When we first moved to Las Vegas, a trip to The Strip would occasionally include bumping into some form of street performing Elvi (the plural for Elvis, I believe) or showgirl.  You see them downtown as well. You get your picture taken with them, and then give ‘em a tip as thanks. 

Have you ever wondered how much these folks make?

Me, too.

The local Fox news station did a short story on street performers — about how they’ve gone from Elvis and showgirls to KISS’ Gene Simmons, Storm Troupers, Spiderman, and Austin Powers.  The gist of the piece was that some street vendors who sell a product are angry that the street performers don’t have to go through the same permit and licensing requirements as they do.  It’s an interesting debate, but what REALLY got my attention is how much a street performer can make.

According to “Gene”, he makes between $75 to $400 a day sticking a fake tongue in his mouth and posing for pictures.  For a five-day-a-week, fifty-weeks-a-year gig, that averages to $59,375.  But what REALLY REALLY got my attention is what the Storm Trouper makes.

The reported wrapped up the piece by saying that she heard the Storm Trouper “can make seven to eight hundred dollars. . .just amazing!”

What?!?!  $700-$800 a day?!?!?

Yep, go out and buy a Storm Trouper costume, and prepare yourself to make as much as $200,000 a year.

Which begs the question:

Do They Have Storm Trouper Costume in XL?

May the source (of revenue) be with you.

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