Six Flags Boosts Wages To $20 For Ride Operators

JACKSON, NJ — With the summer fun season edging even closer and competition for seasonal employees rising, Six Flags Great Adventure is upping the ante in hopes of attracting plenty of workers.

The company will pay ride operators up to $20 per hour during the park's busiest times, Six Flags officials announced Tuesday. Workers in other positions, such as security, lifeguards and landscapers, will be paid $16 to $18 per hour, the company said.

"Most positions will now pay from $15 to $20 per hour, and leadership positions will pay even more. We want to recruit team members who will maintain our high standards of safety and guest service, and it’s crucial that we offer competitive wages to attract and retain these top employees," said John Winkler, park president.

The company typically hires about 4,000 seasonal workers each year, with some positions remaining in place through the Holiday in the Park events at Christmastime.

Employers throughout the area have said they are struggling to fill open jobs, and have offered a variety of incentives to draw in workers. While minimum wage in New Jersey rose to $13 at the start of 2022, many employers are offering more in an attempt to attract help.

While some seasonal businesses in the shore area lean on foreign workers to fill out their ranks, Six Flags Great Adventure and Hurricane Harbor use few foreign students to fill positions.

"We focus on domestic hiring," said Kristin Fitzgerald, park spokeswoman. "International workers make up less than 10 percent of our staff."

Six Flags said it is hiring workers for its rides, food service, retail and lifeguarding in preparation for the April 2 opening of Great Adventure and the May 14 opening of Hurricane Harbor.

The Wild Safari opened Saturday, and park officials said they are still hiring tour guides and gate guards.

Some jobs are open to 14- and 15-year-olds, but the majority of workers must be 16 or older.

The park offers a new application process through text and virtual hiring and training. There are full-time and part-time positions available.

How to Apply:

• Complete a job application at www.sixflagsjobs.com; or
• Text FUN to 732-307-6688; or
• Visit the Six Flags Employment Center in person from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson; the employment center is next to 607 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, about a half-mile west of the main entrance to Six Flags.

Applicants with employment-related questions can email SFGAHREC@sftp.com or call 732-928-2000, ext. 7072700.

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