Ride Operator
Become the Person Who Says “Enjoy Your Ride!” at America’s Roller Coast
Imagine starting every shift with the roar of a roller coaster launching over Lake Erie and the screams of thrilled guests echoing across the boardwalk. As a Ride Operator at Cedar Point, a Six Flags Park, you won’t just work at an amusement park — you’ll work at the amusement park, home to some of the tallest, fastest and most legendary coasters on the planet. This is the Work & Travel USA summer that your friends will still be asking you about years from now.
What You’ll Be Doing
Ride Operators are the heartbeat of the park. You’ll be trained and certified on one or more attractions, and your day will include:
- Operating ride control panels safely and confidently, following strict Six Flags safety procedures
- Checking restraints, harnesses and lap bars to make sure every guest is secure before dispatch
- Grouping and loading guests efficiently to keep lines moving and wait times low
- Making clear, friendly announcements on the microphone (yes, you get to be the voice of the ride!)
- Measuring guests for height requirements and explaining rider safety rules
- Keeping the ride platform, queue line and station area clean and welcoming
- Answering guest questions about the park, show times and directions with a smile
- Working as part of a rotating team, moving between positions throughout your shift
Position Snapshot
- Employer: Cedar Point, a Six Flags Park
- Position: Ride Operator
- Location: Sandusky, Ohio
- Business type: Rides & Attractions
- Pay rate: $15.00 per hour
- Scheduled hours: approximately 32 hours per week (overtime often available during peak season)
- Season: Summer to Fall
- Tips: No tipped income — your earnings come from a solid, reliable hourly wage
Why Sandusky, Ohio?
Cedar Point sits on a narrow peninsula surrounded on three sides by Lake Erie, which means your “office” comes with a private beach, sunsets over the water and a mile-long boardwalk. Sandusky is a classic American lakeside resort town: friendly locals, ice cream stands, waterfront restaurants and ferries to the Lake Erie Islands (Put-in-Bay is a legendary day trip for international students).
You’re also perfectly placed for weekend travel. Cleveland is about an hour away with its Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and lakefront skyline, Toledo and Columbus are within easy reach, and Detroit, Chicago, Niagara Falls and even Toronto are all doable road trips with your new international friends.
Perks & Benefits
- $15/hour from day one, with paid training
- Free admission to Cedar Point and other Six Flags parks — ride the coasters on your days off
- Free access to Cedar Point Shores Waterpark and the park’s private beach
- On-site or nearby employee housing designed for seasonal and international staff
- Employee discounts on food, merchandise and games in the park
- Exclusive associate events: ride nights, park parties, beach barbecues and sports tournaments
- An international community of thousands of seasonal employees from dozens of countries
- Real, resume-worthy experience in safety operations, guest service and teamwork
- Possible end-of-season bonus and rehire invitations for returning students
What We’re Looking For
- University student aged 18–25 with a valid J-1 Work & Travel visa and program sponsorship
- Conversational to good English — you’ll speak with guests and use a microphone daily
- A safety-first mindset: attention to detail matters when thousands of guests trust you
- Ability to stand, walk and work outdoors for long periods, in sun, heat, wind or rain
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays
- Friendly, energetic and reliable — you’ll be the face of the park
- Ability to commit to the full Summer to Fall season (great news: fall means HalloWeekends, the park’s biggest and most fun event of the year!)
- No previous experience required — full paid training and ride certification provided
Ready to Launch Your American Summer?
Every year, students from around the world choose Cedar Point for one reason: it’s the ultimate mix of earning money, improving English and living an unforgettable American adventure. Spots on the most popular attractions fill up fast, so apply early and get ready to press the green button on the summer of your life.
Apply now for the Ride Operator position at Cedar Point and secure your Work & Travel USA placement in Sandusky, Ohio!
About Ohio
Ohio's Sandusky is home to Cedar Point, one of the world's top roller-coaster parks on Lake Erie. Students find lots of work at the amusement park, resorts and restaurants in a fun, fast-paced setting.
