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Parade Floats Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entertainment Technician

San Antonio, TX ยท On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Drive parade floats as needed during parade operating seasons * Perform daily inspections of all scenic elements, lighting systems and special effects * Repair and correct any issues quickly and ...

Maintain the parade floats, props, and systems. * Drive in the seasonal parades. * Setup, Rehearse, and Run shows in conjunction with the entertainment department; this includes live and recorded ...

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Drive parade floats when necessary * Consistently demonstrates courteous and professional behavior in all work aspects with all ambassadors and guests. * Maintains a professional appearance that ...

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

Drive parade floats when necessary * Consistently demonstrates courteous and professional behavior in all work aspects with all ambassadors and guests. * Maintains a professional appearance that ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Norfolk, VA

$24.25 - $31/hr

... parade floats, setting up and dismantling, transporting barricades, hanging banners, blocking off parking lots, setting up power, sound systems and podiums, painting, plastering and constructing ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$41K - $68K/yr

... parade floats, setting up and dismantling, transporting barricades, hanging banners, blocking off parking lots, setting up power, sound systems and podiums, painting, plastering and constructing ...

Valid driver's license to operate parade floats required * Must have availability that meets the business needs of the position * High level of guest hospitality skills, interpersonal skills and the ...

Valid driver's license to operate parade floats required * Minimum of one (1) complete season or equivalent as a performer or equivalent external experience * No significant performance deficiencies ...

Seasonal Carpenter/Float Fabricator

Moonachie, NJ ยท On-site

$22.64 - $39.67/hr

Job Overview The Seasonal Float Fabricator contributes to the construction of floats, props, and other scenic elements for Macy's iconic events, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Spring Flower ...

Job Overview The Seasonal Float Fabricator contributes to the construction of floats, props, and other scenic elements for Macy's iconic events, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Spring Flower ...

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Parade Floats information

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$14

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How much do parade floats jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for parade floats in the United States is $25.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Parade Float Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Parade Float Designer, you need strong skills in artistic design, structural engineering, and project management, often supported by a background in fine arts, design, or related fields. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, woodworking tools, and safety regulations is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are soft skills that set exceptional float designers apart. These abilities ensure floats are visually impressive, structurally sound, and safely executed for successful parade presentations.

What is the difference between Parade Floats vs Float Builders?

AspectParade FloatsFloat Builders
CredentialsDesign experience, artistic skillsConstruction skills, carpentry certifications
Work EnvironmentParade routes, outdoor eventsWorkshop, construction sites
Industry UsageEvent planning, entertainmentConstruction, fabrication

Parade floats are decorative vehicles designed for parades, focusing on artistic design and parade-specific features. Float builders are professionals who construct and assemble these floats, often with carpentry and fabrication skills. While parade float designers focus on aesthetics, float builders handle the physical construction. Both roles are essential in creating parade floats, but they differ in their primary responsibilities and work environments.

What are parade floats?

Parade floats are specially decorated platforms, usually built on the chassis of a vehicle or trailer, that are designed to be driven or pulled through the streets during parades. They are often elaborately adorned with flowers, sculptures, and themed decorations to represent organizations, holidays, or cultural events. Parade floats are used to entertain audiences, promote businesses and causes, and add visual excitement and creativity to parades. Their design and construction often involve artists, engineers, and volunteers working together.

What are some common challenges faced when working on a parade float team?

Working on a parade float team often involves tight deadlines, especially leading up to major events or holidays. Coordinating with designers, builders, and volunteers requires strong communication and flexibility, as last-minute changes to artistic elements or logistics are common. Additionally, working conditions can vary, including outdoor environments and extended hours during the final assembly and parade days. However, the collaborative spirit and the satisfaction of seeing your work showcased to the public make the challenges rewarding.
Infographic showing various Parade Floats job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,986 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

Float Driver (18 yrs+) Seasonal - SeaWorld San Diego

Seaworldentertainment

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

This is a seasonal role. Hours may vary based on business need.
This seasonal role is to assist for the Summer Season at SeaWorld

Shifts typically 2.75 hours in the evening time.


What you get to do:

  • Safely operate and maneuver float vehicles weighing up to 16,500lbs.
  • Responsible for the safe driving of parade floats along parade route as well as into and out of storage.
  • Perform start of day of checks on parade floats as well as maintain logging on vehicle and technical element performance.
  • Duties include, but are not limited to, towing of other float units; driving backstage and onstage; loading and unloading of characters; and assisting with props and Technical Systems readiness.
  • Adhere to all safety guidelines, procedures, and pre-determined routes and cues.
  • Assists in the startup and preparation of all floats including but not limited to cleaning, effect preparation, set props.
  • Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment
  • Operate technical equipment such as on-board show control, communications, Audio, Lighting, Video and Special Effects. Including operation of theatrical effects and float to music.
  • Consistently demonstrates courteous and professional behavior in all work aspects with all ambassadors and guests.
  • Maintains a professional appearance that meets grooming standards
  • Perform and complete assigned tasks from management as needed
  • Consistently practice safe work habits including the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), lifting, and reporting unsafe situations


What it takes to succeed:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Ability to lift and move 50 pounds required.
  • Strong written/verbal communication skills; able to read, write and speak English
  • Positive attitude, team player; multi-tasking skills, collaboration skills
  • Be willing to comply with all company grooming guidelines and employment standards.
  • Ability to successfully complete all legal, company and department training requirements to include but not limited to passing required tests and certifications within established timelines
  • Must have a valid state driver's license with no major infractions and the ability to obtain a company parks driver's permit.
  • Experience operating heavy machinery (forklifts, man lifts, pickup trucks, box trucks) strongly preferred.
  • Must be able to react quickly to both audio and visual directions.
  • Must be comfortable working in tight spaces and in close proximity to other people.
  • Must be comfortable utilizing all required PPE including but not limited to dual ear over the ear hearing protection.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and work for prolonged periods of time in extreme weather conditions.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, overnights and holidays
  • 6 months theater or live show experience in an operational capacity preferred.

Compensation: 17.75 USD Hourly

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.