tour guide average salary

Tour guide salary

The average wage for a tour guide in the United States is around $11.32 per hour.

Tour guides earn an average hourly wage of $ 11.32 . Salaries typically start from $ 9.87 per hour and go up to $ 16.54 per hour .

60 % below national average ● Updated in 2018

Tour guide earnings by seniority

Top-level tour guide earnings begin at :.

$ 16.54 per hour

$ 34,403 per year

Senior-level tour guide earnings begin at :

$ 13.33 per hour

$ 27,729 per year

Mid-level tour guide earnings begin at :

$ 11.32 per hour

$ 23,536 per year

Junior-level tour guide earnings begin at :

$ 10.31 per hour

$ 21,441 per year

Starting level tour guide earnings begin at :

$ 9.87 per hour

$ 20,520 per year

Approximate values based on highest and lowest earning segments.

Tour guide salary by state

How do tour guide salaries compare to similar careers.

Tour guides earn about the same as related careers in the United States. On average, they make less than recreation workers but more than receptionists.

Source: CareerExplorer (Aggregated)

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Tour Guide Salary in The United States

The average Tour Guide Salary in The United States is $33,600 per year . Salaries range from $26,900 to $58,700 . The average Tour Guide Hourly Wage is $10.50 per hour . Hourly wages range from $8.40 to $19.43 . Salaries and wages depend on multiple factors including geographic location, experience, seniority, industry, education etc.

What is the Average Annual Salary of Tour Guide in The United States ?

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• United States

$35,558 (USD)/yr

$17.10 (usd) /hr, $508 (usd) /yr.

The average tour guide gross salary in United States is $35,558 or an equivalent hourly rate of $17. In addition, they earn an average bonus of $508. Salary estimates based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in United States. An entry level tour guide (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of $27,565. On the other end, a senior level tour guide (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $42,034.

Data powered by ERI's Salary Expert Database .

This page is a promotion for SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform and is not intended for professional use.

Professionals should subscribe to SalaryExpert’s Assessor Platform .

ERI’s compensation data are based on salary surveys conducted and researched by ERI. Cost of labor data in the Assessor Series are based on actual housing sales data from commercially available sources, plus rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, etc.

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$39,941 (USD)

Based on our compensation data, the estimated salary potential for Tour Guide will increase 12 % over 5 years.

This chart displays the highest level of education for: Tour Guide , the majority at 96% with high schools.

the United States

Cost of living is calculated based on accumulating the cost of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and miscellaneous.

The United States of America (USA or U.S.A.), commonly known as the United States (US or U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal union of 50 states, which also includes its federal capital district of Washington, D.C., and 326 Indian reservations. The 48 contiguous states are bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The State of Alaska is non-contiguous and lies to the northwest, while the State of Hawaii is an archipelago in the Pacific...

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What is a tour guide and how to become one

A tour guide takes visitors on guided tours at historical or culturally relevant sites, sharing interesting information and entertaining insights. They are expected to be experts on the area's historical background and culture. Tour guides undertake research and plan tours, provide sightseeing advice, and organize excursions. They transport and accompany their guests to the tourist spots. Language skills and experience in the service industry can be useful. Tour guides entertain guests, provide excellent customer service, and ensure they have a memorable experience. They handle promotion of the business through online channels and use multilingual skills to communicate with a diverse clientele. Tour guides also monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with regulations and safety practices.

How long does it takes to become a tour guide?

It typically takes 2-3 years to become a tour guide:

• Year 1: Obtaining an associate degree in a relevant field, such as travel, hospitality, or history.
• Year 2-3: Accumulating the necessary work experience, such as leading tours, providing information, and ensuring customer satisfaction.

On-site training may last less than a month, while on-the-job training can take 1-3 months.

Avg. Salary $32,323

Avg. Salary $59,228

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66 %

Asian 9.95 %

Black or African American 6.56 %

Hispanic or Latino 10.50 %

Unknown 5.35 %

White 66.99 %

female 53.16 %

male 46.84 %

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00 %

Asian 7.00 %

Black or African American 14.00 %

Hispanic or Latino 19.00 %

White 57.00 %

female 47.00 %

male 53.00 %

Stress level is manageable

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life balance is good

Tour Guide career paths

Tour guides can move on to become teachers, consultants, or managers. They may also become owners or co-owners of their own businesses. Some tour guides go on to become tutors, instructors, or team leaders. Others advance to roles like operations manager, service manager, or executive assistant.

Key steps to become a tour guide

Explore tour guide education requirements.

The educational requirements for a tour guide are varied, but most commonly include a high school diploma, certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree. According to the data, 0.2182% of tour guides have a high school diploma, 0.0774% have a certificate, 0.3248% have an associate's degree, and 0.3003% have a bachelor's degree. Some tour guides may pursue certification programs such as First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor, Travel and Tourism Professional, or Certified tour guide/Director. Popular majors for aspiring tour guides include Business, Communication, Psychology, History, and English.

