Dr. Travis Shane Taylor is widely regarded as one of the most intriguing names in modern science and entertainment. Born July 24, 1968 in Decatur, Alabama, Taylor has an estimated net worth of $19 million as a government scientist and television personality.
Who Is Travis S. Taylor?
Taylor has a doctorate in aerospace systems engineering, a doctorate in optical science and engineering, a master’s degree in physics, a master’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering and a master’s degree in astronomy. Regardless of your personal politics, there is no denying that Taylor has an impressive academic resume that stems not only from amazing educational opportunities, but also a career involving government defense and television.
On some level, Taylor’s choice of profession seems almost inevitable given his exposure to his father’s work, Charles Taylor, who worked as a machinist at Wyle Laboratories with the responsibility of building one of America’s first satellites.
Career Highlights and Government Work
Defense and Space Projects
In a 20-year career supporting NASA, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and other customers, Taylor has a history of working on multiple hi-tech programs for the Department of Defense and NASA for over 25 years. Taylor’s areas of expertise include advanced propulsion concepts, space telescopes, and next-generation launch systems.
By the year 2006, Taylor had been involved in different efforts within the Defense Department and NASA since 1990, combining over sixteen years of research into advanced propulsion systems concepts, very large space telescopes, space based beamed energy systems, high energy lasers, and next generation space launch concepts.
Secret Pentagon UFO Role
Taylor was chief scientist for the Pentagon’s Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF), information uncovered through exclusive June 2022 interviews with George Knapp. Taylor was brought on to the UAP Task Force by its director Jay Stratton, after Taylor’s book about preparing for alien contact previously caught their attention.
Taylor recently retired from government service and is now working in a private company after spending his whole career being careful not to breach No Disclose Agreements (NDAs) with the Pentagon and other television productions.
Television Career and Salary Information
National Geographic Channel Success
Taylor starred in National Geographic Channel’s “Rocket City Rednecks” which premiered/ aired through 2011 – 2013. The show aired for two full seasons September 2011 to January 2013. Rocket City Rednecks, was the National Geographic Channel’s highest-rated new series of 2011.
History Channel Appearances
Beginning in 2017,Taylor appeared on the History Channel show Ancient Aliens, starting in Season 12’s episode “Voices of the Gods”, and appearing in 28 total episodes through season 18. Taylor, with original research investigator Erik Bard, hosts a series on the History Channel, focusing on unexplained mysteries, titled The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.
Per-Episode Earnings
Sources state that cast members of Skinwalker Ranch perhaps earn $5,000 per episode. While reality TV stars can earn a substantial amount of money, sources indicate cast members of Skinwalker Ranch earn $5,000 in episode revenue.
Current Employment and Salary
Radiance Technologies Position
In 2022, Taylor began employment with Radiance Technologies as a Principal Research Scientist supporting technical efforts throughout the company as part of Radiance’s defense sector. Radiance Technologies is an employee-owned small business prime contractor, formed in 1999, employing over 900 employee-owners nationwide.
Salaries at Radiance Technologies average pay around $97,039 per year for an FMV Analyst ranging to around $197,460 per year for a Manager. With his extensive background as a Principal Research Scientist, Taylor likely earns in the upper portion of this range.
Net Worth Analysis
Multiple Income Streams
According to the report, Taylor’s net worth is estimated at around $19 million and would likely increase with his many astronomical concepts and recurrent television appearances. Other estimates made by various sources also provided the estimate of $19 million for Travis Taylor’s net worth.
His wealth stems from several sources:
- Government contract work spanning over 25 years
- Television appearances and series contracts
- Book publishing (over 20 science fiction novels)
- Current position at Radiance Technologies
Publishing and Writing Career
Taylor is a published author with two textbooks, over 15 technical papers, and nearly 21 science fiction novels. His first book, a science fiction novel titled Warp Speed, was published in 2004. By the year 2020, all14ofTaylor’s science fiction novels had been published.
Current Status and Future Planning
Television Projects
Taylor continues his involvement in the popular History Channel series The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch. According to Nielsen ratings, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch is one of the History Channel’s most popular cable shows and has been one of the top non-fiction series on cable.
Corporate Role
Taylor remains a Principal Research Scientist for Radiance Technologies and is responsible for providing support for technical activities related to all of the various projects undertaken by the defense contractor.
Security Clearance Considerations
In early 2021, SMDC took steps to clarify and de-conflict the tasks, responsibilities, and activities outside of the office assigned to military and civilian employees in order to balance mission priorities after discussions were held with the UAPTF. This indicates that Taylor is still managing his two jobs, as he had both classified work and public television to account for in his obligations.
Personal Life
Taylor and his wife have two kids living in Somerville, Alabama. He retains residence close to Huntsville to remain near the aerospace sector in Alabama.
Industry Impact and Recognition
Taylor’s unique situations bridging serious scientific enterprise and popular entertainment has created a level of notoriety in both venues. Taylor endorsed UAP investigations with a Pentagon position to add credibility with scientists and encourage methodical scientific thinking to examine experiences.
Conversely,critics could identify that Taylor has made some extraordinary claims during television appearances, including to have “seen more UFOs than I can count,” stirring controversy among science-minded audiences. Nevertheless, Taylor’s government credentials have so far held up well.
Future Prospects
Based on his different sources of revenue, along with increased popularity on television, finance analysts expect Taylor’s earning to continue to increase. Taylor’s combination of technical know-how and televised presence will keep him successful in both environments.
Disclaimer: Financial figures are just estimates based on the best publicly available information and industry assessment. Actual net worth may be profoundly different. Federal television salaries and contractor salaries can vary based on many factors including security clearance, actual contract length, type of project, and market conditions.