Santa Claus Worker Earns Millions After One Month
- David Saunders, a 51-year-old firefighter from the United States, supplements his income by working as a professional Santa Claus, earning approximately $35,000 during the Christmas season adn planning...
- David Saunders, a 51-year-old firefighter with over 31 years of service, discovered a lucrative seasonal occupation: portraying Santa Claus.
- He expressed a genuine joy in bringing happiness to others, stating, "I like to make people happy.
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Firefighter Trades Helmet for Hat: American Earns $35,000 as a Professional Santa Claus
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David Saunders, a 51-year-old firefighter from the United States, supplements his income by working as a professional Santa Claus, earning approximately $35,000 during the Christmas season adn planning for full-time retirement into the role.
Published December 14, 2023. updated December 14, 2023.
The Unexpected Side Hustle
David Saunders, a 51-year-old firefighter with over 31 years of service, discovered a lucrative seasonal occupation: portraying Santa Claus. Reports from NBC News on December 13, 2023, detail how Saunders earns around $35,000 (approximately 1.1 million Thai Baht) in just one month of work.
Saunders’ motivation extends beyond financial gain. He expressed a genuine joy in bringing happiness to others, stating, “I like to make people happy. And I am happy every time I see other people’s smiles.”
(as reported by NBC News).
A Busy Season for a Busy Santa
Saunders isn’t just appearing at local malls. He averages approximately 150 Santa appearances annually, encompassing a diverse range of engagements. These include private events,commercial filming,and even roles in major motion pictures. Notably,he contributed to Lionsgate’s christmas-themed films during the 2023 holiday season.
The demand for professional Santas is meaningful, particularly in the weeks leading up to Christmas. According to Salary.com, the average salary for a Santa Claus in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the types of events booked.
Planning for a Full-Time Transition
Saunders is actively planning for early retirement from his firefighting career to dedicate himself fully to the role of Santa claus. This decision reflects both the financial viability of his seasonal work and his personal fulfillment in the position.
The trend of professional Santas is growing,fueled by the desire for authentic and memorable holiday experiences. organizations like the Real Santa provide training and networking opportunities for professional Santas,emphasizing the importance of character growth,storytelling,and creating a magical atmosphere.