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American Tour Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

... of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe. The SWC is ... The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to ...

William and Mary

$15.50/hr

Previous engagement with study and presentation of American history, teaching at any level ... Base Pay is $15.50 an hr. Job Profile: JP0154 - Tour Guide - Nonexempt - Hourly - H01 ...

Asian American Arts Alliance

Executive Director

Modesto, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... guided tour. And of course, the exciting food and wine scene of Modesto and the region is fueled by the central role Modesto holds in viticulture and agriculture that impacts the entire nation. The ...

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American Tour Guide information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do american tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for american tour guide in California is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an American tour guide?

An American Tour Guide leads visitors through historical sites, cities, or attractions, providing informative and engaging commentary. They ensure guests have a memorable experience by sharing facts, stories, and cultural insights. Tour guides may work for travel companies, museums, or as independent guides. The role often involves planning itineraries, answering questions, and coordinating group logistics. Strong communication skills and knowledge of local history and geography are essential.

What does a typical workday look like for an American tour guide?

As an American Tour Guide, your workday often involves greeting tour groups, leading them through historical sites or attractions, and sharing engaging information along the way. You may be responsible for managing time, answering questions, and ensuring the group follows safety protocols. Many guides work with other guides, transportation providers, or customer service staff, especially during large tours or peak seasons. Flexibility is essential, as schedules can vary with group size, weather, or special events. The role offers the chance to meet people from around the world and develop strong presentation and organizational skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an American tour guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an American Tour Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local history, geography, and attractions, typically supported by fluency in English and potentially additional languages. Familiarity with booking systems, microphone equipment, and tour scheduling software is often required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, such as storytelling, adaptability, and customer service, help guides connect with diverse groups. These competencies ensure memorable experiences for tourists while maintaining organization and safety throughout each tour.

Are American tour guides in demand?

American tour guides are in steady demand, especially in popular tourist destinations and during peak travel seasons. Employment opportunities often depend on tourism trends, local regulations, and the ability to provide engaging, informative experiences, sometimes requiring certification or language skills.

How to get hired as an American Tour Guide?

To become an American tour guide, candidates typically need to obtain a state-specific license or certification, which may require passing an exam and completing training on local history and attractions. Strong communication skills, a friendly demeanor, and knowledge of the area are essential, and some employers prefer guides with prior experience or language skills. Being familiar with tour scheduling, customer service, and using tools like GPS or audio equipment can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of American Tour Guide jobs in California?

The most popular types of American Tour Guide jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to American Tour Guide jobs in California?

For American Tour Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching American Tour Guide jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for American Tour Guide jobs in California are:

American Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various American Tour Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,612 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Tour Guide

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead museum tours and assist visitors during exhibitions

  • Serve as stationary guide in assigned locations within the museum

  • Communicate with the Floor Coordinator team daily regarding assigned duties

Job description

About us:

The Simon Wiesenthal Center (SWC) is a global Jewish human rights activist organization that confronts anti-Semitism, hate, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future generations.  It is an accredited Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO and the OSCE, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe.  The SWC is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Jerusalem and Buenos Aires. The Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, founded in 1993, is the educational arm of the SWC. Moriah Films is the Center’s two-time Academy Award®-winning film division and the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem is scheduled to open in 2024.

About the role:

The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to provide museum tours, in all permanent and special exhibitions, in order to enhance the quality of the museum experience for all visitors. 

About you:

You are passionate about making the Museum of Tolerance relevant for our visitors. You believe in the mission of the Museum and in the values of human and civil rights and Holocaust education. You have a great demeanor, professional behavior and impeccable customer service skills. 

This position will report to the MOT Floor Coordinators and is based in Los Angeles.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead museum tours and assist museum visitors
  • Serve as stationary guide in assigned locations
  • Communicate with Floor Coordinator team daily for assigned duties
  • Participate in all professional development opportunities
  • Must be available to work flexible days Sunday through Friday as needed and hours starting as early as 8:30am
  • Must be able to commit to working 29 hours per week
  • SUNDAY HOURS ARE REQUIRED
  • Other duties as assigned by full-time Floor Coordinator Supervisor

Our Benefits:

This role is part time (under 29 hours per week).

The Simon Wiesenthal Center embraces inclusivity and values our diverse community. We are committed to building a team based on qualifications, merit and business need. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Experience and Skills:

  • Comfortable in a dynamic, fast paced and highly flexible environment
  • Excellent communication & interpersonal skills
  • Excellent presentation skills with groups and general public
  • Ability and desire to work with students of all ages, especially high school students
  • Multilingual skills are a bonus

Physical Requirements:

  • This job requires standing/walking for up to 3 hours multiple times per day

Apply