Charlotte, February 5, 2026
Carowinds is actively searching for over 2,500 seasonal employees as part of its National Hiring Week initiative. Scheduled from February 14 to February 22, the hiring event will take place at the Employment Center in Charlotte. Roles across various departments, including retail, entertainment, and security, are available, with compensation reaching up to $16 per hour. Many positions do not require prior experience, making this a great opportunity for candidates aged 14 and above.
Charlotte
Carowinds Seeks 2,500 Seasonal Employees for 2026 Season During National Hiring Week
Carowinds is actively recruiting more than 2,500 seasonal employees to staff its operations for the upcoming 2026 season. This hiring push is part of a larger National Hiring Week initiative, scheduled to take place from February 14 through February 22. Prospective candidates have the opportunity to apply, undergo interviews, and potentially receive same-day job offers during dedicated events at the Carowinds Employment Center.
The amusement park, situated on the border of North and South Carolina, is looking to fill a wide array of roles across various departments. These include positions in retail, entertainment, emergency services (EMTs), lifeguard duties, ride management, food and beverage services, admissions, park services, and security. Many of these open positions do not require prior experience, making them accessible to a broad range of applicants across the Carolinas.
Hiring Event Details and Compensation
During National Hiring Week, Carowinds will host in-person hiring events daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Employment Center in Charlotte. This streamlined process is designed to expedite hiring, with the goal of extending immediate job offers to qualified candidates.
Compensation for these seasonal roles can reach up to $16 per hour, with specific pay rates varying based on the position and an individual’s experience. For example, EMT positions are listed at $16.50 per hour, and Service Technician I roles offer between $16 and $20 per hour. Many entry-level roles such as Retail Associate, Games Associate, Admissions Associate, Food Service Associate, and Park Services Associate typically start at $12.50 per hour. Starbucks Baristas and HR Assistants are compensated at $14 per hour, while Bartender positions are listed at $10 per hour. Applicants must be at least 14 years old to be considered for employment.
Employee Benefits and Park Operations
Working at Carowinds comes with a variety of benefits designed to enhance the employee experience. These perks include free admission to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark for associates and their friends, along with in-park discounts (10% on food and 20% on merchandise). Employees also benefit from flexible schedules, paid training opportunities, and clear paths for career advancement and promotion. These roles offer valuable real-world experience in a business setting, providing opportunities to develop marketable skills in areas like guest service, food preparation, ride operation, and safety.
The 2026 Carowinds season is scheduled to commence on March 14, welcoming guests for a new year of thrills and entertainment. Following the main park opening, the Carolina Harbor Waterpark will open its gates on May 23.
Broader Hiring Efforts by Six Flags
Carowinds’ extensive hiring initiative is part of a broader effort by its parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. The company aims to fill more than 50,000 positions across its various parks throughout North America during this nationwide National Hiring Week. This significant recruitment drive underscores the seasonal nature of the amusement park industry and its substantial contribution to regional employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many seasonal employees is Carowinds hiring for the 2026 season?
A: Carowinds is actively recruiting more than 2,500 seasonal employees to staff its operations for the upcoming 2026 season.
Q: When is National Hiring Week at Carowinds?
A: National Hiring Week is scheduled to take place from February 14 through February 22.
Q: What types of positions are available at Carowinds?
A: Available positions include retail, entertainment, emergency services (EMTs), lifeguard duties, ride management, food and beverage services, admissions, park services, and security.
Q: What is the hourly pay range for Carowinds seasonal jobs?
A: Compensation for these seasonal roles can reach up to $16 per hour, with specific pay rates varying based on the position and an individual’s experience. For example, EMT positions are listed at $16.50 per hour, and Service Technician I roles offer between $16 and $20 per hour. Many entry-level roles such as Retail Associate, Games Associate, Admissions Associate, Food Service Associate, and Park Services Associate typically start at $12.50 per hour. Starbucks Baristas and HR Assistants are compensated at $14 per hour, while Bartender positions are listed at $10 per hour.
Q: What are the benefits of working at Carowinds?
A: Perks include free admission to Carowinds and Carolina Harbor Waterpark for associates and their friends, along with in-park discounts (10% on food and 20% on merchandise). Employees also benefit from flexible schedules, paid training opportunities, and clear paths for career advancement and promotion.
Q: What is the minimum age requirement to work at Carowinds?
A: Applicants must be at least 14 years old to be considered for employment.
Q: When does the 2026 Carowinds season begin?
A: The 2026 Carowinds season is scheduled to commence on March 14.
Key Features of Carowinds 2026 Seasonal Hiring
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of Hires | More than 2,500 seasonal employees |
| Hiring Period | National Hiring Week (February 14 – February 22) |
| Event Location | Carowinds Employment Center in Charlotte |
| Event Hours | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily during Hiring Week |
| Application Process | Apply, interview, and receive same-day job offers |
| Minimum Age | 14 years old |
| Key Positions | Retail, Entertainment, EMTs, Lifeguard, Ride Management, Food & Beverage, Admissions, Park Services, Security |
| Hourly Pay | Up to $16/hour (varies by role/experience); e.g., EMTs $16.50/hr, Service Tech $16-$20/hr, many roles $12.50/hr |
| Employee Perks | Free park admission for associates and friends, in-park discounts (10% food, 20% merchandise), flexible schedules, paid training, career advancement |
| Park Opening Date (2026) | March 14 |
| Waterpark Opening Date (2026) | Carolina Harbor Waterpark opens May 23 |
| Parent Company Hiring | Six Flags aiming for 50,000+ positions nationwide |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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