If we are in a contest to see who has the most humble beginnings, Vance easily has that one sown up. He just happened to go into a line of work that has been much more lucrative than Walz’s. There is nothing wrong with being a teacher, but no one expects to get rich from it. Vance also wrote a bestselling book, which paid him well. He is wealthier than Walz, so she him.
He was born into extreme poverty and made a success of himselflf through hard work and intelligence.
And what I understand, the book was made into a movie, so J.D. Vance probably received money from that avenue, as well.