Even store Santas are struggling to find a job these days
December 23, 2025 / 2:42 PM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- Job listings for store Santas are down 35% compared to last year.
- Reasons for the decline include employer budget cuts, mall closures, and increased online shopping.
- The median hourly wage for Santa jobs has risen to $25.
- Approximately 70% of Santa job listings now require a real beard, up from 14% three years ago.
- The rise in average wages is attributed to a shrinking labor market and higher qualifications, not necessarily increased pay for all.