Hourly Wage: Santa Claus

One of the more unique jobs out there is working as a Santa Claus. The job requirements include a sizeable tummy, a real beard (fake ones are out) and a convincing “ho-ho-ho.” While it may sound like holiday heresy to mention "Santa" and "salary" in the same breath, you might be surprised to learn that Santas can earn a high hourly wage for bringing joy to little kids and big kids alike.

A beginning Santa can earn an hourly wage of $100, while veteran Santas can earn an average wage of $175 to $200 per hour. The really big pay rate comes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; that's when these Kris Kringles can earn wages of $175 to $200 for their first hour of work, and $100 to $300 for every hour after that.

If a Santa works 40 days during the holiday season, he can ring in the New Year with $8,000 to $10,000 in total wages. The big money is reportedly in private and corporate events, that’s where Santa’s wishes come true. Of course there are some expenses, namely, the red suit, boots and belt which can put Santa out $500 to $1000 bucks. However, earning $10,000 in a little more than month is good money, especially for retirees.

Is your salary a holiday gift or a nightmare?  Find out with our Santa, err, salary calculator.

Little Ears and Eyes: Santa Tracker

While playing Santa is a well-paying gig, there are a few things you might want to think about before putting on the red suit. The truth is, Santas are never actually off the clock. You may be seen by a child while you're out and about, so forget about lighting up a cigarette, taking a drink, or cursing in public; you must also be fast on your feet in case you have to explain to a suspicious child why Santa is eating at McDonalds.

Speaking of kids, they are Santa's biggest blessing and challenge. They may pull on Santa’s beard, cry, scream, sneeze and cough; so Santa needs to have a healthy immune system or a good health insurance plan. Santas must be prepared for everything and anything, that’s why there are Santa training schools, conventions and even an Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas!

Bilingual Santa, Hunky Santa, Cartoon Santa, etc...

Reflecting today's specialized job market, there are specialized Santas. They range from Bilingual Santas to Santas who know sign language; other specialties include Santas who can skateboard, skydive, jet ski, or even parachute down to malls. In Los Angeles, a mall called the Beverly Center features two Santas: Hunky Santa (a muscle-bound Kris Kringle) and a traditional (non-hunky) Santa.

Hunky or not, Santa can bring in big bucks. For shopping malls in the United States, Santa is a key marketing tool to lure shoppers away from retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target. In fact, Santa is one of the few advantages that a mall has over discount retailers which often scrooge on holiday decorations and do not have a Santa. It's not uncommon for a mall to spend thousands building a "North Pole" set for Santa and the elves.

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Santa Inc. has two purposes, bring customers into the mall and generate income from photo packages which run from $15.00 to $40.00. The whole “Santa experience” usually generates about $400,000 in photo sales, of which the photography agency keeps about 75 percent, and the mall pockets 25 percent. However, that profit is taking a bite these days due to cell phones with cameras.

Still, for the Santa who can make $8,000-$10,000 over five to six weeks, it’s a happy holiday. Just remember, Santa has to please a lot of people: kids, parents, the mall and the photo agency. There is no room for Bad Santa behavior (take note, Billy Bob Thornton).

Is your salary a stocking stuffer or a lump of coal? Make your list and check it twice. Also, meet a real life Santa!

Comments

[Carl Larson]

People have told me that I remind them of Santa, and was told to look around for a Job as as one, can you help me?

[KrisKringle1]

I am the head of the ARBS, and I am the happiest Santa in the World. My job is the best in the world and even though I must eat all year to be slightly "larger" than the average size of a man of my age, once December comes I am in the group of the most loved men in the world!!!

Merry Christmas for all the world,

Kris Kringle

[The Real Santa Claus]

I am afraid that KrisKringle1 is incorrect when he says that he is the happpiest santa in the world because that is me!!! I get 2 billion cookies and carrots and also the added glass of Sherry! So Kris Kringle, I AM THE REAL SANTA!!!!!!