ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Raft Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RIVERSPORT FOUNDATION

Tubing Guide

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

The position will report to the RIVERSPORT Raft Operation Manager. This is a seasonal position ... guides and guests and enjoys working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. Ability to work ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO

$16K - $19K/mo

Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRaft Guide Jobs

Raft Guide information

See salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do raft guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for raft guide in the United States is $17.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are raft guides?

Raft guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people on river rafting trips. They are responsible for the safety of their passengers, steering the raft, giving instructions, and ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience. Raft guides are knowledgeable about river conditions, first aid, and rescue techniques. They often work for outdoor adventure companies and must have strong communication and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Raft Guide vs Kayak Instructor?

AspectRaft GuideKayak Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseWilderness First Aid, CPR, kayaking instructor certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor water bodies, group settingsRivers, lakes, indoor/outdoor training facilities
Industry UsageTourism, adventure sports, outdoor recreationOutdoor sports education, adventure tourism
Common Search/ComparisonRaft Guide vs Kayak Instructor

Both roles involve water-based outdoor activities and require certifications like First Aid and CPR. Raft Guides typically work on larger group trips on rivers, focusing on safety and navigation, while Kayak Instructors often teach individuals or small groups, emphasizing technique and skills. The work environments overlap but differ in equipment and focus, making them related but distinct roles within outdoor water sports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Raft Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Raft Guide, you need strong paddling skills, river navigation knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by completion of professional guide training. Familiarity with safety equipment, rescue techniques, and communication radios is essential. Leadership, situational awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are critical soft skills for guiding diverse groups safely. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring client safety, managing emergencies, and providing enjoyable outdoor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by Raft Guides during a typical season?

Raft Guides often encounter rapidly changing river conditions, unpredictable weather, and the varying skill levels of guests. Managing safety while ensuring everyone has an enjoyable experience requires strong communication and quick decision-making. Additionally, guides need to maintain physical stamina for long days on the water and may be expected to assist with equipment maintenance or camp setup, depending on the outfitter. Teamwork and adaptability are essential to handle the dynamic nature of the job and to support both guests and fellow guides.
More about Raft Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Raft Guide jobs? Cities with the most Raft Guide job openings:
What states have the most Raft Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Raft Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Raft Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Raft Guide jobs are:
Raft Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Raft Guide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,919 per year, or $17.3 per hour.

Multi-Day Raft Guide

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

Mccall, ID • On-site

$184 - $220/day

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced multi-day raft guides to join our team on the Owyhee River in Oregon, and the Salmon River in Idaho.

Our multi-day raft guide team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the magic of a multi-day wilderness river adventure. In addition to having prior rowing experience, multi-day guides must prioritize guest care and risk management in order to create seamless, memorable and joyful river adventure experiences for our guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences both on the river and at camp.

Wet Planet

Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest. Our multi-day trips are operated in Oregon and Idaho.
Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous commercial multi-day experience on Class III whitewater
  • Professional appearance, great communication skills, a team player with a positive mindset
  • You love to share the river with guests and interpret natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certification
  • Current River Rescue Certification (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Multi-Day Season: Our Owyhee season is mid-April through mid-May, and our Main Salmon season is mid-June through mid-September.

Availability:

  • Full-time, full season: Mid April through the second week of September
  • Full-time, peak season: Mid-June through the second week of September
  • Part-time, peak season: Must be available for a minimum of 2 trips in July and/or August

Many of our river team combine work in multiple disciples and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available April-September, combining day-trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.

Wet Planet Perks:

  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:

  • Compensation by day, Range: $184-$220, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (trainee, guide or sr trip leader)

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience join our team!