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Ride Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville

Ride Operator

Sevierville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Attractions Ride Operator you will be responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions in our park. This will include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned ...

SkyLand Ranch

Ride Operator

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Attractions Ride Operator you will be responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions in our park. This will include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned ...

SkyLand Ranch

Ride Operator

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Ride Operator you are responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions to include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned areas. Our park will be open year-round ...

Rowdy's Smoky Mtn. SnowPark

Ride Operator

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Ride Operator you are responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions to include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned areas. Our park will be open year-round ...

Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

Ride Operator

Pigeon Forge, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Attractions Ride Operator you will be responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions in our park. This will include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned ...

SkyLand Ranch

Ride Operator

Sevierville, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an Attractions Ride Operator you will be responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions in our park. This will include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned ...

ANAKEESTA

Ride Operator

Gatlinburg, TN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This exhilarating ride offers a thrill at every turn before enjoying a scenic uphill ride to the top of Anakeesta Mountain. Guests seeking even more thrills can hop on Anakeesta's all-new, heart ...

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All JobsRide Operator JobsRide Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Ride Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$7

$12

$15

How much do ride operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for ride operator in Tennessee is $12.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.24 and $13.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a ride operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Ride Operator, you need attention to safety, situational awareness, and basic mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with ride control panels, safety procedures, and occasionally CPR or first aid certification is typically required. Strong communication, customer service skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help Ride Operators stand out. These skills ensure guest safety, efficient ride operation, and a positive experience for park visitors.

Is it hard to become a ride operator?

Becoming a ride operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training to learn safety procedures and equipment operation. The job often involves physical activity and working in a fast-paced environment, but it generally does not require extensive prior experience or specialized certifications.

What is a ride operator?

Ride operators are amusement park or fair employees responsible for safely operating rides and attractions. Their duties include checking safety restraints, giving instructions to guests, monitoring ride operation, and ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. Ride operators also assist guests with boarding and exiting rides and may be responsible for basic troubleshooting or reporting mechanical issues. Their primary goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for all visitors.

What are some common challenges faced by ride operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Ride Operators often face challenges such as handling large crowds, ensuring passenger safety, and responding quickly to unexpected situations like ride malfunctions or guest concerns. Effective management involves staying attentive at all times, following strict safety protocols, and maintaining clear communication with both guests and fellow team members. Regular training sessions and support from supervisors help operators stay prepared and confident in addressing these challenges, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What does a ride operator do?

As a ride operator, your job is to operate rides at an amusement park, ensure the safety of guests, and assist with special events or initiatives. As a ride operator, you typically clean rides before, during, and after the day's activities, provide verbal instructions to guests, move between rides as needed, and remain focused on the job despite constant noise and other distractions. This job is sometimes seasonal, but many amusement parks are open year-round and have permanent ride operators on staff. Shifts for seasonal parks are often variable and may change from week to week to account for different amounts of guest traffic. Ride operators frequently walk, crouch, crawl, jog, lift heavy objects, and use aural and visual acuity to observe equipment and guests.

What is the difference between Ride Operator vs Amusement Park Attendant?

AspectRide OperatorAmusement Park Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety and customer service training
Work EnvironmentOperate rides, ensure safety, monitor guestsAssist guests, manage queues, provide information
Employer & Industry UsageAmusement parks, theme parksAmusement parks, fairs, carnivals

Ride Operators and Amusement Park Attendants both work in amusement settings, focusing on guest safety and experience. Ride Operators primarily operate rides and ensure safety protocols, while Amusement Park Attendants assist guests, manage queues, and provide customer service. Both roles require safety training and are essential for a smooth park operation.

How much do you get paid to be a ride operator?

Ride operators typically earn minimum wage or slightly above, with pay rates ranging from around $10 to $15 per hour depending on location and experience. Some amusement parks may offer additional benefits or overtime pay for longer shifts.
More about Ride Operator jobs

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Cities in Tennessee with the most Ride Operator job openings:

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For Ride Operator jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Ride Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ride Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $25,477 per year, or $12.2 per hour.

Ride Operator

SkyLand Ranch in Sevierville

Sevierville, TN • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description:

We’re building our team!!

Skyland Ranch is now open, and We Want You!


Come be a team member of the most fun attraction in the Smokies! Sevier county’s newest attraction includes a chair lift, the area’s longest mountain coaster, food, shopping, mini-animals and more!


As an Attractions Ride Operator you will be responsible for all aspects of one or more assigned attractions in our park. This will include safety, customer service, and cleanliness within assigned areas. Must be very outgoing, interactive, and enjoy making guest's smile!

Our park will be open year-round so we have positions that will fit your needs! Whether you are looking for a new career, extra hours, change of pace, or summer job we have something for you!

  • Full Time, Part Time, Seasonal
  • Day Shift, Mid-shift, Evening Shift
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance options for Full Time Team Members
  • Great Pay including bonus and incentive programs
  • Paid weekly
  • Opportunity for professional growth and advancement
  • Perfect for College Students looking to earn money during the Summer and School Breaks!
  • Great way for Teachers to stay busy during down times or get a break from the classroom!
  • PTO Program
  • 401(k) with 5% company match

Skyland Ranch is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Requirements:


  • Operate ride controls/control panels in all weather conditions.
  • Verbally communicate and enforce Safety rules.
  • Steady Guests while entering/exiting ride vehicles during evacuations.
  • Inspect safety equipment prior to use including riding the attraction if required.
  • React calmly and quickly in stressful/emergency situations and physically assist Guests throughout the ride/attraction as required.
  • Visually observe Guest actions during ride operations to prevent safety hazards.
  • Visually ensure Guests are not adjusting safety equipment and observe actions while on ride/attraction.
  • Complete safety paperwork on a daily basis as required.
  • Complete opening and closing procedures as required.
  • Initiate friendly interaction with Guests.
  • Keep ride/attraction area clean.
  • Work varying hours and at different areas when needed.
  • Properly train to follow all centralized measuring guidelines.
  • Understand and follow all safety standards for rides to include reporting any violation of standards.