How To Become A Ride Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a ride operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Ride operators ensure the safety of the public when they go for rides in amusement parks. They ensure that riders have fastened their seat belts, bars, and other safety devices. They help riders board rides, make sure that they have explained safety procedures to them, and operate the equipment that starts and stops the rides. They also collect tickets, restrict the maximum number of people on rides, and ensure children are eligible for rides based on age and height.

Ride operators might be required to attend some training programs provided by their employers before they can operate rides. Sometimes they may even be expected to have technical skills such as engineering expertise. They are always expected to have customer service skills, to have a good understanding of safety procedures, to pay attention to safety, to have a positive attitude, and to be polite. They are also expected to have device maintenance expertise, communication skills, and teamwork skills.

On average, ride operators earn $27,717 per year, which translates to $10.44 per hour. Generally speaking, they can earn anywhere between $16,000 and $29,000 each year. This job does not require a college degree: Having a high school diploma or GED is enough. However, someone with expertise in some engineering capacity might be preferred.

ScoreRide OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.6

Avg. Salary $33,398

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

8.7

Growth Rate 17%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 5.66%

Black or African American 9.11%

Hispanic or Latino 19.10%

Unknown 5.24%

White 60.42%

Gender

female 45.35%

male 54.65%

Age - 27

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 27

Stress Level

8.7

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

1.9

Complexity Level is simple

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

10.0

Work Life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

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Key steps to become a ride operator

Explore ride operator education requirements

Most common ride operator degrees

High School Diploma

47.9 %

Bachelor's

25.1 %

Associate

15.4 %

Start to develop specific ride operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Safety Procedures	19.39%
Customer Service	18.36%
Emergency Situations	9.03%
Guest Service	7.37%
Safety Regulations	5.29%

Research ride operator duties and responsibilities

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Check the quality of snow and the consistency for what are required for the trails as the machines run.
Inventory -Ran cash register with POS system, snack bar and lazer tag -Opening and closing duties -stock food and supplies

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