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Salary

How much does a Tour Guide make?

The average salary for a Tour Guide is $55,284 per year in the US.

A Tour Guide can earn a good income. The average yearly salary for a Tour Guide is about $55,284. This number can change based on many things like location, experience, and the company hiring. Some Tour Guides make less while others make more.


Tour Guides can earn different amounts depending on where they work. Those in popular tourist spots often make more. Here are some salary ranges:

  • 25% of Tour Guides earn less than $23,482.
  • 50% earn less than $43,758.
  • 75% earn less than $64,034.
  • 90% earn less than $104,586.
  • 100% earn less than $135,000.
These numbers show that many Tour Guides have the chance to earn a solid salary.

View Tour Guide jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Tour Guide?

Tour Guide jobs offer exciting opportunities, and some cities pay more than others. Atlanta, Georgia, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, lead the way with some of the highest average salaries for tour guides. These cities provide not only good pay but also vibrant cultures and plenty of attractions, making them attractive for both guides and visitors.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Tour Guide jobs, highlighting Atlanta, GA with the highest at $93,846 and Salt Lake City, UT with the lowest at $66,036.
  1. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $93,846
    In Atlanta, a tour guide can explore the rich history and culture of this vibrant city. From the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park to the Georgia Aquarium, there's a lot to show visitors. Companies like Atlanta Tours & Tickets offer plenty of opportunities.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Atlanta, GA


  2. Virginia Beach, VA
    Average Salary: $92,231
    In Virginia Beach, a guide can highlight beautiful beaches and historic landmarks. This coastal city offers tours of the Virginia Aquarium and the historic Cape Henry Lighthouse. Adventure Tours of Virginia Beach is a well-known company in the area.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Virginia Beach, VA


  3. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $86,208
    Baton Rouge offers a mix of culture and nature for tour guides. Highlights include the Old State Capitol and the Louisiana Art & Science Museum. Guide Louisiana offers many tours and experiences for guests to enjoy.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Baton Rouge, LA


  4. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $77,489
    New Orleans is a city of vibrant music and rich history. A tour guide can explore French Quarter, the Frenchmen Street, and the historic cemeteries. Companies like Crescent City Tours provide diverse and engaging experiences for tourists.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in New Orleans, LA


  5. Corpus Christi, TX
    Average Salary: $71,846
    Corpus Christi offers a mix of coastal and historical attractions. Highlights include the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum. Visitors can explore the city's beautiful beaches and historic sites with Texas Adventure Tours.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Corpus Christi, TX


  6. Laredo, TX
    Average Salary: $71,792
    In Laredo, a guide can show visitors the cultural blend of Texas and Mexico. Key sites include the San Agustin Cathedral and the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum. Laredo Tours offers exciting tours for tourists.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Laredo, TX


  7. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $70,763
    Chicago is a city with many famous landmarks. A tour guide can explore Millennium Park, the Willis Tower, and the Art Institute. Companies like Chicago City Tours provide a variety of tours for visitors.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Baltimore, MD
    Average Salary: $66,565
    Baltimore offers a mix of history and modern attractions. A tour guide can show the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and the Inner Harbor. Baltimore City Tours offers many exciting tours for tourists.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Baltimore, MD


  9. Orlando, FL
    Average Salary: $66,551
    Orlando is known for its theme parks and entertainment. A tour guide can explore Disney World, Universal Studios, and the Kennedy Space Center. Companies like Orlando City Tours offer a wide range of tours for visitors.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Orlando, FL


  10. Salt Lake City, UT
    Average Salary: $66,036
    Salt Lake City offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural sites. Highlights include Temple Square, Utah State Capitol, and the Great Salt Lake. Salt Lake City Tours offers many tours for visitors to explore.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Salt Lake City, UT

What are the best companies a Tour Guide can work for?

Tour Guide jobs offer many opportunities to share stories and culture, and some companies provide higher pay. American Ghost Walks leads with an average salary of $111,538, offering exciting work in a unique field. US Ghost Adventures follows closely with an average of $89,119, making these companies top choices for those seeking both rewarding experiences and strong compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Tour Guide jobs, highlighting American Ghost Walks with the highest at $111,538 and Kualoa Ranch Hawaii, Inc. with the lowest at $46,500.
  1. American Ghost Walks
    Average Salary: $111,538
    American Ghost Walks offers exciting Tour Guide positions with high pay. They operate in cities across the USA, focusing on ghost tours. Their tours attract many visitors, making the job engaging and dynamic.


  2. US Ghost Adventures
    Average Salary: $89,119
    US Ghost Adventures provides well-paying Tour Guide jobs. They offer ghost and haunted history tours in several cities. Their tours are popular, ensuring that guides have steady work.


  3. School Shop
    Average Salary: $80,972
    School Shop hires Tour Guides for their educational tours. They operate in various locations, mainly targeting schools. Their tours are informative, and the company pays well for the quality of service.


  4. Ctour Holiday
    Average Salary: $73,787
    Ctour Holiday is known for offering attractive salaries to Tour Guides. They conduct tours in major tourist destinations. Their tours are well-organized, attracting many tourists.


  5. Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West
    Average Salary: $55,000
    Old Town Trolley Tours of Key West provides Tour Guide positions with a competitive salary. They offer city tours that are popular with visitors. Their tours cover many attractions, making the job interesting.


  6. Star Guides Wilderness
    Average Salary: $51,375
    Star Guides Wilderness pays Tour Guides well for their wilderness tours. They operate in national parks and natural reserves. Their tours are adventurous, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.


  7. Ghost City Tours
    Average Salary: $50,291
    Ghost City Tours offers Tour Guide jobs with a decent salary. They provide ghost tours in several cities. Their tours are spooky and fun, attracting many visitors.


  8. Unlimited Biking
    Average Salary: $50,000
    Unlimited Biking hires Tour Guides for their biking tours. They operate in various locations, mainly in bike-friendly areas. Their tours are exciting, and the pay is fair.


  9. Universal Funding Corporation
    Average Salary: $48,333
    Universal Funding Corporation offers Tour Guide positions with a solid salary. They conduct tours in multiple locations, focusing on financial education and history. Their tours are educational and well-attended.


  10. Kualoa Ranch Hawaii, Inc.
    Average Salary: $46,500
    Kualoa Ranch Hawaii, Inc. provides Tour Guide jobs with a good salary. They offer tours in scenic locations in Hawaii. Their tours are beautiful and attract many tourists.

How to earn more as a Tour Guide?

Increasing earnings as a tour guide involves several key strategies. By leveraging these methods, a tour guide can enhance both their service quality and revenue potential.

First, mastering the art of storytelling is essential. Engaging tales capture guests' attention and enrich the tour experience. Tour guides should also develop strong interpersonal skills, building rapport with guests to create memorable experiences. Third, specializing in niche markets, like historical tours or adventure excursions, allows guides to cater to specific interests and command higher rates. Fourth, investing in additional certifications or degrees can open doors to higher-paying opportunities. Finally, networking with other professionals in the field can lead to better job offers and referral opportunities.

Consider these factors to boost earnings:

  • Master storytelling to captivate guests.
  • Develop strong interpersonal skills.
  • Specialize in niche markets.
  • Invest in additional certifications or degrees.
  • Network with other tour guides and industry professionals.

Currently 344 Tour Guide job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Tour Guide in the US?

Learn what a Tour Guide does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Tour Guide today.
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Tour Guide
344 Job Openings