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Professional Tour Guide Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Brookside Properties

Leasing Professional

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Guide prospective residents through the leasing process from tour to move-in * Execute lease ... Professional, polished appearance and attitude * Reliable, detail-oriented, and team-driven

Brookside Properties, Inc

Leasing Professional

Nashville, TN · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Guide prospective residents through the leasing process from tour to move-in * Execute lease ... Professional, polished appearance and attitude * Reliable, detail-oriented, and team-driven

RRI West Management LLC

Hotel Front Desk

Nashville, TN

$18/hr

Show off your city and be the tour guide for the guests - send them to your local favorites. * Make ... Professional appearance and demeanor. * Attention to detail and accuracy when handling reservations ...

Martin Motorcoach

Be Seen First

Motorcoach Operator

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$52K - $75K/yr

Provide outstanding customer service to passengers, tour guides, and group leaders. * Complete pre ... Review trip details and communicate professionally with dispatch and customers. * Represent Martin ...

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All JobsProfessional Tour Guide JobsProfessional Tour Guide Jobs in Tennessee

Professional Tour Guide information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$32

How much do professional tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional tour guide in Tennessee is $17.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How can I get a job as a professional tour guide?

To become a professional tour guide, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification, gain knowledge about the area or subject you will be guiding, and develop strong communication skills. Many employers also require a clean background check and sometimes a license or permit depending on local regulations. Gaining experience through volunteering or assisting experienced guides can improve your chances of employment.

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 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 can be sustainable with experience, strong communication skills, and relevant certifications or licenses. Many guides work for travel companies, museums, or independently, often requiring knowledge of local history, customer service skills, and sometimes language proficiency. Income can vary based on location, specialization, and hours worked, and some guides pursue related roles in hospitality or event planning for additional opportunities.

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.

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

Professional tour guides typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with experienced guides or those working in high-demand areas earning higher wages. Income can vary based on location, specialization, tips, and the number of tours conducted per day.
More about Professional Tour Guide jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tour Guide jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Tour Guide jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Professional Tour Guide jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Professional Tour Guide job openings:
Professional Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Tour Guide job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,028 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Attractions Team Member A - Dollywood Theme Park - Full Time Seasonal

Herschend Family Entertainment

Pigeon Forge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

At Dollywood Parks & Resorts, we create memories worth repeating! We are seeking an Attractions Team Member A who will embody the heart and soul of our mission of creating memories worth repeating while bringing families closer together while caring deeply about our brand.
We want to work alongside someone who acts as an extension of our mission, values, and culture. The ideal Attractions Team Member A will be equal parts curious learner, innovator, administrator, detail driver, mentor, and motivator.
The Attractions Team Member A is responsible for safely operating assigned high or low thrill rides/attractions, ensuring Guests abide by safety guidelines and monitoring overall operational process of attractions while maintaining a safe, clean and friendly environment.
Additionally, the ideal candidate will be able to display and live out Lead with Love qualities, strongly rooted in the Dollywood Company culture, by being patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated and accountable.
Summary of Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  • Operate ride controls/control panels in all weather conditions
  • Communicate and enforce safety rules
  • Steady guests while entering/exiting ride vehicles during evacuations
  • Inspect harness and other safety equipment prior to use
  • React calmly and quickly in stressful/emergency situations
  • Physically assist guests throughout the ride/attraction as required
  • Observe guest actions during ride operations to prevent safety hazards
  • Ensure guests are not adjusting safety equipment and observe actions to prevent safety hazards while on ride/attraction
  • Complete required safety paperwork daily
  • Initiate friendly interactions with guests
  • Clean ride/attraction daily as needed
  • Work varying hours and at different areas when needed
  • Complete ride/attraction safety ride-around/walk throughs if/when required
  • Learn and enforce all centralized measuring guidelines
  • Follow all safety standards to include reporting any violation of standards

Management reserves the right to change and/or add to these duties at any time
Education and Experience Required
  • Minimum of 14 years of age is required when/as:
    • Grouper/Greeter positions at the following rides: Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, FireChaser Express, Dragonflier
  • Minimum of 16 years of age is required when/as:
    • Ride Operators at rides designated as Moderate Thrill Attractions (as defined by IAAPA standards)
    • Grouper/Greeter positions at the following rides: Thunderhead, Tennessee Tornado, FireChaser Express, Dragonflier
  • Minimum of 18 years of age is required when/as:
    • Ride Operators at rides designated as High Thrill Attractions (as defined by IAAPA standards)
    • Any activity with use of a motor vehicle to include trams and shuttles
    • Drive vehicles operated exclusively on rails
    • Work on or ascend lift hills whether in training, normal operations, or evacuations
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to safely operate company vehicles according to company policy. Must have valid driver's license, proof of auto liability insurance and acceptable motor vehicle driving record.
  • Offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of background screening which includes criminal history

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Able to make a friendly impression when speaking to or corresponding with guests, vendors, and other employees
  • Must be self-motivated and disciplined
  • Must be able to prioritize and complete work assignments on a timely basis
  • Must maintain strict confidentiality and judgment regarding privileged information
  • Must have professional appearance with good personal hygiene
  • Must be productive in a fast-paced environment
  • Must maintain dependable work attendance and flexibility with assigned work schedules including any required overtime, evenings, weekends and holidays
  • Must be sensitive to the needs of our Guests and feel empowered to act to meet their needs within company guidelines
  • Must be able to utilize effective communication, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with Guests and Hosts using approved communication methods
  • Able to collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan, execute, and deliver projects ahead of schedule, fostering open communication and mutual support to achieve shared goals
  • Able to comprehend instructions and retain information
  • Able to perform duties consistent with creating a safe and secure environment for hosts and guests
  • Able to be flexible to handle frequent changes in priorities
  • Must reflect Dollywood's image by being genuinely friendly and caring and by taking pride in work
  • Must be committed to continuous improvement
  • Must promote and support a "team" work environment by cooperating and helping co-workers
  • Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide with accuracy
  • Able to wear full body safety harness and climb up to a 200-foot lift in order to perform inspections, conduct ride evaluations, and Host training
  • Able to ride all rides/attractions which require a physical ride through inspection
  • Able to wear all PPE as required
  • Able to tolerate all chemicals/detergents utilized in the area
  • Able to be subjected to periodic random drug screening as outlined by company policy
  • Able to remain alert and attentive at all times
  • Able to memorize written safety standards and/or scripts
  • Able to speak clearly to include the use of P/A systems and two-way radios
  • Able to assist with other departments in need with duties such as cleaning, stocking, returning trays, etc.

Physical and Cognitive Requirements
  • Lifting and Carrying: Position may require occasional to frequent lifting of up to 50 lbs. utilizing company's safety guidelines for safe lifting
  • Mobility: Position may require intermittent to prolonged sitting, standing and/or walking for duration of shift, up to 13 hours. Employees may also be required to travel to various areas on property which may include changes in terrain, stairs and uneven surfaces
  • Repetitive Movements: This position may require performing repetitive movements and tasks throughout the shift, including repeated use of hands, arms or other body parts as part of typical job functions
  • Environmental Conditions: This position requires the ability to perform work tasks in varying weather conditions to include extreme cold and heat. Employees may be required to work indoors and outdoors
  • Cognitive and Sensory Requirements: This position requires strong cognitive skills, including the ability to think critically, solve problems, process and retain information, have attention to detail and communicate effectively using approved methods

The Dollywood Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. The Dollywood Company drives a welcoming culture where ideas and decisions from all people support our efforts to be relevant in an ever-changing world.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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