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Costumed Character Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seaworldentertainment

Costume Character

Busch, AR

$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

stewleonards

Costume Character

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

Costume Character Part-Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $17.50 - $18.00 depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 16 years and older Position Description: The Costume Character ...

ANAKEESTA

Atmosphere Character Performer

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

$18.75/hr

Whether you're performing as a costumed character or dazzling guests with your stilt-walking skills, you'll help create unforgettable moments for families visiting our mountaintop park. Join us in ...

stewleonards

Costume Character

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

Costume Character Part-Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $17.50 - $18.00 depending on qualifications and experience Must be at least 16 years and older Position Description: The Costume Character ...

SeaWorld

Costume Character

Busch, AR

$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

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Costumed Character information

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$10

$19

$37

How much do costumed character jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for costumed character 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 are common costume job titles?

Common costume job titles include Character Performer, Mascot Actor, Costume Character, and Theme Park Performer. These roles typically require wearing costumes, engaging with audiences, and sometimes performing in events or parades. Skills in improvisation, customer service, and costume maintenance are often important for these positions.

What are some common challenges faced by costumed characters during performances, and how can they be managed?

Costumed characters often face challenges such as limited visibility, restricted mobility, and working in hot or crowded environments. Managing these challenges involves staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, and practicing safe movement while in costume. Effective communication with handlers or team members is crucial for safety and smooth performance. Additionally, performers should be prepared to adapt quickly to unexpected interactions with guests, maintaining character and professionalism at all times.

What is the difference between Costumed Character vs Mascot Performer?

AspectCostumed CharacterMascot Performer
Required CredentialsMinimal; often includes acting skills and costume familiaritySimilar; may include acting and costume handling
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, events, parties, promotional activitiesSports events, parades, promotional campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageEntertainment, hospitality, marketingSports teams, entertainment, marketing
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job requirements, costume detailsEvent roles, mascot duties, performance expectations

Both roles involve wearing costumes and engaging audiences, but a Costumed Character typically appears in entertainment settings like theme parks and parties, focusing on character portrayal. A Mascot Performer often works for sports teams or brands, performing at games and events to promote team spirit or brand awareness. While their skills overlap, the context and specific duties differ slightly, making the comparison useful for job seekers and employers alike.

What jobs involve character design?

Jobs that involve character design include roles such as costume designers, character artists, and concept artists, often requiring skills in drawing, illustration, or 3D modeling. These professionals create visual concepts for costumes, animations, or entertainment media, and may work in industries like film, gaming, or theme parks. Experience with design software and understanding of character development are typically essential.

How to get a job as a costume designer?

To become a costume designer, gain relevant education in fashion, theater, or design, and build a portfolio showcasing your work. Experience through internships or assistant roles helps develop skills in sewing, fabric selection, and costume construction, which are essential for securing employment in theater, film, or theme parks.

What is the career path for costume professionals?

Costumed character professionals often start in entry-level roles such as costume assistants or performers and can advance to lead performer, costume designer, or supervisor positions. Developing skills in costume construction, makeup, and performance can lead to opportunities in entertainment, theme parks, or event entertainment industries, with some pursuing certifications or specialized training to enhance career growth.

What Is the Job of a Costumed Character?

Costumed characters perform for crowds and provide entertainment while dressed as a particular fictional character from a book, movie, television show, or another source. As a costumed character, you give your clients a fun and exciting experience based on the theme of your costume. For example, someone dressed as Cinderella may read the story of Cinderella at a child’s birthday party, sing some songs from the movie, then take pictures with each of the guests. Costumed characters may be expected to clean and maintain their costumes, including doing minor repairs. You must also comply with all company guidelines related to the safety of guests. Holiday characters are often in demand for special occasions like Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Costumed characters may work independently, being hired for birthday parties or company events, or they may work for fairs, festivals, and themed parks, such as Disneyland.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Costumed Character, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Costumed Character, you need strong physical stamina, improvisational acting ability, and often experience in performance or theater. Familiarity with safety protocols, communication devices, and costume maintenance is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to engage with diverse audiences make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure memorable guest experiences, maintain safety, and uphold the reputation of the organization or venue.

What are costumed characters?

Costumed characters are performers who dress up in full-body costumes to portray specific fictional or mascot characters, often at theme parks, parties, special events, or promotional activities. Their main role is to engage with the public—especially children—by entertaining, posing for photos, and sometimes participating in shows or parades. These performers typically embody well-known characters from cartoons, movies, or brands and must often remain in character to provide a fun and immersive experience for guests.
More about Costumed Character jobs
What cities are hiring for Costumed Character jobs? Cities with the most Costumed Character job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Costumed Character jobs? The most popular types of Costumed Character jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Costumed Character jobs? The top employers for Costumed Character jobs are:
What states have the most Costumed Character jobs? States with the most job openings for Costumed Character jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Costumed Character jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Costumed Character jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Costumed Character jobs? For Costumed Character jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Costumed Character jobs near you
Infographic showing various Costumed Character job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Costume Character [Part-Time]

San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$13/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago

San Antonio Zoo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 36 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Hype Squad – Costume Character
Collaborate with a passionate Zoo Crew in San Antonio
Choosing where to grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the place you choose to work at will support and guide you. With a diversity of passionate people, San Antonio Zoo is a place where you can collaborate with others securing a future for wildlife.
The Impact You’ll Make in this Role
The Hype Squad – Costume Characters consistently demonstrate awesome guest service through character acting and provides positive and informative interactions with guests and team members alike.
As a part a Costume Character, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people in San Antonio. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Pose for photographs in costume at designated locations.
  • Create daily agendas for appearances, in accordance with operational events and Prospectus requests.
  • Communicate general planning to Hype Squad, with consistent follow-up.
  • Lead by example and provide constructive criticism to ensure each character actor is performing to standards.
  • Act as escort to costumed character, monitoring crowds to ensure Performer and Guest safety. Interact with Guests in supporting role according to guidelines provided.
  • Maintain costume, including general cleaning and daily maintenance.
  • Maintain and clean character areas.
  • Ensure all costume character actors are adhering to safely guidelines including timed breaks and promoting climate safety practices.
  • Coordinate with other departments as needed when entertainment needs are requested.
  • Comply with all Zoo guidelines and policies.
  • Constantly exhibit an attitude of service inside and outside of the zoo, showing hospitality to all.
  • Be fully committed to the mission of San Antonio Zoo to create awareness that inspires action to care for the wild world we steward and animals we protect.
  • Any and all other duties as assigned.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, the San Antonio Zoo recommends the following skills/qualifications:

  • Fun, outgoing, and personable personality with a passion for engaging the public.
  • Prior experience in public speaking, promotions, or performance preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Comfortable working in a costume with limited vision for extended periods.
  • Able to safely lift at least 50lbs and handle physical setup/teardown of event spaces.

San Antonio Zoo is an equal opportunity employer. San Antonio Zoo will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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