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Professional Tour Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SeaWorld

Tour Guide

Busch, AR · On-site

Tour Guides must be outgoing and enthusiastic at all times ... Professionalism - Must always represent our brand and park with pride and professionalism by ...

Collabera

Tour Guide

Moline, IL · On-site

As a half a billion dollar IT company, with more than 9,000 professionals across 30+ offices ... Prepares tour guide work schedules ensuring appropriate number of tour guides are available for ...

Minnesota United Football Club

Tour Guide

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Minnesota United FC (MNUFC) is a professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS ... The Tour Guide is part of the Stadium Operations department for Minnesota United FC (MNUFC), a ...

Paisley Park

Tour Guide

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Tour Guide Are you passionate about the music industry? Do you love talking about fashion, culture ... Conduct yourself professionally amongst guests and staff alike * Assist guests in all types of ...

Paisley Park

Tour Guide

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$17/hr

Tour Guide Are you passionate about the music industry? Do you love talking about fashion, culture ... Conduct yourself professionally amongst guests and staff alike * Assist guests in all types of ...

B.A.D. Ass Tours

Be Seen First

Tour Guide

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$75 - $200/day

Is reliable, professional, and able to represent the company well This Isn't for Everyone If you're uncomfortable speaking to strangers, prefer reading a script word-for-word, or think a tour guide ...

New

B.A.D. Ass Tours

Be Seen First

Tour Guide

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$75 - $200/day

Is reliable, professional, and able to represent the company well This Isn't for Everyone If you're uncomfortable speaking to strangers, prefer reading a script word-for-word, or think a tour guide ...

New

AEG

Tour Guide

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$16.50 - $18.50/hr

Minnesota United FC (MNUFC) is a professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS ... The Tour Guide is part of the Stadium Operations department for Minnesota United FC (MNUFC), a ...

Paisley Park

Tour Guide

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

Become a tour guide for Paisley Park, a place where art, music, fashion, and culture are celebrated ... professionally amongst guests and staff alikeAssist guests in all types of situations, including ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Anaheim Resort, Anaheim area, California, United States, 92802 ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Milwaukee Bucks, LLC.

Tour Guide

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$19.90/hr

Tour Guide Department: Guest Experience Class: Part time, Hourly, Non-Exempt Reports to: Director ... The work involves speaking to a variety of groups in a professional, educational, and entertaining ...

Hillerich & Bradsby

Tour Guide

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15/hr

Tour Guide (1) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Manager of Operations - LSMF Pay Rate: $15.00 ... Serve as an ambassador by offering dynamic, enthusiastic, professional experiences for guests in ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Yerba Buena, San Francisco, California, United States, 94109 * Sales ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Napa area, California, United States, 94558 * Sales Representative ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Underground Tour

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Tour Guides

Seattle, WA · On-site

$26.67 - $44/hr

... · Professionalism, sound judgment and punctuality · Ability to work independently while ... Tour Guides typically receive tips from guests. · Employees earn paid sick leave in the amounts ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Angels Camp, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * 123 Selkirk Ranch Road, Angels Camp, California, United States, 95222 * Sales ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

San Diego, CA

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * Central Location, Mid-City, San Diego, California, United States, 92103 * Sales ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Travel + Leisure Co.

Tour Guide

Windsor, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Tour Guide * 1360 19th Hole Drive, Windsor, California, United States, 95492 * Sales Representative ... How You'll Shine Welcome guests and owners with a warm, professional, and hospitality-focused ...

Hillerich & Bradsby Co

Tour Guide

Louisville, KY

$15/hr

Tour Guide (1) FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Manager of Operations - LSMF Pay Rate: $15.00 ... Serve as an ambassador by offering dynamic, enthusiastic, professional experiences for guests in ...

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Professional Tour Guide information

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How much do professional tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional tour guide in the United States is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional tour guide?

Professional tour guides are individuals trained to lead groups or individuals on tours, providing educational and entertaining commentary about the places being visited. They possess in-depth knowledge of local history, culture, landmarks, and attractions, and tailor their presentations to the interests of their audience. Tour guides are skilled communicators, often fluent in multiple languages, and are responsible for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

What does a professional tour guide do?

