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Disney Characters Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Casting Associate

Burbank, CA

$65.60K - $84.80K/yr

Casting Associate Req ID: 10150723 Walt Disney Animation Studios combines artistry and storytelling with cutting-edge technology to bring wonderful new characters to the big screen for audiences ...

New

Sr. Graphic Designer

Kissimmee, FL · On-site

$101.40K - $106.40K/yr

Work with great key partners within Disney and the respected IPs from Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm ... Ability to illustrate and stylize characters a plus * Hand lettering/custom typography * Ability to ...

Sr. Graphic Designer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$101.40K - $106.40K/yr

Work with great key partners within Disney and the respected IPs from Disney, Pixar, Lucasfilm ... Ability to illustrate and stylize characters a plus * Hand lettering/custom typography * Ability to ...

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Disney Characters information

See salary details

$24.5K

$49K

$71.5K

How much do disney characters jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for disney characters in the United States is $48,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $53,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Disney Character Performer, you need strong acting skills, physical stamina, and dance or movement ability, typically supported by performance or theater experience. Familiarity with audition processes, costuming, and sometimes knowledge of choreography or puppetry are commonly required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and the ability to stay in character under pressure make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure magical guest experiences, uphold Disney's brand standards, and enable performers to handle the physical and emotional demands of the job.

What are some unique challenges performers face when portraying Disney Characters in theme parks?

Performers portraying Disney Characters in theme parks often face challenges such as maintaining character integrity for extended periods, even in hot and crowded environments. They must master non-verbal communication and exaggerated body language, as many roles require wearing full costumes or masks that limit visibility and movement. Additionally, performers collaborate closely with handlers and entertainment staff to ensure guest safety and create magical experiences. Balancing stamina, improvisation, and guest interaction is key to success in this dynamic role.

What are Disney Characters?

Disney Characters are fictional personalities created by The Walt Disney Company for its movies, television shows, theme parks, and merchandise. These characters range from classic icons like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck to modern favorites such as Elsa from Frozen and Moana. They often embody unique traits, stories, and values that appeal to audiences of all ages. Disney Characters are featured in various forms of entertainment and are central figures in Disney theme parks, where performers bring them to life for guests. Their enduring popularity has made them cultural icons recognized around the world.

What is the difference between Disney Characters vs Costume Characters?

AspectDisney CharactersCostume Characters
Required CredentialsNone specific, but often require acting or performance skillsCostume handling, performance, sometimes basic acting skills
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, movies, promotional eventsTheme parks, events, parties
Industry UsageEntertainment, media, merchandiseEntertainment, hospitality, events
Common Search/ComparisonDisney CharactersCostume Characters

Disney Characters typically refer to the animated or movie personas created by Disney, often requiring acting or performance skills for live appearances. Costume Characters are performers who wear costumes to portray these characters at events or theme parks. While both roles involve representing Disney characters, Disney Characters focus on the character's personality and story, whereas Costume Characters emphasize costume handling and live performance. Both roles are essential in Disney-themed entertainment environments.

What cities are hiring for Disney Characters jobs? Cities with the most Disney Characters job openings:
What states have the most Disney Characters jobs? States with the most job openings for Disney Characters jobs include:
Infographic showing various Disney Characters job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,986 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Character Artist (Project Hire)

Character Artist (Project Hire)

The Walt Disney Company

Kissimmee, FL • On-site

$72K - $96.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 47 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Character Artist (Project Hire)

Req ID:

10150861

Job Description:

Role Summary

The Character Artist role is responsible for producing high-quality character artwork for two-dimensional product applications. This role supports established art styles, brand guidelines, and storytelling standards across assigned franchises and product categories. The Artist works on defined assignments with moderate supervision and guidance, applies developing technical expertise, and focuses on building proficiency, consistency, and creative judgment while meeting quality, timeline, and brand requirements.

This role is a 12-Month Project Hire position. This role has the opportunity to be based in Orlando, FL or Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do:
  • Execute character artwork for approved product applications, style guides, and presentations in alignment with established creative direction and brand standards
  • Apply fundamental principles of character art, illustration, and Disney storytelling to assigned projects
  • Support larger creative initiatives by contributing artwork under the direction of senior artists and managers
  • Revise artwork based on clear feedback from managers, senior artists, and cross-functional partners
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Graphic Design, Product Design, Packaging, and Production to ensure artwork readiness for product execution
  • Manage individual assignments to meet timelines and quality expectations within defined project scopes
  • Continue developing technical and artistic skills through exposure to different properties, tools, and creative approaches
Basic Qualifications and Skills:
  • 1 year of hands-on experience in character art, illustration, graphic design, or merchandise-related artwork
  • Foundational understanding of character illustration, cartooning principles, and visual storytelling
  • Demonstrated ability to execute artwork both traditionally and digitally
  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
  • Strong attention to detail, openness to feedback, and a collaborative mindset
  • Ability to manage assigned tasks and deadlines with guidance and direction

Preferred Skills:

  • Licensed Character Art with Licensed IPs such as Disney Characters or other licensed Character properties
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Illustration, Graphic Design, Animation, or a related field

Additional Information:

  • Application must include a portfolio showcasing designs of design and fashion projects. Please share or disable any passwords for efficient review of portfolios.

Our Benefits: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

#LI-REQ

#DXMedia

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#LI-Onsite

The hiring range for this position in Orlando, FL is $68,600 to $91,900 per year and in Glendale, CA $72,000 to $96,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

NA - Global Creative

Job Posting Primary Business:

NA - Global Creative

Primary Job Posting Category:

Product Artist

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Kissimmee, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-05-14

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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