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Scare Actor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open ...

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open ...

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open ...

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Scare Actor information

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How much do scare actor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for scare actor in the United States is $11.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.89 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Scare Actor job?

A Scare Actor is a performer who entertains guests by portraying frightening characters in haunted attractions, theme parks, or immersive experiences. Their role involves using body language, vocal effects, and special effects to create scares while maintaining safety. Scare Actors may work in haunted houses, scare zones, or interactive horror events. The job requires energy, improvisation skills, and the ability to stay in character for extended periods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Scare Actor position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scare Actor, you need strong performance ability, improvisational skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work well in dark or confined spaces; previous acting or theatrical experience is often preferred. Use of basic makeup, costume management, and sometimes simple animatronic props or sound systems is common, but typically no formal certifications are required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and quick-thinking are soft skills that help set exceptional Scare Actors apart. These qualities are crucial for creating immersive guest experiences while ensuring safety and smooth attraction operations.

What does a scare actor do?

A scare actor is a performer who portrays frightening characters or monsters in haunted houses, theme parks, or Halloween events. They use costumes, makeup, and acting skills to scare or entertain visitors, often working in dark or themed environments and following safety protocols. The role typically requires physical stamina and the ability to stay in character for extended periods.

What are the typical work hours and environment like for a Scare Actor?

Scare Actors often work during evenings, weekends, and seasonally—especially around Halloween and for special events—since most haunted attractions operate outside standard business hours. The work environment usually involves indoor or outdoor haunted houses, theme parks, or temporary attractions, where you'll perform in low-light or foggy conditions and may be required to maintain high energy through multiple showings each night. Teams are typically collaborative, with fellow actors, makeup artists, and managers working together to deliver a cohesive experience. Be prepared for peak periods with higher guest volumes, as these can be physically and mentally demanding. Regular breaks and safety protocols are standard to help ensure both performer and guest well-being.

More about Scare Actor jobs
What cities are hiring for Scare Actor jobs? Cities with the most Scare Actor job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scare Actor jobs? The most popular types of Scare Actor jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Scare Actor jobs? The top employers for Scare Actor jobs are:
What states have the most Scare Actor jobs? States with the most job openings for Scare Actor jobs include:
Infographic showing various Scare Actor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $23,631 per year, or $11.4 per hour.

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Come join the screams and be a part of our Howl-O-Scream 2026 Scare Acting team! We are looking for fresh blood, so if you want to be part of the haunt, now is the time! Howl-O-Scream Season is open September through November 2026, get in NOW!
Schedule your audition time! June 5th and 6th audition dates will be dedicated to our Scare Actor returners and starting June 12th, all invited to audition! Auditions will take place most Friday and Saturdays through August. More details provided upon scheduling.

What you get to do:

  • Performing as characters to startle and scare guests at Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream
  • Consistently performing multiple scares repetitively throughout the night of the event (some scare positions may involve strenuous physical activity).
  • Being responsible for clocking in and out at the beginning and end of assigned shifts.
  • Taking and implementing direction from persons of authority.
  • Maintaining a tidy and safe work area.
  • Working well with a diverse group of co-workers.
  • Performers are expected to supply their own black pants, black socks, black shoes, and black shirt.

What it takes to succeed:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must be available to work potentially between 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM on rehearsal and event nights
  • Must be available majority of event nights. Availability will be one factor used in determining employment offer and/or role placement.
  • Many, but not all positions, require wearing makeup (provided by BGT). Some positions require wearing a costume mask, helmet, wig, or hat (provided by BGT).
  • Costumes for characters will be provided by BGT and will remain the property of BGT.
  • Must be able to perform assigned character for up to 2 hours at a time. Performance may include standing, walking, or other strenuous physical activity.
  • Perform the following physical activities on a frequent basis: stand, walk, climb, bend floor-to-waist/waist-to-overhead and reach overhead, simple grasp, and fine manipulation task.
  • Work both indoors and outdoors, exposed to a variety of weather conditions.
  • Position may be exposed to heat/cold temperature extremes, chemical, fumes/dust/odor, atmospheric lighting/strobe lighting/dim lighting
  • Based on needs and availability, some positions may not work every night of the event.

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.