1

Santa Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

... Santa Clara, Ca-San Francisco, Ca-Downey, Ca-Irvine, Ca-Anaheim, Ca-Riverside, Ca-Richmond, Ca-Walnut Creek-Santa Rosa, Ca-Moreno Valley, Ca-Santa Rosa, Ca-Modesto North Star Healthcare has an ...

... Santa Clara, Ca-San Francisco, Ca-Downey, Ca-Irvine, Ca-Anaheim, Ca-Riverside, Ca-Richmond, Ca-Walnut Creek-Santa Rosa, Ca-Moreno Valley, Ca-Santa Rosa, Ca-Modesto North Star Healthcare has an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Santa information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$50

$63

$74

How much do santa jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa in Modesto, CA is $63.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57.07 and $69.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Santa jobs in Modesto, CA?

For Santa jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Santa jobs in Modesto, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Santa jobs in Modesto, CA are:

What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Santa jobs?

Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Santa job openings:

Infographic showing various Santa job openings in Modesto, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $131,875 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

RISE New Grad Mentorship Program - Santa Fe Pet Hospital Associate Veterinarian

Merced, CA • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

RISE New Grad Job Ad - Santa Fe Pet Hospital
The RISE Mentorship Program is a year-long immersive experience designed to support new veterinary graduates as they transition from an academic setting and into the "real world" of clinical practice. RISE Centers pair new graduate veterinarians with experienced mentors to provide hands-on learning, real-time case management, and professional development. Participants also join a nationwide cohort of peers, building a supportive network that lasts well beyond the program.
Who is this program for?
  • New veterinary graduates who are eager to practice high-quality medicine and grow their clinical skills in a supportive, real-world setting.
  • Candidates interested in working in General Practice (GP), Emergency (ER), or Mixed Animal Practices, depending on location availability.

What does this program offer?
  • Full-Time employment in a RISE Center with hands-on mentorship, while slowly transitioning to independently managing a caseload.
  • Dual Mentorship Model: On-site support from a "home hospital" mentor and centralized guidance from the national mentorship team.
  • Competitive Compensation: Salary tailored to the specific hospital and regions budget.

Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:
  • Full-time employee benefits
  • Competitive Sign-on bonus
  • Relocation assistance available
  • Ask about our training assistance bonus
  • CE reimbursement allowance and paid PTO days for CE events

Where will this take place?
  • Nationwide! We have hospitals across the country to meet your geographical preferences.

When does this program start?
  • We have flexibility for you to start when it works best for you!

Center Details:
  • Santa Fe Pet Hospital has been giving families and their adorable pets first-rate veterinary care since 1977. We are a full-service hospital and offer a range of quality veterinary services to help keep your cat or dog in optimal health, such as routine exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, and more.
  • We have a wonderful, supportive team and look forward to welcoming a new Veterinarian!
  • The base salary starts at $140,000 annually, with pro-sal opportunities available.

Why PetVet?
Our RISE program is designed to help early-career professionals take the first step in their veterinary journey-with opportunities to build hands-on experience, deepen their knowledge, and be part of a team that truly cares. Participants also gain exposure to our growing continuing education (CE) program, supporting long-term growth and development across clinical and leadership pathways.
At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care - for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals, including 1700+ veterinarians, we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.
Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy, empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.
You care for pets. We care for you.
PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V
PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.