For most if not all of the faire performers, compensation comes in the form of freebies and discounts. Be prepared to give up weekends for at least two months to work at a large faire. The faire organizers depend on the reliability of their performers and employees. Remember that there are many others willing to take your place. Look for paid employment as a faire employee.
Jobs involving custodial, maintenance and gate work are available.
Paid employment can also be found with one of the vendors or merchants attending the faire. Know that permanent faire employment is difficult to obtain. If you want to travel the Renaissance circuit, join a performance group that travels with the faire or obtain permanent employment with a faire merchant. Consider the seasonal nature of Renaissance faires. Although faires are held in the sunbelt during the fall and winter, most occur in the spring and summer months only, so year-round employment is not guaranteed.