Six Flags Set To Pay Workers $15 Per Hour For 2021 Season

JACKSON, NJ — Six Flags announced it is beginning its hiring for the 2021 season and will be paying many employees $15 per hour, a $4 raise over previous years, when Great Adventure, the Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor open in the coming weeks.

A virtual hiring fair is set for Saturday for positions at the three parks, Six Flags officials said. The Wild Safari is scheduled to open March 20, with reservations opening March 9. Great Adventure is set to open March 27 with reservations opening March 16, and Hurricane Harbor is set for a May 15 opening, with reservations starting May 4.

“Many positions will now pay $15 per hour, which is a $4 per hour increase, and leadership positions will pay even more,” Park President John Winkler said. “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.”

“This wage increase is a demonstration of our commitment to being the employer of choice for central New Jersey,” he said.

The announcement comes as debate grows about increasing the minimum wage to $15 nationally.

Some positions will start at $15 per hour, while others will offer additional earning potential during certain shifts. The most significant wage increases will impact food and beverage operations, custodial services, security, shuttle drivers, and lifeguards.

The parks hire anyone from age 14 on up, park officials said.

“It’s a common misconception that we employ mostly teens. We offer incredible growth opportunities for all ages in careers from A to Z, aquatics to zoology,” said Brad McClain, the human resources director. “Teachers and second-wage earners enjoy our flexibility. Our ‘young at heart’ program for those aged 65 and up has been a staple for decades.”

The virtual hiring fair is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and those interested should fill out the online application at www.sixflagsjobs.com. All interviews and training will be done virtually. Access the job fair at www.mysfga.com/jobs.

The 2021 season will bring the opening of the Jersey Devil Coaster, which is 13 stories tall and reaches speeds of 58 mph. Read more: Jersey Devil Coaster's Final Track Put In Place At Six Flags

The safari continues to be a drive-thru experience, with custom audio streaming during the 4.5-mile drive. Most animals are free-roaming and can walk right up to the guests’ vehicles. The 350-acre wildlife preserve will debut a plethora of baby animals, including bison calves, Asian water buffalo, and kangaroo joeys. The park will expand its Academic Adventures educational series with the introduction of Cyber Safari, a new, online animal education program.

Attendance at the parks remains limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, though capacities are expanding as Gov. Phil Murphy increases occupancy in response to easing levels of transmission and the decrease in hospitalizations.

Click here to get Patch email notifications, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email karen.wall@patch.com Follow Brick Patch on Facebook.