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Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

French Broad Adventures

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC · On-site

$15/hr

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

French Broad Adventures

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC · On-site

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides Location(s): Moab Utah Work Season: Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026, Relocation?: Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides Location(s): Moab Utah, Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO Work Season: Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026, Relocation?: Would you ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Moab, UT · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

AVA Rafting & Zipline: Raft Guides Location(s): Moab Utah Work Season: Full time and Part Time, June 2026 to September 2026, Relocation?: Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does ...

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO Work Season: Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026, Relocation?: Would you be moving ...

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Rafting Guide information

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How much do rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for rafting guide 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 is a rafting guide?

Rafting guides are trained professionals who lead and navigate groups of people on whitewater rafting trips. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instructions on paddling techniques, and reading river conditions to avoid hazards. Rafting guides also enhance the experience by sharing information about the local environment and wildlife. Their expertise is crucial for making rafting adventures both exciting and safe.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a rafting guide?

To thrive as a Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, water safety knowledge, and first aid/CPR certification, often supported by swiftwater rescue training. Familiarity with rafting equipment, river navigation tools, and communication systems like radios is essential. Outstanding leadership, quick decision-making, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help deliver safe and enjoyable experiences for clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring guest safety, handling emergencies, and providing exceptional outdoor adventures.

What are common challenges faced by rafting guides and how can they be managed?

Rafting Guides often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, varying river conditions, and managing the safety and expectations of diverse groups of participants. Effective communication, thorough pre-trip briefings, and strong situational awareness are key to addressing these challenges. Guides must be prepared to adapt routes, provide clear instructions, and maintain a calm demeanor under pressure to ensure both safety and a positive guest experience. Being proactive in equipment checks and staying updated on river conditions also help mitigate risks and keep trips running smoothly.

What is the difference between Rafting Guide vs Kayaking Instructor?

AspectRafting GuideKayaking Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseCPR, First Aid, kayaking instructor certification
Work EnvironmentRivers, outdoor adventure settings, group toursRivers, lakes, outdoor classes, individual or group instruction
Industry UsageTour operators, adventure companiesOutdoor recreation centers, adventure schools

Rafting Guides and Kayaking Instructors both work in outdoor water environments and often require similar safety certifications. However, rafting guides typically lead larger groups on rivers using rafts, while kayaking instructors focus on teaching individuals or small groups how to kayak. Both roles are essential in the outdoor adventure industry, but they differ in equipment, techniques, and specific job responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Rafting Guide jobs?

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What states have the most Rafting Guide jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rafting Guide jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Rafting Guide jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rafting Guide jobs are:

Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

River-Raft Guide

French Broad Adventures

Asheville, NC • On-site

$15/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Whitewater Rafting, Whitewater Guides, Adventure Guides, Outdoor Guide, Outdoor Industry
For 44 years French Broad Adventures has been a leader in the outdoor industry in Western North Carolina and has trained thousands of adventure guides. Our adventures offer you the opportunity to join a family-oriented small business and gain important skills in outdoor adventures for this season and beyond.
*This job will be based at our Marshall, NC Outpost
Hiring for 2026 - Submit Your Resume
WANT A FUN JOB IN THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE INDUSTRY?
Whitewater rafting, zipline canopy tours, canyoneering, calm water trips-- we've got it all! We operate our adventures outside Asheville, Marshall, and Hot Springs, NC.
The mission of French Broad Adventures is to combine experienced guides, excellent customer service, and exceptional outdoor adventures to create incomparable memories for our valued guests. Our main season goes from mid-May through September. This is a seasonal position. Experience is preferred, but we will train the right candidates.
Training for inexperienced guides will be the last weekend in April and the first three weekends in May. Classes are offered through Asheville-Buncombe Community College. The cost is $400, which is refundable at the end of the season if all commitments are met.
The Whitewater Rafting Professional Guide Course is for those interested in learning the skills required to efficiently and safely paddle a commercial raft on rivers with Class I-IV rapids. This two-day course is taught in conjunction with ABTECH and includes advanced river reading, safety considerations, and paddling techniques. Whitewater Rafting Guide training will focus on the fundamentals and skills needed. Learn to read whitewater, use river signals, maneuver, and rig rafts, tie knots, work with guests, and other basic river operations.
Interested in spending the summer whitewater rafting with us on the beautiful French Broad River? Join our team of adventure-loving outdoor enthusiasts!
Register on ABTECH-Madsion Campus
Search for Whitewater Rafting Guide or SEF-0015-432WT
Saturdays and Sundays | April 25 - May 17 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Marshall Outpost, RM 112
French Broad Adventures
Fees: Course: $415.00
SEF-0015-432WT
Raft Guides must:
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Maintain a current First Aid/Basic CPR/AED certification
  • Complete FBA Raft Guide training and check-out process
  • Demonstrate excellent customer service skills
  • Work well under pressure
  • Have a positive attitude
  • Possess the ability to take direction
  • Demonstrate risk management strategies
  • Work well as part of a team
  • Have enthusiasm about sharing outdoor activities with guests
  • Show good judgment and decision-making
  • Be comfortable speaking to large groups
  • Have the willingness to work weekends and holidays

To be considered for Raft Guide employment, please fill out an application here, resume, and certifications, and go to the following link to apply. Application
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive Pay: $15.00 per hour
  • Tips from our amazing guests
  • Paid training
  • Family atmosphere
  • Retail Shop discounts on FBA Gear
  • Discounts on Adventures with French Broad Adventures

French Broad Adventures is a veteran-owned, inclusive, equal-opportunity employer and adventure provider. We welcome all people and do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, political beliefs, parental status, veteran status, marital status, gender, or gender identity. We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and value diversity in our employees.

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