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Coaster Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Start your coaster career and discover the Magic and thrills in the hills! Our Mountain Coaster Experts will be in-charge of all things Rail Runner and Hellbender. These experts will make sure guests ...

Coaster / Rides Maintenance Technician Job Summary Anakeesta is an award-winning mountaintop adventure park committed to delivering safe, unforgettable experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains. The ...

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Coaster information

See Tennessee salary details

$33.6K

$64.1K

$84.4K

How much do coaster jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for coaster in Tennessee is $64,061.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,600.00 and $66,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a roller coaster operator?

To thrive as a Roller Coaster Operator, you need attention to detail, safety awareness, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers requiring basic mechanical knowledge. Familiarity with ride control panels, safety inspection checklists, and two-way radios is typically necessary. Strong communication, calmness under pressure, and excellent customer service skills help operators manage guests and respond to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safe and enjoyable operation of rides, minimizing risks and enhancing the guest experience.

What are some common challenges faced by coaster operators and how can they be managed?

Coaster operators often face challenges such as maintaining a high level of attention to safety protocols, managing guest interactions during busy periods, and responding quickly to unexpected ride malfunctions or weather changes. Effective communication with team members and clear procedures help address these challenges. Operators are typically trained to follow strict checklists, remain calm under pressure, and work closely with maintenance and supervisory staff to ensure smooth and safe ride experiences for all guests.

What is the difference between Coaster vs Ride Operator?

AspectCoasterRide Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; safety trainingHigh school diploma; safety and operational training
Work EnvironmentAmusement parks, theme parksAmusement parks, fairs, carnivals
Job RoleDesign, maintain, and oversee roller coaster operationsOperate rides, ensure safety, assist guests
Common UsageSpecialized in roller coaster managementGeneral ride operation including coasters

While both roles are found in amusement parks, a Coaster typically refers to someone involved in the design or maintenance of roller coasters, whereas a Ride Operator focuses on operating rides, including coasters, and ensuring guest safety. The roles overlap in safety training and work environment but differ in responsibilities and specialization.

What is a coaster?

Coasters, in the context of jobs, typically refer to individuals who operate or maintain amusement park roller coasters and related rides. Their responsibilities can include ensuring the safety and smooth operation of the ride, conducting routine maintenance checks, helping guests safely board and exit the ride, and responding to any emergencies. Coasters must have a keen attention to detail, follow strict safety protocols, and often work as part of a team to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for park visitors.
What are popular job titles related to Coaster jobs in Tennessee? For Coaster jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Coaster job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,061 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

HAUNTED COASTER SCARE ACTOR

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

$17.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description:

Employment: Seasonal, part-time

Season: September-October 2026

Event Schedule: 36 select nights

Minimum Age: 18 years or older

Compensation: $17.50 per hour

Hiring Event: TBD


ABOUT THE POSITION

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster is seeking energetic, dependable, and enthusiastic performers for Zombie Invasion, an all-new immersive haunted coaster experience coming to Pigeon Forge.

Scare actors will portray zombies, military personnel, and other event characters. Performers will be assigned to themed scenes throughout the attraction and along the mountain coaster course. Actors must fully commit to their assigned characters, interact with guests and deliver energetic, consistent performances throughout each event night and the entire event season.


This is a fast-paced, high-energy environment, with new guests entering scenes every few seconds. Performers will remain active throughout the night, and will have frequent opportunities to scare and interact with guests. This is an opportunity to become part of an immersive storyline, and help bring the world's longest haunted coaster experience to life.


RESPONSIBILITIES

- Remain in character whenever visible to guests.

- Deliver a consistent, enthusiastic and high-energy performance throughout each event night.

- Perform assigned scares, repeated movements, dialogue and character interactions.

- Follow scene and performance direction from event managers.

- Report to the assigned supervisor on time.

- Remain in the assigned scene until properly relieved or dismissed at the end of the night.

- Properly wear and care for all provided or approved costumes, masks, makeup and performance equipment.

- Maintain a professional manner when working with guests, coworkers and management.

- Follow all safety procedures, behavioral expectations, guest interaction rules and attraction guidelines.

- Help create a memorable, immersive and exciting experience for every guest.


SCHEDULE AND AVAILABILITY

Zombie Invasion will operate for 36 event nights during September and October 2026 (weather permitting).

- Arrival: No later than 6:30 p.m. on scheduled event nights

- Scare performances begin: Approximately 7:30 p.m.

- Ticket sales end: 11:00 p.m.

- End of shift: Performances continue until all ticketed guests have completed the experience, which may be midnight or later depending on attendance and nightly operations.

Actors must use the time before performances begin to check in, prepare costumes or makeup and report to their assigned scenes.

Applicants should review the complete schedule before applying. Preference will be given to candidates who are available for the majority of the event dates.


EVENT DATES

September 2026: 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 26 and 29

October 2026: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30 and 31

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

Ideal candidates will:

- Be at least 18 years old by the first scheduled shift.

- Be excited about performing and creating memorable guest experiences.

- Be energetic, expressive and comfortable interacting with guests.

- Be able to follow instructions and accept performance direction.

- Be dependable and committed to arriving on time for scheduled shifts.

- Be able to maintain character and performance quality for extended periods.

- Be comfortable performing in darkness, theatrical fog, flashing or strobing lights, loud audio and outdoor conditions.

- Be comfortable performing around simulated weapon props.

- Be able to work effectively as part of a large event team.

- Be professional and respectful toward guests, coworkers and management.

- Have reliable transportation to and from Rocky Top Mountain Coaster.

- Be available to work evenings and weekends.


EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Previous acting, haunted attraction, theater, entertainment or customer service experience is helpful, but not required. Training and character direction will be provided.


PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

This position may require performers to:

- Stand, sit, crouch or remain in assigned positions for extended periods.

- Perform repeated movements and physical character actions.

- Wear costumes, masks, makeup or other performance accessories.

- Work outdoors in changing fall weather conditions.

- Perform around theatrical fog, flashing or strobing lights, loud audio, darkness and simulated weapon props.

- Communicate clearly with supervisors and respond quickly to instructions.

Applicants should disclose any concerns that could affect their ability to perform the assigned role safely.


COSTUMES AND MASKS

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster will provide costumes and masks for assigned roles. Actors may use their own costume

pieces only if they fit the event theme and receive approval from event management before the event.


ATTENDANCE AND CONDUCT

Dependable attendance is essential because each performer plays an important role in the complete guest experience.

Actors must report on time and work all shifts they have committed to unless an absence has been approved by management. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination.

All cast members must maintain professional conduct and follow Rocky Top Mountain Coaster's safety rules, performance standards, anti-harassment policies and guest interaction guidelines. Unsafe behavior, inappropriate

physical contact with guests, leaving an assigned scene without authorization or breaking character in guest-facing areas may result in removal from the event or termination.


COMPENSATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

This is an hourly seasonal position paying $17.50 per hour.

Applicants may be asked to participate in a brief interview, audition ,or character workshop. Applicants should include their availability for every listed event date when applying.


Join the cast and help turn a nighttime mountain coaster ride into an unforgettable haunted experience unlike anything else in Tennessee.