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Costumed Character Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Costumed Character Performer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Will perform in character costume. Encourage, recruit, register, and schedule guests to participate in various activities. Promote a fun, energized and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Provide ...

Marriott

Costumed Character Performer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Will perform in character costume. Encourage, recruit, register, and schedule guests to participate in various activities. Promote a fun, energized and comfortable atmosphere for guests. Provide ...

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 ...

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

Stew Leonard's

Costume Character

Paramus, NJ · On-site

$17.50 - $18/hr

... with costumed characters and animated entertainment throughout the store that keep children ... Costume Character Part-Time Hourly - Estimated pay range $17.50 - $18.00 depending on ...

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

$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 ...

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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 Jul 12, 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:
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What states have the most Costumed Character jobs? States with the most job openings for Costumed Character jobs include:
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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 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Costumed Character

East County Performing Arts Center

Brentwood, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Do you love kids? Do you have Disney dreams of being a costumed character and bringing fun and joy to everyone around you? We are hiring a special individual who would like to play our Bella Bunny costumed character.

This would be a great job for a teen who is looking for something extra because the hours are not consistent.
Must be 5'7" or taller


Here are some initial date you would need to be available

9/9

9/11-9/22 3:30-6:30
9/15
9/18
9/22
9/23
10/14
10/20
10/21
10/28
11/4
11/14

11/18
11/24
11/25
11/26
12/2
12/9
If you would like to join our team please send apply!

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