WHAT DOES SANTA EARN?

Ever wonder how much being a Santa Claus pays? According to Mitch Allen, partner at HireSanta LLC, a company that places hundreds of Santas throughout the U.S., most typically make $3,000 to $7,000, but it varies based on how much Santa wants to work and the type of work he wants to do. Some can bring in around $15,000 per holiday season.
– Mall and department store Santas make around $30 an hour on average, with the high-end earners making as much as $75 an hour.
– The real money, says one Santa, is working private and corporate events, but you have to be bigger than life and bring something special to the act, more than just walking around saying “Ho ho ho.” (* Maybe bring along a couple o’ ho ho hos?)
– The suit alone could run around $300 to $500, or a custom suit up to $1,200. And a lot of professional Santas have more than one suit, in case some kid pees on your leg (or some party-goer barfs in your lap).
– Many jobs require that you go to Santa school, which could run an additional $250 to $500 in expenses.
* At least the beard can get you a lot of chicks in the off-season.
* HireSanta LLC? I don’t want some corporate flunky for a Santa.
* Mall Santas look a little too miserable to be making $75 an hour.
* Where’s the nearest Santa school? Santa Fe.