When you think of a part-time job for teens, you probably think of a burger flipper at a fast-food restaurant, or a cashier at a retail chain. The reality of today is that new and innovative companies and businesses are being started and can help add a little enjoyment into what would otherwise be monotonous work. One of these innovations is the relatively recent rise of the trampoline park, a place to graduate to from bounce houses but still feel mature.
You have probably already been to a park near you, so you know the atmosphere. Loud music, bright colors, and lots of jumping people. Most people enjoy the experience of visiting a park, but have you ever thought of working in one? Interestingly enough, many trampoline parks hire teens as young as 16, and pay above minimum wage salaries, all with special benefits that only employees can enjoy.
What It Takes to Work at a Trampoline Park
Here’s what I found out from talking to a Manager and three employees from Freefall Trampoline Park.
I spoke with Lukas Sotil, a Manager at the park, about what requirements teens would need to get hired. The main thing he emphasized was that they needed “people people,” meaning that employees must be able to deal with customers in a friendly, welcoming manner. This is important, as many entry level jobs entail rule enforcement within the trampoline park. Because of this, employees must also be enforcers, who will uphold the guidelines and keep the patrons safe.
The most intriguing part of the whole offer is the salary. Entry level jobs (enforcers and front desk cashiers) can make a very nice eight dollars per hour. It gets better: if you stay with the trampoline park for long enough, you could be promoted to a Ride Manager, or someone who operates the attractions like mechanical bulls and automated obstacle courses. This promotion also increases your hourly paycheck to $8.75. If you get advanced to Shift Manager, who is essentially in charge of the rotation of other employees, a financial award awaits you as well.
After I talked with the Manager, I spoke with three other employees of Freefall. The first was a 16 year-old boy named Will. I asked him why he chose to work at Freefall as opposed to other, more traditional part-time jobs. His response was, “I chose here because it was the easiest job I looked at, and the most fun.” His favorite part of his job is running the rides, as well as the perk employees get. During the week, he and a friend can jump for free.
I interviewed a Shift Manager by the name of Kelsey as well. She is 20, so she is technically not a teen, but I wanted to get the opinion of someone who has the top paying position available. She chose to work at the park because she found the experience fun, and liked the hands-on interaction with visitors. She also told me that the only real benefit of her position was the raise (a pretty decent benefit if you ask me).
My last interviewee was a teen who was working the front desk as I entered. Her name is Zamiyah, and she is 17. The main reason she works for Freefall is because, “It’s a unique and different atmosphere working here.” She also told me that the job was very easy and fun, two things that will appeal to many teens who are not incredibly inclined to work. As Will mentioned above, Zamiyah also mentioned the free jump perk all employees enjoy.
Final Thoughts About Working at a Trampoline Park
Working at a trampoline park may be an unorthodox way of finding a job as a teen, but for anyone who finds the traditional options boring, isn’t satisfied with their paycheck, or is just looking to squeeze in a little fun in their work, the option is a great alternative. Everyone I spoke to seemed happy and contented in their workplace, which is really all you can ask for as a teen.
A trampoline park is, at its core, just a place for patrons to enjoy themselves and relax. I believe this atmosphere carries over into the workplace and the employees, which is hard to find in today’s job market. And hey, you might become a hero for saving a kid from breaking his neck on a trampoline, too.
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Oh GOD! I’m in that place where I feel like I’m banging my head against the wall.
Your post give me a idea for making money.
My nephew is looking for a part time job and this is a great article for him. I will recommend him to read it. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Larry. Joe is doing a great job!