Last Updated: April 25, 2026
How to Apply at Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Quick Answer: Apply online through the Ripley Entertainment careers page by browsing open positions at your preferred attraction and submitting a digital application.
About Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is a global entertainment brand known for its museums of oddities, aquariums, wax museums, and other unique attractions. Ripley Entertainment operates more than 100 attractions in 10 countries, with major locations in tourist hotspots such as Orlando, New York City, Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, and Niagara Falls. The company employs thousands of team members in roles spanning guest services, aquarium operations, retail, ticketing, and attraction management.
Ripley's traces its history back to Robert Ripley, a cartoonist and explorer who traveled the world documenting extraordinary feats, unusual customs, and unbelievable natural phenomena. Today, the brand encompasses Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditoriums, Ripley's Aquariums, Ripley's Wax Museums, Ripley's Mirror Mazes, and other specialty attractions. Major Ripley's Aquariums in Toronto, Myrtle Beach, and Gatlinburg are among the most visited aquariums in their respective regions. The company's attractions are typically located in high-traffic tourist areas, creating a fast-paced, guest-focused work environment. Ripley's offers a distinctive workplace experience where team members are surrounded by the world's most fascinating oddities and marine life every day.
How to Apply at Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Ripley's Believe It or Not! uses an online careers portal to manage hiring across its many attractions. The application process is quick and accessible from any device.
Step 1: Visit the Ripley Entertainment Careers Page
Go to the Ripley Entertainment website and navigate to the careers or jobs section.
Step 2: Search for Open Positions
Browse available roles by attraction type (museum, aquarium, wax museum) and location.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Fill in your contact information, availability, experience, and any relevant skills. The application typically takes about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Wait for a Response
Hiring managers at individual attractions review applications and reach out to qualified candidates, usually within one to two weeks.
Step 5: Attend an Interview
Interviews are held on-site at the attraction and are typically informal, lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
Ripley's attractions in high-tourism areas often have rolling hiring needs due to seasonal fluctuations in visitor volume. Applying before peak tourist seasons such as spring break, summer, and the holiday period gives you the best chance of being hired quickly. Some locations also host walk-in hiring days where candidates can apply, interview, and receive offers in a single visit. For Ripley's Aquarium positions, the hiring process may be more specialized, with additional steps for aquarist and animal care roles including skills assessments and reference verification from previous zoological employers. Management positions typically involve multiple interview rounds with both the attraction manager and regional leadership.
Available Positions and Pay
Ripley's offers positions across its diverse portfolio of attractions, with roles suited to entry-level workers, animal care professionals, and experienced managers. Pay varies by location and attraction type.
| Position | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Guest Services Associate | $11 – $14/hr |
| Aquarist | $15 – $22/hr |
| Ticket Sales Representative | $11 – $14/hr |
| Retail Associate | $11 – $13/hr |
| Attraction Attendant | $11 – $14/hr |
| Assistant Manager | $35,000 – $48,000/yr |
Requirements and Qualifications
Most entry-level positions at Ripley's require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Some locations may hire 16 and 17-year-olds for select roles. Aquarist positions require education or hands-on experience in marine biology, aquarium science, or a related field. No prior experience is needed for guest services, retail, and ticketing roles. Candidates should be comfortable interacting with a diverse public in a tourist-heavy environment. Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and evenings is expected, as most attractions operate seven days a week.
Ripley's Aquarium positions, particularly aquarists and marine biologists, require specialized education in marine science, biology, or a related discipline, along with dive certifications and hands-on animal care experience. Exhibit maintenance staff should be comfortable working with delicate artifacts and unusual display items. Retail and ticketing roles require cash handling skills and the ability to process transactions quickly during busy periods. Wax museum attendants must be attentive and observant, as protecting the exhibits from guest contact is a key responsibility. All Ripley's team members are expected to be knowledgeable about the exhibits and able to answer guest questions about the unique items on display, making curiosity and strong communication skills essential.
Benefits and Perks
Ripley's team members enjoy free admission to Ripley's attractions, employee discounts on merchandise and food, and a unique work environment surrounded by the world's most unusual exhibits. Eligible employees receive health insurance, dental and vision coverage, a retirement savings plan, and paid time off. The company also offers employee recognition programs and opportunities for advancement across its global network of attractions.
Working at Ripley's provides a truly one-of-a-kind workplace experience. Team members interact daily with extraordinary exhibits, from shrunken heads and medieval torture devices to live marine animals and wax replicas of celebrities. Many employees cite the constant variety and surprise of their work environment as a major reason they enjoy their jobs. The company also offers cross-training opportunities that allow team members to work in different areas of the attraction, developing a broader skill set. For those interested in the tourism and attractions industry, Ripley's provides valuable experience in guest relations, exhibit management, and attraction operations that translates well to other entertainment and hospitality employers.
Interview Tips
Ripley's interviews are casual and focus on your personality, customer service skills, and genuine interest in the brand. Be prepared to discuss why you want to work at Ripley's and what makes the brand unique. Showing knowledge of the specific attraction where you are applying, whether it is the Odditorium, aquarium, or wax museum, will impress the interviewer. Dress neatly, be punctual, and bring a positive, curious attitude. Highlight any experience working in tourism, hospitality, or customer-facing roles.
When interviewing at Ripley's, show genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for the unusual and extraordinary. Interviewers appreciate candidates who have visited a Ripley's attraction and can speak to what makes the experience special. For aquarium positions, discuss your marine science background in detail, including specific species you have cared for, water quality parameters you have monitored, and any conservation projects you have been involved in. For guest-facing roles at the Odditorium or wax museum, emphasize your storytelling ability and comfort engaging with tourists from around the world. Ripley's values team members who bring a sense of wonder and excitement to their work and who can share that passion with every guest they encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions job seekers have about working at Ripley's Believe It or Not!.
What types of attractions does Ripley's operate?
Ripley's operates museums of oddities (Odditoriums), aquariums, wax museums, mirror mazes, mini golf courses, and other unique entertainment attractions.
How old do you have to be to work at Ripley's?
Most positions require applicants to be 18 years old, though some locations may hire younger workers for select roles.
Does Ripley's hire seasonally?
Yes, locations in tourist-heavy areas often hire additional staff for summer, spring break, and the holiday season.
Do employees get free admission to Ripley's attractions?
Yes, team members typically receive complimentary entry to Ripley's attractions and may also receive guest passes.
Is experience in tourism required?
No, prior tourism experience is not required for most entry-level positions. Training is provided on the job.
Can I work at Ripley's part-time?
Yes, part-time positions are available at most locations, with flexible scheduling to accommodate other commitments.
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