According to the data, top schools for tour guide education include Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, Boston University, and New York University. Tour guides who specialize in a specific area, such as history or nature, may choose to pursue a degree in that field. However, many tour guides learn on the job and gain experience through internships or entry-level positions.

Most common tour guide degrees

Bachelor's

High School Diploma

Start to develop specific tour guide skills

Tour guides use their memorization and recitation skills to provide informative tours. They also ensure the safety of visitors, often requiring specialized training like wilderness first aid and CPR certification. In addition to sharing knowledge, they also handle tasks like front desk operations, application processing, and customer service.

Complete relevant tour guide training and internships

Gain additional tour guide certifications.

Tour guide certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific tour guide certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for tour guides include First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor and Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP).

Research tour guide duties and responsibilities

Tour guides provide informative and engaging experiences for visitors. They lead tours, answer questions, and ensure the safety of their guests. They also often handle administrative tasks, such as booking reservations and processing inventory.

• Manage the canoe landing including guests, workers, and canoe traffic in a way that all run smoothly and safely.
• Aid clients with matters regarding passports and visas.
• Receive multiple positive reviews on the company Facebook page.
• Complete extensive training as well as first aid, CPR and a certification.

Prepare your tour guide resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tour guide resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tour guide resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Tour Guide Resume templates

Apply for tour guide jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a tour guide job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

• Browse job boards for relevant postings
• Consult your professional network
• Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
• Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Tour Guide Job

Are you a Tour Guide?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average tour guide salary

The average Tour Guide salary in the United States is $32,323 per year or $16 per hour. Tour guide salaries range between $18,000 and $55,000 per year.

What Am I Worth?

How do tour guides rate their job?

Tour guide faqs, what are careers in tourism, what are careers in travel and tourism, search for tour guide jobs.

Updated June 25, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Tour Guide Related Careers

• Art Museum Aide
• Campus Tour Guide
• Driver/Guide
• Escort Service Attendant
• Fishing Guide
• Hunting Guide
• Mountain Guide
• Museum Attendant
• Museum Guide
• Outdoor Guide
• River Guide

Tour Guide Related Jobs

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• Campus Tour Guide Jobs
• Docent Jobs
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• Escort Jobs
• Escort Service Attendant Jobs
• Fishing Guide Jobs
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• Museum Attendant Jobs
• Museum Guide Jobs
• Outdoor Guide Jobs
• River Guide Jobs

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Bang for Your Buck: 6 Best Vacations To Take on an Average Salary

U ndoubtedly, vacationing, even in the U.S., is extraordinarily expensive . For a person on an average salary, it can feel nearly impossible.

I’m a Travel Agent: 7 Costliest Mistakes People Make When Planning Vacations

Find Out: What To Do If You Owe Back Taxes to the IRS

At GOBankingRates, we asked travel experts nationwide to give their best-kept secrets for middle-class travelers. Here are our experts’ 6 best vacations to take on an average salary.

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North Carolina’s Crystal Coast

Abby Price is the CEO and co-founder of Trekking Price’s Travel Blog , a couples travel and outdoor adventure blog. She said, “One of the best places to take a vacation on an average salary is to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. This includes destinations like Emerald Isle, Morehead City, Beaufort and Atlantic Beach.”

The travel expert, who has been to over 30 states, explained, “Like most places in the South, the Crystal Coast is known for its exceptional hospitality and delicious southern cuisine mixed with fresh and local seafood dishes.”

She continued, “Plus, the beaches and the ocean views are breathtaking any time of year. A visit to the Crystal Coast is perfect for those with an average salary because the accommodation options aren’t too expensive compared to other big-name beaches like the Outer Banks or Charleston.”

Price concluded, “Overall, the Crystal Coast is one of the best vacations to take on an average salary in the United States because it’s affordable, the locals are welcoming, the food is delicious, and the beaches are perfect for relaxing by the shore.”

Related: 11 Expensive Vacation Destinations That Will Be Cheaper in 2024

Southern Utah/Northern Arizona

Sasha Lezhnev, founder of Off the Beaten Travel , a website for hidden travel gems, suggested travelers on an average salary visit Southern Utah or Northern Arizona. He explained, “Flights are cheap to Las Vegas, then rent a car and drive to Page, Arizona, where Airbnbs, hotels and campsites are also affordable.”

Lezhnev, who has just finished 2 years of full-time travel across 43 states, continued, “There are 5 amazing national parks in this area, which are all free if you get an annual national park pass ($80 for the year): Zion, Bryce, the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest and Capitol Reef.”

He said, “My top recs for this area include kayaking the Colorado River at Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon X and Coal Mine Canyon — all hidden gems and all affordable.”

Lezhnev also recommended New Mexico as an option for people traveling with an average salary. He stated, “Flights to Albuquerque are affordable, as is accommodation.”

