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Professional Tour Guide Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Server - Chinatown

Washington, DC

$10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Foggy Bottom

Washington, DC · On-site

$10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Potomac

Potomac, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Georgetown

Washington, DC · On-site

$10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Potomac

Potomac, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Foggy Bottom

Washington, DC · On-site

$10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Chinatown

Washington, DC

$10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Georgetown

Washington, DC · On-site

$10/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Server - Reston

Reston, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests ... professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.

Be Seen First

Our Flexologists will provide one-on-one assisted stretches as well as lead guided group stretching ... tour and sales as needed ● Maintain strong social media presence to client membership and ...

Urgent

Training provided

Be Seen First

Our Flexologists will provide one-on-one assisted stretches as well as lead guided group stretching ... tour and sales as needed ● Maintain strong social media presence to client membership and ...

Urgent

Training provided

Be Seen First

Are you a people-first professional who loves connecting with others and helping them find a place ... Guide prospects through the leasing process--from first contact to signed lease * Maintain accurate ...

Senior Technical Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Provide final editing for presentations, video and online tour scripts, social media posts, and ... professional experience, including supervision and project management experience with ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Tour Guide information

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.

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Professional Tour Guide jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Professional Tour Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Tour Guide job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

$10/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

SERVER

  • NOW HIRING: Full time and part time

Our Servers are experienced, confident, and capable of providing exceptional hospitality in a busy restaurant environment. They have extensive depth of knowledge about our scratch-made food and drink, can tour guide guests through our menus with ease, and are integral to creating a welcoming, clean, and relaxed experience for our guests. Our Servers become experts in our service, our operations, our brand, and our company and are often promoted to bartending or leadership roles.

Hourly Rate: $10/hr + tips

BENEFITS + PERKS:

  • Competitive pay
  • Health insurance plans available for as low as $130 per month after 90 days of employment
  • Dental and vision plans
  • Paid time off
  • Discounted shift meal and generous dining discount
  • Paid pregnancy and parental leave
  • Voluntary benefits: short-term disability and accident insurance
  • Free access to company massage therapist
  • Discounted gym & yoga membership
  • Free mental health therapy through our partner ComPsych, where employees and their immediate family members receive confidential sessions available virtually or in-person
  • Training and career growth opportunities
  • Free Employee Assistance Program with resources for legal, financial, and life needs

WHAT OUR SERVERS DO:

  • Take orders from guests for food and/or beverages
  • Check with guests to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems
  • Check identification of our guests to ensure that they meet minimum-age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages
  • Enter orders into handheld computers for transmittal to kitchen staff
  • Run food and drinks from kitchen, pastry, and bar areas to guest tables
  • Bus tables throughout the guest visit and once guests have finished their meals, ensuring a clean and inviting environment
  • Collect payments from customers
  • Serve food and/or beverages to guests and prepare or serve specialty dishes at tables, as required
  • When serving, use the specific menu item names (e.x., "Here is your 'You Caught My Rye'" or "Here is your Crispy Corn Crusted Halibut") to enhance the guest experience
  • Prepare tables for meals, including setting up items, such as linens, silverware, and glassware
  • Explain how various menu items are prepared, describing ingredients and cooking methods
  • Describe and recommend menu selections and wine pairings to customers
  • Bring wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and pour the wine for customers
  • Assist host by answering phones to take reservations or To Go orders, as well as greet, seat, and thank guests
  • Inform guests of daily specials
  • Prepare hot, cold, and mixed drinks for patrons, and chill bottles of wine
  • Prepare silverware and linen place settings, set up food stations, or set up dining areas to prepare for the next shift or for large parties
  • Attend pre-shift meetings as scheduled
  • Stock service areas with supplies, such as coffee, food, tableware, and linens
  • Fill salt, pepper, sugar, cream, condiments, and napkin containers
  • Provide guests with information about local areas, including giving directions
  • Perform cleaning duties, such as sweeping, vacuuming carpet, tidying up server station, taking out trash
  • Are punctual and able to observe regular and consistent attendance
  • Contribute to a positive team environment
  • Other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU NEED TO BE A SERVER:

  • One year of experience working in full or quick service dining required
  • Must be 18 years old due to service of alcohol
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds, as needed
  • Capable of continuous bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, and use of hands and arms

Farmers Restaurant Group was voted as one of the Best Places to Work across the Greater Washington, D.C. area. As a member of our team, you will be working in a lively, fast-paced work environment within a growing farmer-owned restaurant company that cares about great food and drink, thoughtful sourcing, preserving our lands and waterways for future generations, and creating a culture of never-ending learning and reinvention for our employees. No matter where you work in our company, you are on a career path with challenges and opportunities for continued professional development and growth, and we are committed to your health and overall well-being.