As a professional tour guide, you provide education, historical detail, and cultural insight to clients as you travel along a predetermined route. In this role, you may explain details about each site, answer questions, and help ensure the safety of all clients. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a professional tour guide sometimes involves operating vehicles, which can include buses, planes, boats, trains, or any other form of group transportation. This job often requires speaking throughout the day and occasionally requires bilingualism. Most professional tour guides work with established tour companies or independent commercial entities like art galleries or museums. Regardless of the form each tour takes, all professional tour guide jobs require memorizing significant amounts of information about the history of the area and any salient point related to the area or subject the tour covers.

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

To thrive as a Professional Tour Guide, you need in-depth local knowledge, strong storytelling abilities, and often a relevant certification or license, depending on the region. Familiarity with booking software, audio equipment, and foreign language proficiency are commonly required technical tools and assets. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and the ability to engage diverse groups help guides stand out. These competencies ensure memorable, safe, and informative experiences for clients, leading to customer satisfaction and repeat business.

What are some common challenges faced by professional tour guides, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professional Tour Guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse groups, handling unexpected changes in itineraries, and addressing varied guest expectations. To manage these effectively, guides should develop strong communication and problem-solving skills, remain adaptable, and stay well-informed about their tour locations. Additionally, building rapport with guests and anticipating logistical issues can help ensure tours run smoothly, leading to positive experiences for both guests and guides.

What is the difference between Professional Tour Guide vs Tour Escort?

AspectProfessional Tour GuideTour Escort
CredentialsMay require certification or licensing, especially for specialized toursTypically no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentLeading groups, providing historical or cultural information, often outdoors or in museumsAssisting with logistics, ensuring group safety, often in transportation or event settings
Employer & IndustryTour companies, travel agencies, museumsTravel agencies, transportation companies, event organizers

While both roles involve working with groups of travelers, a Professional Tour Guide primarily provides educational and interpretive services during tours, whereas a Tour Escort focuses on logistical support and group management. Understanding these differences helps travelers choose the right service for their needs.

Can you make a career out of being a professional tour guide?

A career as a professional tour guide is possible and often involves working for tour companies, museums, or independently. Success depends on strong communication skills, local knowledge, certifications, and the ability to adapt to different audiences; income can vary based on experience, location, and the type of tours offered.

How much money can you make as a professional tour guide?

Professional tour guides typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with earnings varying based on experience, location, and the type of tours they lead. Many guides supplement income through tips and may work part-time or seasonally, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
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Professional Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Tour Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,124 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Tour Guide

Busch, AR • On-site

SeaWorld
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SeaWorldexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

What you get to do as a Part-Time Tour Guide- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Tour Guides will be required to learn facts about the park, rides, shows, and restaurants in order to lead Behind-the-Scenes tours.
  • Lead VIP and Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
  • Staff the Guest Service Center and Tours & Education Center at Busch Gardens to up-sell guests on unique experiences offered at the park and to sell tours, dines and quick queue products.
  • Provide exceptional service and go above-and-beyond to ensure guests are fully satisfied with their tour and overall Busch Gardens experience.
  • Follow up with tour guests, complete surveys, and make PhotoKeys for guests.


What it takes to succeed:

  • Availability- Must be flexible and willing to work early mornings, days, nights, weekends, and holidays as well as be willing to be scheduled on short notice. Tour Guides will be asked to assist with other jobs in Park Operations, including Rides, Theatres, and Guest Arrival.
  • Leadership- Must be able to operate independently from supervision.
  • Communication- Must have strong communication skills and be comfortable with speaking in front of large groups. Tour Guides must be outgoing and enthusiastic at all times.
  • Professionalism- Must always represent our brand and park with pride and professionalism by exhibiting a friendly and professional demeanor and by having a 'family friendly' image.
  • Knowledge- The tour guide may be aware of park policies and information that they cannot share while leading tours. The tour guide will be required to show discretion and sound-decision making when leading tours and answering guests' questions.
  • Approachability- Tour Guides will give tours to families and lead tours of large groups. The Tour Guide may spend long hours with families and children and should be professional, approachable, and KIDsiderate at all times. Making a meaningful connection is what we do.
  • Technology- Must be comfortable with digital cameras and computers

Physical Requirements- Must be 18 years of age or older. Must be comfortable with working long hours outside, walking long distances and standing for extended periods of time. Must be comfortable with heights (i.e. standing at the top of Griffon)

Professional Experience:
Previous Tour Guide experience is preferred

Compensation: 12.77 USD

The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:

  • FREE park admission
  • Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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