2012 in a ceremony featured on television, and the couple lives in Pennsylvania with their two daughters. Real estate holdings include a property in Bath, Pennsylvania, which he purchased for $320,000 in 2007 before establishing his primary homestead and workshop in the Pocono region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rick Petko's net worth?
Most reliable financial evaluations place Rick Petko's net worth between $1.5 million and $3 million. This wealth comes from his 13-year salary at Orange County Choppers, television appearance fees, dealership partnerships, and his independent metalwork business, RPD & Co.
Why did Rick Petko leave Orange County Choppers?
Petko parted ways with OCC in 2016 primarily to spend more time with his family and focus full-time on his own workshop, RPD & Co., in Pennsylvania. The departure was amicable, and he later returned for guest appearances during the 2018 show revival.
What does Rick Petko do today?
Today, Petko operates RPD & Co. from his farm in the Pocono Mountains, where he builds custom motorcycles, forges bespoke chef knives, creates custom jewelry, and races vintage motorcycles. He also collaborates with Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson on custom client builds.
Is Rick Petko still married?
Yes, he married Brittany Cockeram in 2012, and the couple shares two daughters.
