Our employees are the face of our industry.  Well-trained and professional workers are essential to ensure our visitors a fun, safe and friendly experience.  To that end, we invest heavily in training and recruiting and believe that these investments pay off. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to recruit workers who are willing to travel for up to 6-10 months at a time. For that reason, the industry relies on a combination of American workers and foreign workers through the H2B visa program.

All carnival and fair workers are subject to criminal background checks and drug and alcohol screening.  They must be willing to work in all weather conditions and must be physically able to lift weight.  In addition, they are required to meet certain grooming standards. And of course, they must pass an I-9 screening and be willing to pay taxes.

In return, our workers are compensated at a US Department of Labor-approved prevailing wages, plus housing and transportation. The H-2B program also requires employers to cover the costs of visas and travel to and from their home country. Workers are provided uniforms and are subject to rigorous training programs to ensure that they have the skills and competencies necessary to operate rides and other equipment, service food operations and run games and concession stands.

Our industry enjoys an over 70% return rate on foreign workers. In many instances, our returning guest workers have become part of the “family” atmosphere in the mobile amusement industry and participate in recreational outings, sporting events, and other employee activities provided by the show owner.

Learn about the H-2B Visa Program & the Amusement Industry

Donate to the H-2B Fund

If you are interested in donating to the OABA's H-2B fund, please visit the H-2B donations page.