He added, “There are several amazing cheap/free places to see in the area: Bandelier National Monument, Petroglyph National Monument, hiking in/around Ghost Ranch, Taos Pueblo (which is phenomenal), walking all around Santa Fe, and White Sands National Park.”

Hans Mast, a travel advisor with Golden Rule Travel , said people should look into Colorado during the low season. “This means spring — after ski snow season is past, but before [the] summer travel rush starts.” 

He added, “This also means fall — after everyone’s back in school, but before the fall leaves rush. I’ve been thrilled to get gorgeous 4-star and 5-star condos and resorts for pennies on the dollar during these times.”

Florida’s Gulf Coast

Mast, who has flown nearly a million miles and been to around 60 countries, suggested Florida’s Gulf Coast, particularly during hurricane season.

According to Monroe County, FL, the “Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30 of each year. Historically, the most active time for hurricane development is mid-August through mid-October.”

Mast said, “One of our favorite and most affordable family vacations was to the Ft. Myers area in the fall when it was starting to get cold at home but before the huge influx of snowbirds on Jan. 10th or so (according to our local guides).”

He scored “an amazing deal on an Airbnb with a large pool for our huge extended family, and (the) beaches were totally deserted. Yes, we had many cloudy days and lots of sudden rain showers, but that’s all still very pleasant for a beach vacation, in my opinion. It does not come close to outweighing the lack of crowds, traffic, and exorbitant peak season costs.”

Waco, Texas

“If you have the slightest bit of interest in the HGTV craze with Chip and Joanna Gaines at the forefront,” added Mast, “Waco, Texas is a great, under-the-radar destination that’s extremely affordable and offers a ton to do.”

He explained, “My wife is a big Joanna Gaines fan, but I was pleasantly surprised how much I and my two-year-old daughter enjoyed the whole Silos complex.” 

He continued, “And eating at Magnolia Table, about 10 minutes away, was absolutely delicious and a great atmosphere. All the food was extremely affordable, and we stayed at (a) nice 3-star hotel within a few minute’s drive for an extremely reasonable price. An unexpected bonus was we came during peak Blue Bonnet season (late March to early May) and saw stunning fields of breathtaking wildflowers. 

“Finally, we drove the hour up to the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center,” he said, “which has an incredible self-drive African safari. This was my third visit, and I was very happy to be taking my daughter, who loves zebras and giraffes. Feeding the giraffes from our hands through the car windows was a highlight.”

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : Bang for Your Buck: 6 Best Vacations To Take on an Average Salary

Tour Guide Salary in Los Angeles, California

Tour guide salary in los angeles, ca.

How much does a Tour Guide make in Los Angeles, CA? The average Tour Guide salary in Los Angeles, CA is $74,856 as of July 29, 2024, but the salary range typically falls between $64,902 and $84,932 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education , certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

AEG - Inglewood, CA

Tasting Room/ Tour Guide

Castello di Amorosa - Calistoga, CA

Sales Tour Guide

Wyndham Destinations - Indio, CA

Trolley Driver / Tour Guide- San Diego

Historic Tours of America, Inc. - San Diego, CA

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What is a Tour Guide ?

A tour guide (U.S.) or a tourist guide (European) is a person who provides assistance, information on cultural, historical and contemporary heritage to people on organized tours and individual clients at educational establishments, religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest, attractions sites....

Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/17/2019). Read more from Wikipedia

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• Tasting Room/ Tour Guide Castello di Amorosa - Calistoga, CA Job Type. Full-time, Part-time. Description. The Tour and Tasting personnel are responsible for presenting tastings of the Castello di Amorosa wines and co... - 7 Days Ago
• Sales Tour Guide Wyndham Destinations - Indio, CA We Put the World on Vacation. At Travel + Leisure Co., our mission is simple: to put the world on vacation. Our Vacation Ownership business line includes C... - 7 Days Ago
• Trolley Driver / Tour Guide- San Diego Historic Tours of America, Inc. - San Diego, CA Trolley Driver / Tour Guide- San Diego in San Diego, CA at Historic Tours of America, Inc **Location. Experience. Not Specified **Job Description. JOIN OUR... - 3 Days Ago
• Tour Guide Wyndham Destinations - Windsor, CA We Put the World on Vacation. At Travel + Leisure Co., our mission is simple: to put the world on vacation. Our Vacation Ownership business line includes C... - 7 Days Ago

Career Path for this job

1 - 3 years experience High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

Up a level:

Travel coordinator.

3 - 5 years experience High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

What does a Tour Guide do?

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About Los Angeles, California

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About Los Angeles, California     Los Angeles (/lɔːs ˈændʒələs/ (listen);[a] Spanish: Los Ángeles), officially the City of Los Angeles and often known by its initials L.A., is the most.... More

Los Angeles, California   area prices were up 3.2% from a year ago

Tour Guide Salary in popular cities: San Diego ,  San Jose ,  San Francisco

Recently searched related titles: Corporate Travel Agent , Travel Associate , Travel Counselor

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