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Rafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

River-Raft Guide

Asheville, NC ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Materials Manager

Bowling Green, KY ยท On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Materials Manager will oversee the material releasing process, material rafting (kitting/staging) process, inventory accuracy, purchasing activities, and material flow throughout the facility.

Bus Driver

Charlemont, MA ยท On-site

$22.50/hr

Transport whitewater rafting guests to river locations in company vehicles during the rafting season.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvide transportation to various raft launches & take out ...

2026 - 2027 Season - Bus Driver

MA ยท On-site

$22.50/hr

Transport whitewater rafting guests to river locations in company vehicles during the rafting season. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Provide transportation to various raft launches & take ...

2027 Season - Bus Driver

Charlemont, MA

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

Transport whitewater rafting guests to river locations in company vehicles during the rafting season. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Provide transportation to various raft launches & take ...

The Materials Manager will oversee the material releasing process, material rafting (kitting/staging) process, inventory accuracy, purchasing activities, and material flow throughout the facility.

Showing results 21-40

Rafting information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do rafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 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 is a rafting guide?

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

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.

What are 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Rafting job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Reservations and Guest Service Specialist

White Salmon, WA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Answer questions, help guests choose the right adventure, and convert inquiries into bookings.

  • Coordinate trip logistics, including welcoming guests upon arrival and briefing river guides on group specifics.

  • Assist with reservations and guest services to ensure a positive experience for visitors.


Job description

Wet Planet is looking for a Reservations & Guest Service Specialist to join our small office team for the 2026 season!

Reservations & Guest Services specialists love coordinating adventures and getting people outside. With each call, our guests will hear the love for the experiences we create at Wet Planet.

For many of our guests, the Wet Planet experience starts with a call or email to the Wet Planet office, which gives them the knowledge and confidence to pursue their rafting or kayaking adventure.  With a discerning ear and knowledge about our trips and courses, you'll be able to answer questions, help folks choose the right adventure, and do your best to turn each inquiring call into a new Wet Planet guest and friend.

The Wet Planet Office is more than just an office it's a dynamic team that works cohesively with the rest of the operation in the base and on the river. While the experience starts here, the office team is also very in tune with the daily logistics of all our trips and courses. From welcoming guests upon arrival to briefing river guides on group specifics, you're involved in all aspects of our trips and guest's experiences.  There is never a dull moment in the office!

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.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Previous work experience, ideally in the hospitality & service industry, outdoor industry, guest services, or related field
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Administrative and sales experience 
  • Have a general interest in the outdoors and more specifically, whitewater (or desire to learn if you're not a whitewater person!)
  • Desire to work in the seasonal outdoor industry
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced and busy environment
  • Be proficient with the Google drive platform, Microsoft word, and basic Excel

Availability: Full-time, including weekends and holidays, from March/April through September. (5- to 6-month position).

NOTE: This is a seasonal position beginning in the spring (starting potentially as early as March). 

Wet Planet Perks:

  • Access to free trips and courses, and discounted professional training 
  • 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, pending availability. 
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:

  • Hourly, Range: $20-26, based on relevant work experience.

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