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Costumed Character Jobs (NOW HIRING)

United Parks and Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Costume Character Performer Must attend an in-person audition on: 4 pm Thursday, August 27 or 4 pm Thursday, September 10 or 4 pm Thursday, September 24 Please check in at the Busch Gardens HR ...

United Parks & Resorts

Costume Character

Tampa, FL · On-site

$15.50/hr

Perform as a Costume Character, Character Escort and live mic host * Perform in stage offerings, storytimes, meet-and-greets, and special events as assigned * Serve as an expert performer for ...

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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 Sep 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 is a costumed character?

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.

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 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.

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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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Santa Claus - Professional Costume Character

Santa Maria, CA

Shutterfly
See more jobs at Shutterflyexternal

$75/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Shutterfly rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Seeking Real-Bearded Santas to Bring Joy to the Holiday Season! 

Do you have an authentic Santa look, own a professional-quality Santa costume, and a passion for creating magical memories? Join our team as a real beard Santa Claus Costume Character and help create unforgettable experiences for children and families during photography events and seasonal promotions. You'll bring Santa to life through engaging interactions, memorable photo opportunities, and exceptional customer service. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Portray Santa in a professional, engaging, and authentic manner. 
  • Create positive experiences for children and families. 
  • Assist with photography sessions, poses, props, and customer engagement. 
  • Maintain character integrity and professional appearance at all times. 
  • Follow safety, customer interaction, and company guidelines. 
  • Support events, promotions, setup/teardown, and seasonal activities. 
  • Care for costumes, props, and company assets. 
  • Communicate customer concerns or safety issues to leadership. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
  • Own a professional-quality Santa costume that meets company standards. 
  • Natural, real beard required. 
  • Previous customer service, hospitality, childcare, retail, entertainment, or event experience preferred. 
  • Experience working with children and families preferred. 

Skills 

  • Strong customer service and communication skills. 
  • Friendly, professional, and dependable. 
  • Ability to engage positively with children and families. 
  • Team-oriented with good judgment. 
  • Able to maintain character throughout performances. 

Working Conditions 

  • Wear a costume for extended periods. 
  • Stand, walk, bend, and kneel throughout shifts. 
  • Work in a fast-paced studio environment. 
  • Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
  • Minimal local travel. 

Hourly Payrate: $75.00/Hour

This is a seasonal position with ongoing hiring until roles are filled. 

Supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce is important to Shutterfly not only because it directly reflects our value of Embracing our Differences, but also because it’s the right thing to do for our business and for our people. We welcome all applicants and evaluate them based on their qualifications. Learn more about our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on our Career Site. 

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