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Part Time Tour Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

Zip Line Guide

Occidental, CA ยท On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Full and Part-Time opportunities available. Descriptions of Duties , including but not limited to ... guides with pre-tour and post-tour set-up and clean-up * Regularly inspect facilities for ...

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Part Time Tour Guide information

See California salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do part time tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time 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 are some typical challenges a part time tour guide might face, and how can they be managed?

Part-time tour guides often encounter challenges such as managing groups with diverse interests, adapting to last-minute changes in schedules, and ensuring guest safety in unfamiliar environments. Successfully navigating these situations requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and thorough knowledge of the tour content. Building rapport with guests and planning ahead for potential issues can go a long way in creating a positive experience for both the guide and the participants.

What is a part time tour guide?

Part time tour guides are professionals who lead groups of visitors or tourists through attractions, cities, or sites on a part-time schedule rather than full-time employment. They provide information, answer questions, and enhance the experience for guests by sharing historical, cultural, or local insights. Their schedules may vary, often working weekends, holidays, or during peak tourism seasons, making it a flexible job for students, retirees, or those seeking supplemental income.

What is the difference between Part Time Tour Guide vs Full Time Tour Guide?

AspectPart Time Tour GuideFull Time Tour Guide
Work HoursFewer hours, flexible scheduleStandard full-time hours, fixed schedule
CertificationsOften required, but less comprehensiveRequired, often more extensive
Work EnvironmentTour sites, outdoor and indoor settingsSimilar, with more consistent hours
Employer UsagePart-time positions, seasonal workFull-time employment, year-round

In summary, Part Time Tour Guides typically work fewer hours with flexible schedules and may have less extensive certifications, while Full Time Tour Guides work regular hours with more comprehensive credentials. Both roles operate in similar environments and are used by tour companies for different staffing needs.

How much do part time tour guides get paid per day?

Part-time tour guides typically earn between $50 and $150 per day, depending on the location, the tour company, and the length of the tour. Pay may also include tips from guests, which can significantly increase total earnings. Guides often need good communication skills and knowledge of the area to succeed.

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

To thrive as a Part Time Tour Guide, you need strong communication skills, in-depth local knowledge, and often a background in hospitality or tourism. Familiarity with booking systems, audio equipment, and possibly first aid certification is typically beneficial. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and enthusiasm help you engage diverse groups and handle unexpected situations. These skills are vital to ensure memorable, safe, and informative experiences for tour participants.

How much money can you make as a part time tour guide?

Part-time tour guides typically earn between $10 and $25 per hour, depending on location, experience, and the type of tours they lead. Some guides also receive tips, which can significantly increase overall earnings. Annual income varies based on hours worked and tips received, often totaling $5,000 to $20,000 or more for part-time roles.

How to become a part time tour guide?

To become a part-time tour guide, you typically need good communication skills, knowledge of the local area or subject matter, and often a relevant certification or license depending on the location. Prior experience in customer service or public speaking can be beneficial, and some employers may require background checks or training programs. Flexibility in scheduling is common for part-time roles.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Tour Guide jobs?

Cities in California with the most Part Time Tour Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Tour Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,612 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

About us:

The Simon Wiesenthal Centerย (SWC) isย aย global Jewishย 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. ย It is an accreditedย Non-Governmentalย Organization (NGO) at the United Nations, UNESCO and the OSCE, the Organization of American States, the Latin American Parliament, and the Council of Europe. ย The SWC is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Paris, Jerusalem and Buenos Aires.ย Theย Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles, founded in 1993, isย the educational arm ofย the SWC.ย Moriah Filmsย isย the Centerโ€™s two-time Academy Awardยฎ-winning film division andย theย Museum of Tolerance Jerusalemย is scheduled to open inย 2024.

About the role:

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

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.ย 

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