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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 ...

The Raft Guide is responsible for delivery of a high quality, safe, fun, and entertaining rafting experience for 6-7 guests at a time in varying environmental conditions as dictated by the unique ...

Gastroenterologist

Durango, CO ยท Hybrid

$597K/yr

Plenty of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, biking, skiing, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, rafting, hiking, snowmobiling, and rock climbing * Hike the San Juans, with thousands ...

Gastroenterologist

Durango, CO ยท Hybrid

$597K/yr

Plenty of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, biking, skiing, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, rafting, hiking, snowmobiling, and rock climbing * Hike the San Juans, with thousands ...

$295K - $394K/yr

West Virginia - beautiful area with a variety of outdoor activities - skiing, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, hunting, fishing, camping and more! Who is CT Assist? * ...

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Rafting information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do rafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 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:
Infographic showing various Rafting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Raft Pilot- Black Canyon Rafting

Guestservices

Boulder City, NV โ€ข On-site

$90K - $112K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Compensation Amount:

17.00 USD Hourly

Job Summary:

Provide an informative narration while piloting an inflatable raft. Insure the safety of all visitors and the protection of the park resources.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Keep raft appropriately supplied i.e. fuel, water, air, first aid kit etc.
  • Deliver the required narration though out the tour.
  • Operate the raft to insure visitor safety and raft protection.
  • Maintain a thorough knowledge of all safety procedures.
  • Work together with the other team members to provide a cohesive operation.
  • Keep rafts clean and orderly.
  • Clean and fold towels as needed, clean water jug and portable toilets daily.
  • Provide excellent visitor service.
  • Assist in training new raft pilots.
  • Employees are required to perform their work in a manner protective of human health and the environment and to report any deviations of environmental policy to their supervisor.
  • Employees are also required to be aware of and participate, where necessary, in the achievement of environmental objectives and implementation of the environmental management system
  • Follow Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures wastewater handling, recycling, fuel dock and raft parking procedures.
  • Such other and further duties as are required from time to time, as defined by Company Management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

  • Operate rafts in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Narrate in a clear and concise manner.
  • Must maintain a current CPR/First Aid card.
  • Must maintain a current Driver's License.
  • Understand security policies within "secure zone" of Hoover Dam.
  • Understand engine mechanics and perform minor repair.
  • Knowledge or ability to be trained in ISO/EMS Awareness.
  • Knowledge or ability to be trained in Employee Orientation.
  • Knowledge or ability to be trained in Hazard Communications.
  • Know ledge or ability to be trained in Hazardous Materials Response.
  • Knowledge or ability to be trained in Emergency Response/Respiratory Protection.
  • Knowledge or ability to be trained in Recycled Materials.
  • Knowledge or ability to be trained in Bloodborne Pathogen Awareness.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

  • Washer/Dryer
  • Vacuum
  • Raft
  • 15 Passenger Van
  • Fuel Dispenser
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • 2 Cycle Oil Dispenser
  • Air pump
  • Pump-out Equipment
  • VHF Radio

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job entails the physical activities detailed below.

  • Driving a raft
  • Working in Hot Weather
  • Bending
  • Stooping
  • Visual identification of wildlife
  • Visual identification of land marks
  • Lifting up to 50 pounds
  • Standing for short and long periods of time
  • Working in sunlight for long periods

EDUCATION OR FORMAL TRAINING

  • High School diploma, GED or other acceptable experience.

EXPERIENCE

  • Recreational Boating experience preferred.
  • Prefer to have experience working with the public.

Founded in 1917, Guest Services has worked tirelessly to earn the reputation as the premier hospitality management company and National Park Service concessionaire in the United States. Guest Services takes great care and pride in providing best-in-class services across a wide variety of client sites including luxury communities, hotels, resorts, government and business dining facilities, full-service restaurants, state and national parks, outdoor recreation, boathouses, marinas, museums, conference centers, senior living communities, health care systems, school and university dining facilities, and specialty retail stores.

Guest Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and promotion without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION: We embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the richness it brings to our company. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to work, enabling them to provide the best level of service to our diverse customer base.