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How much do rafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for rafting in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are rafting guides?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people down rivers using inflatable rafts. They ensure the safety of participants, provide instructions on paddling techniques, and share knowledge about the river environment. Rafting guides are skilled in swiftwater rescue, first aid, and risk management, making sure the adventure is both enjoyable and safe. They often work for outdoor adventure companies, guiding various levels of whitewater trips.

What is the difference between Rafting vs Whitewater Kayaking?

AspectRaftingWhitewater Kayaking
Required CredentialsBasic safety training, rafting guide certificationWhitewater kayaking certification, safety training
Work EnvironmentLarge rivers, group settings, outdoor adventureFast-moving rivers, individual or small group, outdoor
Employer & Industry UsageAdventure tour companies, outdoor recreationAdventure tour companies, outdoor recreation
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for outdoor adventure jobs, safety, and skills

Rafting involves guiding groups on large inflatable boats through rivers, focusing on teamwork and safety. Whitewater kayaking requires individual skill in maneuvering a small kayak, emphasizing precision and agility. Both roles are popular in outdoor adventure tourism, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and work environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professional rafting guides during a typical season?

Professional rafting guides often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing river conditions, ensuring guest safety, and managing diverse groups with varying experience levels. Guides must be highly adaptable, able to make quick decisions in dynamic environments, and skilled at providing clear instructions to participants. Additionally, they collaborate closely with other guides and support staff to coordinate trip logistics and maintain equipment, all while delivering an enjoyable and memorable experience for guests.

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

To thrive as a Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, thorough river safety knowledge, and often certifications in first aid, CPR, and swiftwater rescue. Familiarity with rafting equipment, local river systems, and navigation tools is typically required. Outstanding communication, leadership, and crisis management skills help guides effectively lead groups and respond to emergencies. These abilities ensure the safety, enjoyment, and confidence of clients during rafting excursions.
More about Rafting jobs
What cities are hiring for Rafting jobs? Cities with the most Rafting job openings:
What states have the most Rafting jobs? States with the most job openings for Rafting jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rafting jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rafting jobs are:
Rafting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rafting job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Skagway Rafting Assistant Manager

Alaska Mountain Guides & Climbing School Inc.

Skagway, AK • On-site

$17/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Hike & Float Rafting Assistant Manager


TIMEFRAME: March/April - October 2026

QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Real ID, Wilderness First Responder (Required - available to receive on site), CPR/First Aid (Required), Swift Water Rescue (Required - available to receive on site)

The Assistant Manager plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Hike & Float program, working closely with the Skagway Rafting Manager to ensure everything runs smoothly. In addition to leadership and guiding responsibilities, the Assistant Manager shares various administrative tasks with the manager. These include creating the daily schedule, approving timesheets, coordinating and participating in raft and gear maintenance, and handling disciplinary matters as needed.

While this is a general overview, the position encompasses a wide range of duties and requires flexibility, leadership, and strong organizational skills.

The Hike & Float Assistant Manager reports directly to the Hike & Float Manager.

REQUIREMENTS

  • 2+ years guiding, rafting preferred.
  • Prior management experience is helpful.
  • Prior leadership and tourism experience is helpful.
  • Must be able to lift up to 80 pounds repeatedly throughout each day.
  • Must be able to carry loads over uneven ground.
  • Must possess a strong work ethic.
  • Must be punctual.
  • Must be organized.
  • Must have a great, positive attitude.
  • Must be comfortable speaking to large groups of people.
  • Must be willing to work 40+ hours a week throughout the entire season.
  • Must currently have or be willing to obtain Wilderness First Responder and Swift Water Rescue certifications.
  • Must be willing and able to acquire a Skagway chauffer's permit once onsite.

SITE RELATED JOB DUTIES

    • Help to run a safe, efficient and high-quality program.
    • Split office duties with the Rafting Manager.
    • Provide input for Rafting Manager's weekly reports to Skagway office.
    • Be positive and outgoing when dealing with guides and guests.
    • Responsible for ensuring that all guides follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Skagway Guide Manual, Employee Manual and Emergency Response Manuals through delegation and direct team management.
    • Immediately address any performance or safety issues with guides as they occur and report to the site manager.
    • Ensure that the program is ready and up to operating standards for the start of the season.
    • Ensure that all guides are portraying a professional image to guests and provide top level customer service.
    • In the case of an emergency, coordinate guides to ensure that procedures are accurately followed, and that communication is constant, paperwork is correctly filled out and collected.
    • Ensure all emergency response equipment is correctly stationed, complete, and up to date.
    • Relay the performance and progress of all guides to the Rafting Manager.
    • Assist with providing continual training opportunities for guides throughout the season.
    • Attend weekly meetings as requested.
    • Taking inventory of gear and regularly maintaining the programs gear.
    • Together with the RaftingManager, coordinate breakdown of the program at the end of the season.
    • Other duties as dictated by daily needs.

    OFFICE RELATED JOB DUTIES (please note that many of these are shared responsibilities):

    • Assist in scheduling and leading program and guide meetings/evaluations.
    • Weekly meeting with Rafting Manager, Operations and/or Skagway Program Manager.
    • Time sheets and payroll - assist with employee timecard verifications.
    • Monitor guide hours/overtime for balanced scheduling.
    • Assist in organizing guide appreciation events: dinners and activities, etc.

    The above is a list of general responsibilities and is not comprehensive.

    WORKLOAD

    • 40+ hours a week - may be more or less depending on time of season
    • 40% site management
    • 30% guide development/ administration
    • 30% field time/active guiding
    • Division of hours will vary throughout the season based on program needs (start-up, break-down, training, etc.).


    ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

    Employees may be called on to share driving responsibilities with other programs and guide different variations of the Hike & Float Tour. We offer a Hike & Float Scenic drive which is the normal four-hour tour with an added drive up the Klondike Highway into Canada afterwards. We also run a Scenic River Float tour which is just the float portion of the tour, no hiking involved. You may also be required to assist in other office duties not listed.


    PROFESSIONALISM

    All employees represent the company, whether at the docks, on tour, or off the clock. AMG/CG expects everyone to conduct themselves professionally and exemplify the behavior associated with our quality guide service. Given our small Alaskan community, any inappropriate behavior can quickly damage your reputation and reflect negatively on the company.


    LIVING SPACE AND RENT STRUCTURE

    Employeehousing is located in downtown Skagway, the grocery store and other attractions are within walking distance from housing. Accommodations consist of shared rooms typically 2-4 beds to a room, although the largest room is a 6-occupant bunkroom. Each house features shared bathrooms, a kitchen area, and living room. Employees residing in housing are expected to respect other and maintain a clean living area. Rent procedures are outlined in the Employee Manual. The two downtown houses share a large yard and mountain views, providing a fantastic base for our team.

    Additional Notes

    • Managers and Assistant Managers do not pay rent.
    • Pets - No pets are allowed within company housing.


    TRAVEL AND LOGISTICS

    Employees are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from Skagway, AMG will assist wherever possible in helping outline necessary steps in travel plans. Please make arrangements with a few days on either end of the season for mishaps.

    Apply