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Santa Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Santa Fe R-10

Elementary Education Teacher

Waverly, MO · On-site

$39K - $50K/yr

The Santa Fe R-X School District is accepting applications for the position of a elementary teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. *Coaching opportunities also available.

Santa Fe R-10

High School Science Teacher

Alma, MO

$41K - $52K/yr

The Santa Fe R-X School District is accepting applications for the position of a 7-12 Science teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. We have a 7 period schedule. Classes could include Science 8, ...

Santa Fe R-10

High School Math Teacher

Alma, MO · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

The Santa Fe R-X School District is accepting applications for the position of a 9-12 Math teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. We have a 7 period schedule. Classes include Algebra I, Algebra II, ...

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Santa information

See Missouri salary details

$45

$56

$66

How much do santa jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa in Missouri is $56.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.72 and $62.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Santa do?

A professional Santa Claus plays the role of Santa Claus at the mall or Christmas events. Your responsibilities include interacting with children and having pictures taken with guests. Other duties include wearing the red Santa Claus suit, growing a beard (or wearing a fake one), and convincingly emitting jolly laughter. You typically work long hours during the holidays, with some shifts are as long as 12 hours to save children the cognitive dissonance of witnessing two simultaneous St. Nicholas’s. You work with children and may have to answer difficult or tricky questions about religion or divorce. You maintain the comforting fantasy of Santa Claus for children.

What challenges do Santas face during the holiday season?

One of the main challenges faced by professional Santas is maintaining high energy and a positive demeanor throughout long shifts, often while engaging with excited children and large crowds. Santas must also be prepared to handle a wide range of emotional interactions, from shy or anxious children to those with special needs. Additionally, the role often requires working in warm, heavy costumes for extended periods and adapting to various event environments, from malls to private parties. Effective communication and improvisational skills are crucial for creating memorable experiences and managing unexpected situations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Santa?

To thrive as a Santa, you need strong interpersonal skills, a joyful demeanor, and the ability to engage with children and families, often supported by a background in acting or customer service. Familiarity with scheduling tools, costume care, and sometimes background checks or child safety certifications are typically required. Exceptional patience, improvisational ability, and warmth help Santas create magical experiences and handle a variety of situations. These skills are crucial to ensuring children feel comfortable, maintaining the magic of the season, and delivering memorable interactions.

What is a Santa?

Santas, also known as Santa Clauses, are individuals who dress up as the legendary figure of Santa Claus during the holiday season. They typically appear at malls, holiday events, parties, and parades to spread cheer, pose for photos, and listen to children's Christmas wishes. The role requires a friendly personality, a jolly demeanor, and often a convincing costume, including a red suit and white beard. Being a Santa is about creating magical experiences and joy for both children and adults.

What is the difference between Santa vs Elf?

AspectSantaElf
Required CredentialsNone specific, often festive experienceSimilar, often with craft or toy-making skills
Work EnvironmentPublic events, shopping malls, paradesWorkshop, toy factories, holiday events
Industry UsageHoliday entertainment, charity eventsToy manufacturing, holiday decorations
Common Search/ComparisonSantaElf

Santa is primarily known for appearing at public holiday events, spreading cheer, and engaging with children, often without formal credentials. Elves, on the other hand, are typically involved in toy-making and workshop activities, supporting Santa's mission. While both roles are integral to holiday festivities, Santa's role is more about public appearances, whereas elves focus on production and preparation.

More about Santa jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Santa jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Santa jobs in Missouri are:
What are popular job titles related to Santa jobs in Missouri? For Santa jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Santa jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Santa jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Santa jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Santa job openings:
Santa jobs near you
Infographic showing various Santa job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,250 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

The POLAR EXPRESS(TM) Cast Member - Santa

Branson Scenic Railway

Branson, MO • On-site

$23 - $45/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: The POLAR EXPRESS™ Cast Member - Santa

Division/Department: Branson Scenic Railway/Special Events

Reports To: Special Events, Concessions and Retail Manager 

Type of Position: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Classification: Seasonal

Compensation: $23-$45/hour

Location: Branson, MO

Job Summary: THE POLAR EXPRESS™ is a licensed event through Rail Events Inc. and Warner Brothers Studios. It is a theatrical show based on the movie THE POLAR EXPRESS™ that takes place on a moving train. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Santa is a wise and magical character who spreads Christmas spirit throughout the world and lies at the center of the event. Santa is calm, patient and contemplative; he benevolently interacts with those who truly believe. Santa will greet guests from atop his sleigh and as they return on the train. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Recite scripted lines to guests and pose for photos
  • Perform the role of Santa, engaging the audience with hearty Christmas cheer

Education, Skill and Work Experience:

  • Prior experience in acting is strongly preferred
  • Ability to convincingly emulate the Santa Claus from The POLAR EXPRESS™

Work Environment:

  • Able to work nights, weekends and holidays required
  • Willing to work in cold, snowy or otherwise inclement winter weather
  • Able to work in unsteady, uneven spaces aboard a moving train
  • Able to walk in inclement and/or wintry weather and in low-light/nighttime environments

Apply