Santa's pay remains stagnant - but elves get a festive boost

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"Pay rates for seasonal Santas have remained unchanged since last year, once again earning 15.00 per hour at a median, according to figures from Incomes Data Research, monitoring the job market for festive roles. Hourly rates for these positions, found in a variety of settings including garden centres and other retail outlets, tourist attractions, leisure venues, hotels and holiday parks, ranged widely, from 12.21 (equivalent to the National Living Wage) at three employers to 27.59 at a farm park."

"Some organisations operated pay ranges for their Santas for example, the garden centre operator Dobbies offers 17.00 to candidates for whom it is the first time leaving the North Pole' and 20.00 for those with prior experience. Meanwhile, elves saw an improvement in pay; a 7.6 per cent increase on the median rate from 11.60 recorded in 2024 to 12.48. The pay rise for Santa's little helpers even"

The Independent sends journalists to cover major US issues including reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech and relies on donations to fund reporting without paywalls. The outlet presents itself as trusted across the political spectrum and states that quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Seasonal Christmas pay data show disparities: median pay for seasonal Santas remained unchanged at 15.00 per hour, while hourly rates across employers ranged from 12.21 to 27.59. Some employers operate pay ranges — for example Dobbies offers 17.00 for first-time Santas and 20.00 for experienced performers. Elves' median pay rose 7.6% from 11.60 in 2024 to 12.48.

Read at www.independent.co.uk