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Backpacking Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AMN Healthcare, Inc.

OBGYN Physician

Vacaville, CA

$370K/yr

Residents can enjoy an outdoor paradise that includes biking, hiking, camping, scuba diving, surfing, swimming, backpacking, and more * A mild climate and consistent sunshine year-round make it an ...

AMN Healthcare

OBGYN Physician

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$370K/yr

Residents can enjoy an outdoor paradise that includes biking, hiking, camping, scuba diving, surfing, swimming, backpacking, and more * A mild climate and consistent sunshine year-round make it an ...

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Backpacking information

See California salary details

$6

$14

$22

How much do backpacking jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for backpacking in California is $14.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backpacking guide?

A backpacking job typically refers to temporary or seasonal work that travelers take on while exploring different locations. These jobs can include roles in hospitality, agriculture, tour guiding, or remote freelance work. They provide income to sustain travel expenses and often offer opportunities to meet new people and experience different cultures. Many backpackers take advantage of working holiday visas to secure short-term employment in various countries.

What are the daily responsibilities of a backpacking guide?

As a Backpacking Guide, your daily responsibilities include leading clients on planned routes, setting up and breaking down campsites, providing safety briefings, and teaching essential outdoor skills. You’ll also be responsible for monitoring group well-being, adjusting itineraries based on weather or trail conditions, and ensuring all participants follow wilderness ethics and safety protocols. Interaction with clients is key, as you’ll need to foster a supportive and engaging environment while managing any questions or concerns that arise during the trip. Teamwork and clear communication with co-guides or support staff are also often part of the role, especially on longer or larger expeditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backpacking guide?

To thrive as a Backpacking Guide, you need strong outdoor survival skills, route planning experience, and a background in wilderness safety, often supported by certifications such as Wilderness First Aid or Leave No Trace training. Proficiency with GPS navigation devices, map reading, and outdoor gear is essential in this role. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help guides manage groups and respond calmly to unexpected situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring group safety, a positive client experience, and successful expedition outcomes in varied and sometimes challenging environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backpacking jobs in California?

The most popular types of Backpacking jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Backpacking jobs in California?

For Backpacking jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Backpacking jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Backpacking jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Backpacking jobs?

Cities in California with the most Backpacking job openings:

Backpacking jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backpacking job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, and 80% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $30,750 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

EOE Instructor

CROSSROADS SCHOOL FOR ARTS & SCIENCES

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$365 - $385/day

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Crossroads EOE provides a wide range of programs for its students; some offerings focus on outdoor leadership skills and technical skills, while others focus on the natural sciences such as geology, marine biology, and ecology.
In grades 4-8, one week per year is devoted to an EOE trip. EOE trips in the Upper School (grades 9-12) are optional. Because we offer such a range of programs, we seek to maintain a qualified and diverse instructor pool that possesses a wide variety of skills and teaching experience.
Curriculum on EOE programs focuses on many aspects of the outdoor experience, including:
  • Learning the skills, techniques, and philosophy of outdoor travel and safety
  • Developing a sense of personal responsibility and leadership through real challenge, an exploration of group dynamics, and cooperative interaction
  • Developing specific technical skills such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, climbing, and snowshoeing
  • Supplementing classroom instruction in the natural sciences, including the study of weather, geology, marine biology, flora and fauna, connections between ecosystems, land management issues, astronomy, art, cultural awareness and natural history.

Instructors are hired as part time, seasonal employees of Crossroads School. Desired Qualifications include:
  • College graduate
  • Current WFR and CPR Certification.
  • Experience leading students on outdoor environmental education programs
  • Classroom or field-based teaching experience
  • Proficiency in technical outdoor skills applicable to course locations and activities
  • Current drivers license

Salary:
Instructors and Logisticians are hired as part time, seasonal employees of Crossroads School. Rates starting at $365 per day with a current WFR certification. The daily rate increases to $385 on fifth course worked. An additional rate of $25 per Student Contact Day is paid for other applicable certifications (Single Pitch Rock Site Manager, AIARE 1, Swiftwater Rescue certification)") when certification skills are used on course.

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