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Character Costume Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seaworldentertainment

Costume Character

Busch, AR · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned * Perform instage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned

United Parks and Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned * Perform in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned

United Parks & Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned * Perform in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned

SeaWorld

Costume Character

Busch, AR · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned * Perform instage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

As a key member of the art leadership team, the role will collaborate closely with the Director, Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and report directly to the studio's Head of Costume ...

Skydance

Costume Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

As a key member of the art leadership team, the role will collaborate closely with the Director, Production Designer, Lead Character Designer, and report directly to the studio's Head of Costume ...

stewleonards

Costume Character

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Costume Character Part Time Hourly - $17.00 - $18.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 18 years and older Position Description: The Costume Character provides ...

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All JobsCharacter Costume Jobs

Character Costume information

See salary details

$10

$19

$37

How much do character costume jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for character costume in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a character costume?

Character costume jobs involve wearing and performing in costumes that represent specific characters, such as mascots, cartoon figures, or themed entertainers. These roles are common in theme parks, special events, parades, and promotional activities. Individuals in these jobs are responsible for bringing characters to life through movement, gestures, and sometimes interacting with the public, all while maintaining the character's persona. The work can be physically demanding due to the weight and heat of the costumes, but it is also rewarding for those who enjoy entertaining and engaging with audiences.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a character costume performer?

To thrive as a Character Costume Performer, you need strong physical stamina, body coordination, and the ability to communicate nonverbally, typically supported by experience in performing arts or entertainment. Familiarity with costume maintenance, basic crowd management, and sometimes first aid certification are commonly required. Enthusiasm, reliability, and excellent interpersonal skills help create memorable guest interactions and maintain a positive atmosphere. These skills ensure high-quality performances, guest satisfaction, and safety in often demanding environments.

What are common challenges faced by character costume performers, and how can they be managed?

Character Costume performers often encounter challenges such as limited visibility, heat, and restricted mobility while in costume. To manage these, performers are typically trained in safe movement techniques and communication methods, like using hand signals with handlers. Frequent breaks, proper hydration, and teamwork with support staff are essential to ensure safety and maintain performance quality. Adaptability and stamina are important for handling high-energy environments, especially in theme parks or during events.

What is the difference between Character Costume vs Costume Designer?

AspectCharacter CostumeCostume Designer
Required CredentialsMay require sewing skills, costume construction, or design experienceFormal education in fashion, costume design, or related fields often preferred
Work EnvironmentEvents, theme parks, theaters, cosplay conventionsFilm, television, theater, fashion industry
Employer & Industry UsageCostume rental shops, entertainment venues, cosplay eventsProduction companies, costume houses, fashion houses
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on wearing or creating costumes for charactersDesigning costumes for productions or clients

While both roles involve costumes, a Character Costume typically refers to wearing or assembling costumes for specific characters in events or entertainment. A Costume Designer, however, designs and creates costumes for productions, requiring formal training and a broader design skill set.

More about Character Costume jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Costume jobs? Cities with the most Character Costume job openings:
What states have the most Character Costume jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Costume jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Character Costume jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Character Costume jobs are:
Character Costume jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Costume job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Costume Character

Seaworldentertainment

Busch, AR • On-site

$15.50/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Must attend an in-person audition on:

  • Sunday August 16 - check in at 11, Audition at 11:30

Please check in at the Busch Gardens HR Building: 3605 E Bougainvillea Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

Please wear form fitting dance attire and be prepared to learn a movement combination.

Please have headshot and resume ready

Compensation:baseof $15.50/hour

Whatyou get to do:

  • Embody the childlike innocence, enthusiasm, and mannerisms of the characters
  • Enthusiastically representthe park by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy, and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.
  • Perform as Costume Character, Character Escort, and/or Puppeteer both in park and out-of-park as assigned
  • Perform instage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned
  • Serve as an expert performer for multiple assigned characters, with the ability to perform all characters in your height range
  • Perform duties of an expert character escort, which include facilitating interaction and communication between character and guests, providing directions and park information, and entertaining guests.
  • May assist with character training and rehearsals.
  • Openly accepts performance feedback and critique and adapts accordingly.
  • Execute pre and post show backstage duties as outlined in the daily schedule
  • Ensure adherence to safety and procedural directions that accompany this position
  • Consistently and expertly executes stage direction and show content as directed by leadership.
  • Maintains a positive and flexible attitude.
  • Positively interacts with guests, employees, and others.
  • Perform other duties as assigned

What it takes to succeed:

  • Height range of 4'11" to 6'2" with slender, athletic build
  • Personable and animated with a fun, outgoing personality
  • Strong ability to communicate with guests on mic
  • Ability to perform outside in a full body costume
  • Ability to openly accept performance feedback/critiques and adapt accordingly
  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions and temperature extremes while performing in a character costume
  • Demonstrated strong costume and escorting skills
  • At least 18 years old
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Ability to lift, push and pull up to 50 pounds
  • Availability to work varying shifts or hours based on park hours; i.e. be able to work opening and closing shifts, as well as after hour rehearsals
  • Ability to move and dance in full costume at a standard consistent with creative intent
  • Ability to maintain character integrity
  • Willingness to participate in regular internal performance assessments
  • Previous costume character and/or dance experience preferred
  • Previous guest experience in a high-volume capacity preferred
  • Previous experience in the fields of dance, theater, athletics, or other performance arts preferred.
  • Be able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.
  • Strong verbal communication skills.
  • Stand, walk and/or sit for prolonged periods of time.
  • Audition requirements may include dance, movement, script memorization, role playing, comedic improvisation, and miming as necessary.

What else is important:

  • Be able to lift, push, pull and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Position engages in extensive walking and standing throughout entire work shift and climb/ascend heights, if needed
  • Perform the following physical activities: kneeling, squatting, bend floor-to waist/waist-to-overhead, reach overhead, simple grasp and fine hand manipulation tasks (use of tools/keyboard/writing)
  • Be able to work indoors and outdoors, in varying weather, to include extreme heat. Position may be exposed to fumes, dust, odors, and cold/heat temperature extremes
  • Perform cleaning duties, including use of cleaning chemicals
  • Work a flexible schedule/hour based on business need, to include opening, mid-, and closing shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Be flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities
  • Must be able to participate in an in-person audition at a pre-determined time

Compensation:

  • Pay rate is $15.50 per hour.

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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