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Salary

How much does a Tour Guide make?

The average salary for a Tour Guide is $45,214 per year in the US.

Tour guides share stories and facts about places they visit. They work in many different settings, from museums to national parks. The average yearly salary for a tour guide is around $45,214. This means that most people in this job earn between $24,000 and $79,091 per year.

Tour guides can earn more based on their experience and location. Some earn less than $24,000, while others make more than $79,091. The highest-paid 10% of tour guides make over $115,818 a year. These guides often have more experience or work in busy tourist areas. Some guides also earn tips, which can add to their income.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Tour Guide?

Tour Guide jobs offer exciting opportunities in many cities. New Orleans, LA, leads the way with the highest average salary at $77,013. Chicago, IL, and Denver, CO, follow closely, with average salaries around $68,000. These cities provide not only good pay but also rich cultural experiences for both guides and visitors.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Tour Guide jobs, highlighting New Orleans, LA with the highest at $77,013 and Portland, OR with the lowest at $57,083.
  1. New Orleans, LA
    Average Salary: $77,013
    In New Orleans, guiding visitors through the vibrant streets offers a unique chance to share the city's rich history and culture. With attractions like the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, tour guides can work with prominent companies such as New Orleans Tours and Frenchmen Street Tours.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in New Orleans, LA


  2. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $68,970
    Chicago's diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks make it an exciting place for tour guides. Visitors love learning about the city's architecture and history. Companies like Chicago City Tours and Chicago Architecture Foundation offer great opportunities.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $68,370
    Denver's stunning mountain views and outdoor activities provide a dynamic backdrop for tour guides. They can explore the city's vibrant arts scene and historic sites. Companies such as Denver Walking Tours offer engaging experiences.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Denver, CO


  4. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $63,690
    Boston's rich history and academic institutions make it a fascinating place for tour guides. They can lead visitors through historic sites like the Freedom Trail. Companies such as Boston Duck Tours and CitySprint Tours offer exciting opportunities.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Boston, MA


  5. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $61,070
    Phoenix offers a mix of desert landscapes and urban culture. Tour guides can show visitors the city's unique blend of history and modernity. Companies like Phoenix Trolley Tours provide a variety of tours.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $60,314
    Houston's diverse attractions, from space centers to cultural districts, offer a wide range of experiences for tour guides. They can explore the city's rich history and vibrant arts scene. Companies such as Houston City Tours offer engaging tours.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Houston, TX


  7. Savannah, GA
    Average Salary: $59,185
    Savannah's historic charm and Southern hospitality make it an ideal place for tour guides. They can lead visitors through its picturesque streets and historic sites. Companies like Savannah Trolley Tours offer delightful experiences.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Savannah, GA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $58,932
    Seattle's scenic beauty and tech innovation create a unique environment for tour guides. They can explore the city's vibrant culture and natural attractions. Companies such as Seattle Walking Tours offer exciting tours.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Nashville, TN
    Average Salary: $57,568
    Nashville's rich musical heritage and lively atmosphere provide a dynamic setting for tour guides. They can share the city's history and vibrant music scene. Companies like Nashville Walking Tours offer engaging experiences.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Nashville, TN


  10. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $57,083
    Portland's eco-friendly culture and diverse food scene make it an exciting place for tour guides. They can explore the city's unique neighborhoods and attractions. Companies such as Portland Eco Tours offer interesting tours.
    Find Tour Guide jobs in Portland, OR

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

Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago offers one of the highest salaries for Tour Guide jobs, with an average of $63,462. This company provides a rewarding environment for those who love biking and hiking. GO Destination Services also pays well, with an average of $55,000. This company focuses on delivering exceptional travel experiences.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Tour Guide jobs, highlighting Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago with the highest at $63,462 and Hilton Grand Vacations with the lowest at $32,300.
  1. Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago
    Average Salary: $63,462
    Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago offers exciting Tour Guide jobs with a focus on biking and hiking tours. They operate in the vibrant city of Chicago, providing guests with unique tours of the city's landmarks and neighborhoods. Their guides are knowledgeable and passionate about sharing the city's rich history and culture.


  2. GO Destination Services
    Average Salary: $55,000
    GO Destination Services provides Tour Guide jobs with a variety of tour options. They operate in multiple locations, offering city tours, historical tours, and adventure tours. Their guides are trained to provide engaging and informative tours, ensuring a memorable experience for all guests.


  3. Star Guides Wilderness Therapy
    Average Salary: $51,375
    Star Guides Wilderness Therapy offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on wilderness and therapy tours. They operate in scenic outdoor locations, providing guests with unique experiences that combine nature and personal growth. Their guides are experienced in both wilderness navigation and therapeutic techniques.


  4. Unlimited Biking
    Average Salary: $50,000
    Unlimited Biking offers Tour Guide jobs centered around biking tours. They operate in various locations, providing guests with exciting biking adventures through different terrains and landscapes. Their guides are passionate about biking and are skilled in leading safe and enjoyable tours.


  5. Kualoa Ranch Hawaii
    Average Salary: $44,308
    Kualoa Ranch Hawaii offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on scenic and cultural tours. They operate in the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, providing guests with tours of the island's natural beauty and rich history. Their guides are knowledgeable about Hawaiian culture and are dedicated to sharing the island's wonders.


  6. New York Power Authority
    Average Salary: $41,877
    New York Power Authority offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on educational and informative tours. They operate in various locations, providing guests with tours of power plants and energy facilities. Their guides are experts in energy and sustainability, ensuring guests learn about the importance of power generation.


  7. Travel + Leisure Co.
    Average Salary: $40,657
    Travel + Leisure Co. offers Tour Guide jobs with a variety of travel and leisure tours. They operate in multiple locations, providing guests with tours of popular destinations and attractions. Their guides are experienced in travel and hospitality, ensuring guests have a pleasant and informative experience.


  8. Icy Strait Point
    Average Salary: $36,040
    Icy Strait Point offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on wildlife and adventure tours. They operate in the scenic Icy Strait area, providing guests with tours of the local wildlife and natural beauty. Their guides are knowledgeable about the local ecosystem and are dedicated to sharing the wonders of the area.


  9. Wyndham Destinations
    Average Salary: $35,032
    Wyndham Destinations offers Tour Guide jobs with a variety of resort and destination tours. They operate in multiple locations, providing guests with tours of popular resorts and attractions. Their guides are experienced in hospitality and are dedicated to ensuring guests have a memorable experience.


  10. Hilton Grand Vacations
    Average Salary: $32,300
    Hilton Grand Vacations offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on resort and destination tours. They operate in various locations, providing guests with tours of Hilton properties and local attractions. Their guides are knowledgeable about the local area and are dedicated to providing guests with an enjoyable and informative experience.

How to earn more as a Tour Guide?

To earn more as a Tour Guide, consider these key factors to enhance your skills and marketability. First, gaining specialized knowledge and certifications can set you apart. This includes understanding local history, culture, and geography. Certifications from recognized institutions can boost your credibility and appeal to more tourists.

Second, developing strong communication skills is crucial. Being able to engage and inform your audience effectively can lead to better tips and repeat business. Third, networking with other tour guides and tourism professionals can open up new opportunities. Joining professional associations and attending industry events can help you stay informed and connected. Fourth, offering unique tours that cater to niche markets can attract higher-paying clients. Lastly, marketing your services through social media and online platforms can increase your visibility and attract more tourists.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more:

  1. Specialized knowledge and certifications
  2. Strong communication skills
  3. Networking with industry professionals
  4. Offering unique tours
  5. Marketing through social media and online platforms

Currently 166 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
166 Job Openings