Ride Maintenance Question

I have no clue of what a ride mechanic makes. I would think it would depend on what you know and can do and where you are living. I think Jeff's guess is probably pretty close.

I wouldn't consider myself a tech, just a dude who assembles coaster trains. Not much differant then any other job building cars or trucks or TV sets. I have days that fly by and others I can't wait to go home an hour after I got there. It's not much differant then building cars, trucks or TV sets. Only there aren't forums for those things where people think it would be so cool. Although you do get cool reactions when you tell people you build roller coaster trains just because it is somthing not many people can say they do.

...and no one else can say they build the BEST coaster trains....you RULE, Dan! :)

Now just get some tighter lapbar return springs...LOL! ;)

Seaworld, Legoland, and SD Coaster Co. (Belmont Park) all start at $17-19/hr. Senior staff can get up to the $25/hr range, but that takes a fair amount of time to get there. Have no idea what Disney pays, but Knotts is in the same ballpark as the others.

From what I learned working at Kennywood, you don't need any experience because everything about the rides you will be maintaining will be taught on site. When I used to work on the TurnPike/Garfield's Nightmare crew I even asked if you needed any schooling and they said no. I even thought of transferring to that department of the park at one time. I think you start off around $8 at Kennywood though - I'm sure you'd get more with more experience.

Here's another option, move to Ohio and work for Baynum Painting, spend all of your day climbing/painting coasters all over the country:

http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050808/BIZ/508080334/1001

It depends on what area of maintenance you want to be in, too. General mechanical maintenance (greasing, etc.) isn't as skilled and can be taught on site. The pay would be less in the long run. Someone who does computer programming or electrical work would need some sort of experience, and would be compensated for it.

Some of it depends on location, too. Disney and Kennywood pay almost exactly the same (from what I'm told) but it's a lot cheaper to live in Pittsburgh. Take that in to account, too.

Where's my cash?

*** Edited 8/11/2005 3:09:17 AM UTC by kpjb***