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Student Tour Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Petersen Automotive Museum

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Tour Guides at the Petersen must learn and retain knowledge of the cars and other relevant ... students grades K-12. * Adhering to the policies and codes of conduct laid out in the Petersen ...

SIMON WIESENTHAL CENTER

Tour Guide

Los Angeles, CA

$20/hr

The Museum of Tolerance is seeking an experienced, energetic and engaging Part Time Tour Guides to ... Ability and desire to work with students of all ages, especially high school students ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Perfect for current college students or recent grads * Teachers, military veterans, EMS personal, and those with service industry experience make for great tour guides! * Very flexible scheduling * 6 ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Perfect for current college students or recent grads * Teachers, military veterans, EMS personal, and those with service industry experience make for great tour guides! * Very flexible scheduling * 6 ...

Everyday California

Kayak & Snorkel Guide

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.75/hr

Perfect for current college students or recent grads * Teachers, military veterans, EMS personal, and those with service industry experience make for great tour guides! * Very flexible scheduling * 6 ...

Chapman University

Graduate Assistant

Orange, CA

$20/hr

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE180524 Position Information ... Ability to assist in operational guidance with a large team of tour guides. * Demonstrated ability ...

Chapman University

Graduate Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Posting Details Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE180524 Position ... Ability to assist in operational guidance with a large team of tour guides. * Demonstrated ability ...

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Student Tour Guide information

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How much do student tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for student tour guide in California is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are student tour guides?

Student tour guides are current students who lead campus tours for prospective students, their families, and other visitors. They share insights about campus life, academics, and resources while walking groups through important university locations. Student tour guides are often trained to answer questions and provide an authentic perspective on what it's like to attend the institution. Their role is crucial in helping visitors get a feel for the campus environment and culture.

How much do tour guides get paid per day?

Student tour guides typically earn between $50 and $150 per day, depending on the location, employer, and experience. Pay may also include tips from visitors and can vary based on the length and complexity of the tours.

How much do tour guides get paid?

Student tour guides typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location, organization, and experience. Pay may increase with additional responsibilities or certifications, and guides often work part-time during weekends or school breaks.

What qualifications do I need to be a tour guide?

To be a student tour guide, candidates typically need good communication skills, a friendly demeanor, and knowledge of the tour subject. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and previous experience in customer service or public speaking can be helpful. Depending on the location, a background check or specific training may be required before starting.

How does a Student Tour Guide typically collaborate with other campus departments during tours?

Student Tour Guides often coordinate with various campus departments, such as admissions, housing, and academic units, to ensure accurate and up-to-date information is shared with prospective students and their families. They may work closely with admissions staff to tailor tours for special groups or events and refer specific questions to departmental representatives during or after tours. This collaborative approach helps provide visitors with a comprehensive and positive experience, while also offering guides opportunities to network and learn more about different campus resources.

How to get hired as a tour guide?

To get hired as a student tour guide, applicants typically need to complete an application process that may include an interview and background check. Relevant skills include good communication, customer service, and knowledge of the tour subject. Some positions may require training or certifications, and availability during peak hours is often preferred.

What is the difference between Student Tour Guide vs Museum Guide?

AspectStudent Tour GuideMuseum Guide
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training provided by employerHigh school diploma; often additional knowledge of exhibits or history
Work EnvironmentOutdoor and indoor settings, schools, tourist attractionsIndoor museum settings, galleries, historical sites
Employer & IndustryTourism, education, travel industryMuseums, cultural institutions, historical sites
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both roles involve guiding visitors and providing information, but Student Tour Guides typically work in outdoor or educational settings with a focus on tourism and school groups, while Museum Guides focus on indoor museum exhibits and historical displays. The required credentials are similar, often involving basic education and training. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right fit based on environment and industry preferences.

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

To thrive as a Student Tour Guide, you need excellent communication skills, in-depth knowledge of your institution, and a welcoming demeanor, typically as an enrolled student in good standing. Familiarity with scheduling tools, presentation software, and campus information systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help you engage diverse audiences and address questions confidently. These skills are vital for creating positive first impressions, ensuring accurate information delivery, and fostering a welcoming campus environment.
What are popular job titles related to Student Tour Guide jobs in California? For Student Tour Guide jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Student Tour Guide jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Student Tour Guide jobs in California are:
Student Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Student Tour Guide job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,612 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Tour Guide

Tour Guide

Petersen Automotive Museum

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

About Petersen Automotive Museum
We are more than just an iconic museum, we're a fast-paced, high-energy team driven by innovation, passion, and a deep love for car culture and storytelling. From world-class exhibitions to unforgettable events, we bring history, design, and horsepower to life every day. We work hard, we move fast, and we have a blast doing it, all while pushing the boundaries of what a museum can be. If you're ready to shift into high gear with a crew that values creativity, integrity, and a good laugh along the way... you'll fit right in.
About the role
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to explore and
present the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture using Los Angeles
as the prime example.
Tour Guides at the Petersen must learn and retain knowledge of the cars and other relevant
artifacts that make up the collection and articulate the most interesting stories about those cars
to the public. Tours may cover the whole museum or select portions of the museum, including
the Vault. Tour groups can range from families with children up to senior groups, and can
include people from different countries, different learning levels and different abilities. In addition
to sharing educational content, it is important that tour guides manage, control, and entertain
their tour groups. Training to be a tour guide includes studying training materials, shadowing
veteran guides and observing their presentation styles, buddying up with veteran guides to give
collaborative tours, and giving several practice tours to staff. Upon successful completion of the
training period, a new guide can then begin to lead public tours.
What you'll do
  • Leading tours of the museum, or portions of it, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours (standard tour lengths are one hour for museum tours and 90 minutes for Vault tours).
  • Engaging and entertaining guests on tours. Tours may include up to 50 guests.
  • Researching cars and artifacts and maintaining knowledge of the collection.
  • Preparing a tour strategy that covers a broad portion of the tour's target while fitting
  • within time constraints.
  • Working with other guides in research and preparation.
  • Adjusting and modifying tour content as requested by their supervisor and/or the museum administration. This includes learning information about cars that may only temporarily be on display.
  • Wearing the required uniform during all tours, which includes a red Petersen polo shirt, black pants and shoes, and a nametag.
  • Attend all trainings and read all training materials.
  • Arriving in advance of tours in order to walk through the museum, making themselves aware of any changes.
  • Committing to a regular schedule while also being able to pick up additional shifts.
  • Cooperating with security and museum staff in managing groups to ensure guest safetyand preservation of the collection.
  • Docent will be on call for tour requests and may be required to do a tour last minute if the tour is booked on the day of their shift.
  • Train to Gallery Interpret and interpret in the galleries during shifts that do not have tours.
  • Opportunity to learn and facilitate School Tours is available if docent is comfortable working with students grades K-12.
  • Adhering to the policies and codes of conduct laid out in the Petersen Museum's Employee Handbook.

Qualifications
  • This position requires a highly motivated, creative, and outgoing person who enjoys
  • working with the public and volunteers.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to learn quickly.
  • Applicants must be able to work varied hours including evenings or weekends.
  • Weekends required

Education and Experience
Minimum Education (or substitute experience) required:
• 2 years of college experience preferred
Minimum Experience required:
• None
The pay range for this role is:
20 - 20 USD per hour (Petersen Automotive Museum)

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