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Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ambgroup

Guests will have access to a variety of activities across the property, including guided hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife as well as whitewater rafting and guided fishing trips through local ...

PRP

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Cook- 3053

Missoula, MT · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

Cooks - 1765

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

PRP

Dishwashers - 696

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$18.21/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

KurzSolutions

Medical Technologist

Peach Springs, AZ · On-site

Head underground for a guided tour of Grand Canyon Caverns, the largest dry caverns in the United ... rafting excursion. For a Wild West good time, book a stay on the Hualapai Ranch. You'll spend your ...

French Broad Adventures

CDL Bus Driver

Asheville, NC · On-site

... rafting, zipline canopy tours, canyoneering, calm water trips-- we've got it all! The mission of French Broad Adventures is to combine experienced guides, excellent customer service, and exceptional ...

French Broad Adventures

CDL Bus Driver

Asheville, NC · On-site

$16/hr

... rafting, zipline canopy tours, canyoneering, calm water trips-- we've got it all! The mission of French Broad Adventures is to combine experienced guides, excellent customer service, and exceptional ...

French Broad Adventures

CDL Bus Driver

Asheville, NC · On-site

$16/hr

... rafting, zipline canopy tours, canyoneering, calm water trips-- we've got it all! The mission of French Broad Adventures is to combine experienced guides, excellent customer service, and exceptional ...

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Rafting Guide information

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$9

$16

$22

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 states have the most Rafting Guide jobs?

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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.

Kayak Instructor

Wet Planet Rafting and Kayaking

White Salmon, WA • On-site

$153 - $195/day

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Wet Planet is looking for Instructors for our kayak school at Wet Planet!

Wet Planet Kayak Instructors enjoy sharing their love of kayaking, introducing people to the sport, and creating amazing experiences for our students. Our popular kayak program includes weekly beginner classes, advanced classes and clinics, kayak guiding on area rivers, youth camps, charter camps for organizations such as First Descents, and an annual multi-day whitewater kayaking trip on the Main Salmon River in Idaho. Following Wet Planet course outlines, Lead Kayaking Instructors set the tone and pace, take care of all course logistics, and take pride in the guest experience and achieving positive course outcomes. Lead Instructors enjoy being the point person while coaching and mentoring assistant instructors. Assistant instructors are new to professional kayak instruction, and work under the supervision of lead instructors while developing their skills and experience.

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 are 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.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Formal whitewater kayak instruction experience required for Lead Instructors
  • Professional appearance, excellent communication skills, and team player
  • Ability to kayak comfortably at a Class III level at minimum
  • Comfortable managing a group of students in a dynamic river environment
  • Current Wilderness First Responder & CPR certifications required for Lead Instructors
  • Current First Aid and CPR certifications required for Assistant Instructors
  • Current River Rescue Certification required (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)
  • ACA or BCU training for whitewater kayaking instruction required for Lead Instructors

Kayaking Season: We offer kayak courses from mid-May through mid-September

Availability:

  • Full-time, full season: mid-May through mid-September
  • Part-time, peak season: June - August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciplines and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available from April through September by 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

Compensation:

  • Between $153-195 per day, based on experience, training & certifications, and role (from apprentice to assisting or course lead).
  • Simple IRA savings plan option after 2 years

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