Lifeguard
Watch over swimmers and respond fast to prevent drownings.
- $33,580
- 1–2 weeks
Hospitality, Food & Tourism career
Amusement Park Attendant
Also called: Ride Operator · Attractions Attendant · Recreation Attendant · Park Crew Member
What amusement park attendants do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an amusement park attendant do?
Amusement and recreation attendants perform a variety of attending duties at amusement or recreation facilities, including operating rides and collecting fees. The median pay is $32,150 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few days of training, and employment is projected to grow +3.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$32,150$15.46/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year100,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationNo formal educational credentialBLS classification
- Time to trainA few days of trainingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs408,400Employment, 2025
What amusement park attendants do
Park attendants keep guests safe and having fun. They operate rides, check height requirements and restraints, run games, rent equipment, collect fees and help guests at parks, pools, golf courses and fun centers.
No formal education is required, and training is short. BLS projects about average growth.
Typical duties
- Operate rides
- Check restraints
- Check height requirements
- Run games
- Rent equipment
- Collect fees
- Help guests
Work environment and schedule
Attendants work outdoors at parks and indoors at fun centers.
Schedule: Seasonal, with weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Ride inspection checklist.
- Test cycles.
- Open the ride.
- Rotate to the game booth.
See a full day in the life of an amusement park attendant →
Amusement Park Attendant salary
Half of amusement park attendants earned more than $32,150 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $22,350 for the lowest 10% to $42,490 for the top 10%.
Full amusement park attendant pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an amusement park attendant
- Apply for seasonal jobs
- Complete training
- Work rides and games
- Become a lead
- Advance
No formal educational credential is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an amusement park attendant →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Ride operation
- Restraint checks
- Safety procedures
- Cash handling
- Guest service
People skills
- Friendliness
- Alertness
- Responsibility
- Teamwork
All amusement park attendant skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fun environment
- First job friendly
- Seasonal flexibility
- Park perks
Cons
- Heat and weather
- Seasonal
- Low pay
- Long days on your feet
Certifications and licenses
- Ride operator training: Park training.
- CPR and first aid: Helpful.
- Lifeguard certification: For water parks.
- Guest service training: Helpful.
Career path
- Attendant: Entry.
- Lead: Lead.
- Area Supervisor: Supervise.
- Operations Manager: Manage.
Learn the job before day one
Our Amusement Park Attendant training (6 hours, $59.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as check ride restraints every cycle and handle a ride stop, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Usher
Take tickets, guide guests to seats and keep events running smoothly.
- $32,910
- A few hours to days
Recreation Manager
Run parks, community centers and recreation programs.
- $79,520
- Degree plus experience
Tour Guide
Lead travelers through cities, sites and outdoor adventures.
- $38,120
- 1–3 months
Compare: Amusement Park Attendant vs. Lifeguard · Amusement Park Attendant vs. Usher · Amusement Park Attendant vs. Recreation Manager · Amusement Park Attendant vs. Tour Guide
Amusement Park Attendant FAQ
Is the job seasonal?
Often, especially at outdoor parks.
Do I need experience?
No.
Is ride safety training provided?
Yes.
How much does an amusement park attendant make?
The median annual wage for amusement park attendants was $32,150 ($15.46 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $22,350 and the highest 10% earned more than $42,490.
How long does it take to become an amusement park attendant?
Most people need about A few days of training of training. No formal educational credential is required.
Do you need a degree to be an amusement park attendant?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “no formal educational credential” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More amusement park attendant questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-3091 (Amusement and recreation attendants).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Amusement and recreation attendants (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.