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Part Time Tour Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tour Associate

Richmond, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Tour Associate Part-time, Non-exempt, Onsite in Richmond, CA $23.00-$25.00/hour About the Role The ... Leading guided tours for public visitors, groups and special guests at our Richmond location and at ...

Tour Associate

Richmond, CA ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Leading guided tours for public visitors, groups and special guests at our Richmond location and at ... This is a part-time role, primarily working 2-3 days per week [2 weekdays +/- 1 weekend day] with ...

Zip Line Guide

Sebastopol, 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 ...

Zip Line Guide

Sebastopol, 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 ...

Leasing Consultant (48655)

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/mo

As a part-time Leasing Consultant , you're the friendly face and trusted guide for every potential ... Tour Guide with a Twist - Show off our beautiful, move-in-ready apartments with enthusiasm and ...

New

Leasing Consultant (48496)

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

As a part-time Leasing Consultant , you're the friendly face and trusted guide for every potential ... Tour Guide with a Twist - Show off our beautiful, move-in-ready apartments with enthusiasm and ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 5, 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 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 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.

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 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 customers, which can significantly increase total earnings. Guides often need good communication skills and knowledge of the area to succeed.

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 specific attractions, 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.

How to get hired as a part time tour guide?

To get hired as a part-time tour guide, applicants should have good communication skills, a friendly demeanor, and knowledge of the local area or subject matter. Relevant certifications or licenses may be required, and previous experience in customer service or guiding can improve chances. Job openings are often posted on company websites, job boards, or through staffing agencies, and interviews typically assess communication ability and local knowledge.

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 are popular job titles related to Part Time Tour Guide jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Part Time 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 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 Associate

Eames Institute

Richmond, CA โ€ข On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Eames Institute
The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to advancing the dynamic legacy of 20th-century designers Ray and Charles Eames. By sharing the things the Eameses made and loved, along with their joyful and rigorous approach to life and work, we seek to inspire creative problem-solving that positively shapes our world.
With our vast collections, digital and print offerings, an extensive program of events, and the Eames Ranch, we aim to demonstrate the enduring value of the Eameses' philosophy and invite people to explore their curiosity, ask questions, and implement creative solutions to the challenges of today.
Tour Associate
Part-time, Non-exempt, Onsite in Richmond, CA
$23.00-$25.00/hour
About the Role
The Tour Associate plays a key front-facing role in providing an engaging, educational, and welcoming experience for Eames Institute visitors. This position involves leading public and private tours, supporting school and group visits, and assisting with onsite and offsite events and programming. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, comfortable with public speaking, and enthusiastic about art, architecture and/or design. Experience working in a museum, cultural institution, and/or the design field is preferred, as is an interest in the legacy and work of Charles and Ray Eames.
Responsibilities
The Tour Associate will be uniquely responsible for:
Tour & Visitor Engagement
  • Leading guided tours for public visitors, groups and special guests at our Richmond location and at events and programming in San Francisco.
  • Welcoming tour guests, including checking them in, showing them to the restroom, offering them water, taking their coats, etc.
  • Providing accurate and clear information on tours, the tour experience, tour logistics and tour retail.
  • Greeting and assisting visitors in a friendly and courteous manner.
  • Delivering engaging and informative presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
  • Preparing the retail, gallery and warehouse spaces ahead of tours.
  • Processing retail transactions using Shopify, restocking merchandise, ensuring all displays are tidy and well-organized.
  • Monitoring inventory levels and updating the inventory in Shopify as needed.

Event Support
  • Assist in the execution of public programs, community events and private functions.
  • Help with event logistics, including setup, registration, guest services, and cleanup.
  • Collaborate with event and programming staff to ensure smooth operations during events.
  • Occasionally serve as event attendant.
Required education, skills, abilities, competencies:
  • High school diploma or equivalent (Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred).
  • Previous experience in customer service, education, museums, or hospitality.
  • Comfortable with public speaking and interacting with diverse groups.
  • Dependable, punctual, and professional in appearance and attitude.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events.
  • Multilingual or fluent in a second language. (preferred).
  • Knowledge of museum subject matter (e.g., art history, science, local history). (preferred)
  • Experience using audio/visual equipment or event support tools.(preferred)
Essential Functions:
  • This position is expected to be primarily onsite at the Richmond location, with occasional work at our other properties and/or at events and special projects around the Bay Area. This is a part-time role, primarily working 2-3 days per week [2 weekdays +/- 1 weekend day] with occasional evenings and weekends per event schedule. This schedule may be changed at any time at the discretion of the hiring manager.
  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods. Frequent walking, standing, and moving throughout galleries, exhibition spaces, and storage areas.
  • Ability to handle, move, and position fragile and valuable artifacts with care; may involve lifting items up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasional climbing of ladders or use of lifts to access or install exhibits.
  • Regular use of hands and fingers for detailed work, including artifact examination, documentation, and handling delicate materials.
  • Extended periods of computer work for research, collections management, and administrative duties.
  • Visual acuity required for close inspection of artifacts and reading fine print on labels or documents.
  • May require occasional travel for exhibition planning, conferences, or collection acquisition.

This job description is intended to describe the general requirements for the performance of this job. It is not a complete statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. The Eames Institute may change the job duties, including the location and schedule, at its discretion.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
The Eames Institute values diversity, inclusion & belonging for all, and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We strive to create a workplace that empowers people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to feel respected, valued, and able to contribute at the highest level.