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Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Guide

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$15.29/hr

Guide Apply now Job no: 25001682 Work type: Wage Location: Fredericksburg Categories: Wage Title: Guide VP Area: Provost - UMW Department: James Monroe Museum Campus Location: James Monroe Museum ...

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Adventure Guide

Williamsburg, VA

$14 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Adventure Guide

Springfield, VA

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Adventure Guide

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Adventure Guide (Weekends)

Springfield, VA

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Outdoor Adventure Guide (Weekends)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Lynchburg Tour Guide

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: Lynchburg Tour Guide Location: Lynchburg, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Are you brave enough to be a ghost tour guide? Ready to share incredible experiences as you bewitch and enchant ...

Yorktown Tour Guide

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$40 - $80/hr

Yorktown Tour Guide Location: Yorktown, VA Compensation: $27 per hour Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Why not get paid to tell ghost stories. US Ghost Adventures is looking for outgoing ...

Adventure Guide (Weekends)

Williamsburg, VA

$14 - $16/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

As a Go Ape Outdoor Adventure Guide, you will be primarily responsible for instructing participants how to navigate our treetop adventure courses as well as other ground-based outdoor recreation ...

Lynchburg Tour Guide

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: Lynchburg Tour Guide Location: Lynchburg, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Are you brave enough to be a ghost tour guide? Ready to share incredible experiences as you bewitch and enchant ...

Yorktown Tour Guide

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$40 - $80/hr

Yorktown Tour Guide Location: Yorktown, VA Compensation: $27 per hour Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Why not get paid to tell ghost stories. US Ghost Adventures is looking for outgoing ...

Richmond Tour Guide

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Richmond Tour Guide Location: Richmond, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Love history, true crime, acting, theater or the paranormal? We are hiring confident and engaging Storytellers to lead walking ...

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Showing results 1-20

Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for guide in Virginia is $17.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $20.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Guide vs Tour Guide?

AspectGuideTour Guide
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredOften requires specific certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentCan include outdoor, indoor, or virtual settings across various industriesPrimarily outdoor or indoor settings leading groups on tours
Industry UsageUsed broadly in education, training, and customer serviceSpecific to travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors
Common Search IntentGeneral guidance roles, educational or instructional contextsTravel, sightseeing, and tourism-related activities

While both guides and tour guides assist and lead others, guides have a broader role that can include educational, instructional, or customer service functions across various industries. Tour guides specifically focus on leading groups during travel or sightseeing activities within the tourism sector.

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

To thrive as a Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local history, geography, and culture, often supported by relevant certifications or training in guiding or tourism. Familiarity with navigation tools, booking systems, and languages commonly used by tourists is highly beneficial. Exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and adaptability help Guides engage diverse audiences and handle unexpected situations. These skills ensure informative, safe, and enjoyable experiences for clients, fostering positive reviews and repeat business.

What is a guide?

Guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on tours or excursions, providing information, interpretation, and assistance about specific locations, attractions, or activities. They are knowledgeable about the history, culture, and natural features of the places they cover, helping visitors have an engaging and educational experience. Guides may work in a variety of settings, such as museums, historical sites, outdoor adventure companies, or travel agencies.

What qualifications do you need to be a guide?

To be a guide, individuals typically need relevant knowledge of the area or subject they are guiding, strong communication skills, and often a certification or license depending on the type of guiding (e.g., tour guiding, adventure guiding). Experience in customer service and safety training may also be required. Requirements vary by location and guiding specialty.

What are some common challenges faced by guides when leading groups, and how can they be addressed?

Guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, ensuring everyone's safety, and effectively communicating information to participants with varying levels of knowledge or interest. These challenges can be addressed by developing strong interpersonal skills, staying well-prepared with safety protocols, and adapting communication styles to suit the group. Successful Guides also remain flexible and responsive to unexpected situations, such as changes in weather or individual needs, ensuring a positive and informative experience for everyone involved.

What are the most commonly searched types of Guide jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Guide jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Guide jobs in Virginia?

For Guide jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Guide jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Guide job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Guide jobs in VA?

For Guide jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Guide job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,611 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

$15.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Guide

Apply now Job no: 25001682
Work type: Wage
Location: Fredericksburg
Categories: Wage

Title: Guide

VP Area: Provost - UMW

Department: James Monroe Museum

Campus Location: James Monroe Museum

Advertised Range: $15.29/hour

(A final salary offer will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, and is not is not negotiable beyond what is advertised.)

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The University of Mary Washington has an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Guide at our James Monroe Museum. Under the direction of the Assistant Director/Curator, the Tour Guide is responsible for giving comprehensive tours of the museum's public exhibition galleries, handling sales and admissions in the Museum Shop, and generally providing information and direction to the public.

Required KSAs/Competencies/Qualifications

  • Effective oral communication skills.
  • Ability to study and retain information from pertinent educational materials.

Required Experience:

  • Prior experience is not required

 

Required Education:

None

Required Licensure:

N/A

Additional Considerations:

N/A

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position. To be considered for this position a state application must be received through the online employment system at https://jobs.umw.edu/. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications or resumes will not be accepted.

Excluding currentUMW employees, selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a criminal history background check. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks. 

Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions. For more information, please visit http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/.

The University of Mary Washington adheres to the principle of equal opportunity. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit based factors in recruiting, admitting, enrolling students or hiring and promoting faculty and staff members. Complaints of discrimination should be directed to the EEO officer of the University.

UMW Values Veterans: UMW is a proud member of the Commonwealth of Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program, authorized under the Code of Virginia (2.2-2001.2). We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified Veterans and their spouses. Veterans who are hired into state positions may be eligible for additional leave accruals based on their total years of service in the military, National Guard or Reserve. For more information please visit: https://www.dhrm.virginia.gov/employeebenefits.

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process (AHP). To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly Certificate of Disability or COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 27 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 09 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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