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Guide Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Go Ape USA

Outdoor Adventure Guide

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

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 ...

Go Ape USA

Adventure Guide

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

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 ...

Go Ape USA

Adventure Guide (Weekends)

Springfield, VA · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

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 ...

Holistic Industries

Wellness Guide

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

Role: Wellness Guide Location: Oxon Hill, MD Full Time We are Growers, We are Wholesalers, We are Producers, We Are Budtenders, We are Retailers, We are Partners, and We are Hiring Your Impact:

Holistic Industries

Wellness Guide

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$17.50/hr

Role: Wellness Guide Location: Oxon Hill, MD Full Time We are Growers, We are Wholesalers, We are Producers, We Are Budtenders, We are Retailers, We are Partners, and We are Hiring Your Impact:

Holistic Industries

Wellness Guide

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$17.50/hr

Role: Wellness Guide Location: Oxon Hill, MD Full Time We are Growers, We are Wholesalers, We are Producers, We Are Budtenders, We are Retailers, We are Partners, and We are Hiring Your Impact:

Holistic Industries

Wellness Guide

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$17.50/hr

Role: Wellness Guide Location: Oxon Hill, MD Full Time We are Growers, We are Wholesalers, We are Producers, We Are Budtenders, We are Retailers, We are Partners, and We are Hiring Your Impact:

US Ghost Adventures

Washington Tour Guide

Washington, DC · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: Washington Tour Guide Location: Washington, DC Compensation: $33 per hour Uncover the dark side of haunted history. Are you the type of person who loves diving into local lore, true crime ...

US Ghost Adventures

Washington Tour Guide

Washington, DC · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: Washington Tour Guide Location: Washington, DC Compensation: $33 per hour Uncover the dark side of haunted history. Are you the type of person who loves diving into local lore, true crime ...

Ladgov Corporation

Tour Guide (TG)

Washington, DC · On-site

Tour Guide (TG) * Job Type : Full-Time. * Job Location : Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C. * Requirements : The candidate shall: * U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident with ...

Ladgov Corporation

Tour Guide (TG)

Washington, DC · On-site

Tour Guide (TG) * Job Type : Full-Time. * Job Location : Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C. * Requirements : The candidate shall: * U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident with ...

US Ghost Adventures

Annapolis Tour Guide

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

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

US Ghost Adventures

Annapolis Tour Guide

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

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

Ladgov Corporation

Lead Tour Guide (LTG)

Washington, DC · On-site

Lead Tour Guide (LTG) * Job Type : Full-Time. * Job Location : Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C. * Requirements : The candidate shall have a: * U.S. citizenship * Minimum 3 years of ...

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All JobsGuide JobsGuide Jobs in Washington

Guide information

See Washington salary details

$8

$19

$33

How much do guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for guide in Washington is $19.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $23.94 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Guide jobs in Washington are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Guide jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Guide jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Guide jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Guide job openings:

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

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

Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Guide job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,681 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Cathedral Guide

Washington National Cathedral

Washington, DC • On-site

$22/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Washington National Cathedral seeks a part-time Cathedral Guide to support touring by presenting engaging guided tours to the public. As a member of the Cathedral's hospitality and interpretive team in the Department of Guest and Event Management Services, the Cathedral Guide works alongside volunteer docents to welcome groups and individuals that have made reservations for a Cathedral visit. Applicants must be able to speak in front of groups and present accurate information about the Cathedral. Training is provided. 

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Serves as an interpretive guide for bus groups and sightseeing visitors ranging from 2-60 people. 
  • Gives engaging and informative guided tours of the Cathedral and answers questions about Cathedral mission, history, art, architecture, worship, and programs.
  • Works as a member of the daily docent/guide team under the direction of the Docent and Tour Manager.  
  • Performs other visitor service-related duties as needed to ensure a welcoming/hospitable reception for visitors. Some tasks may be in lieu of sightseeing hours.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; 
  • Degree, working toward a degree, and/or comparable experience in education, museum education, museum studies, art history, architecture, or a related field;
  • Washington National Cathedral requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any boosters recommended and available to the general public, in the absence of eligibility for medical or religious exemptions.


PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS OF A CATHEDRAL GUIDE:

  • Experience as a tour guide strongly preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Excellent public presentation skills and ability to engage groups and facilitate tours;
  • Ability to learn and retain extensive amount of information necessary
  • Team-oriented disposition with strong customer service skills 
  • Enjoyment at working with the public and a sincere and genuine interest in people of all ages, especially middle and high school students 
  • Flexibility, enthusiasm, and an attitude of respect for working with diverse staff and visitors
  • Ability to react to change quickly
  • Strong voice and language skills
  • Knowledge of, or interest in, art history and architecture a plus.


WORKING CONDITIONS :

SCHEDULE: 

  • Approximately 10-15 hours per week most weeks. 
  • During Cathedral peak seasons,, additional hours will be available.
  • Times will vary based on tour reservation needs. 
  • Due to the nature of tour reservations and being a working church, the Cathedral cannot guarantee a minimum or maximum number of weekly hours.
  • Occasional Saturdays required. Typically one Saturday per month. 
  • Please include your schedule availability in your cover letter. 

 WORKING QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be able to work on feet for extended periods of time, to access stairs, and to walk throughout the Cathedral. 
  • Must be comfortable working in a religious setting.
  • Strength, dexterity, and mobility to perform all duties, including climbing stairs, being at great heights and touring in tight spaces
  • Ability to stand and speak for up to 2 hours


Apply