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Tour Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

$11.50/hr

The tour operates three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) from mid-May through mid-September, lasts about 3.5 hours, and is fully narrated by driver-guides. In addition, the company ...

Wilderness Tour Guide Summary: The Tour Guide provides guests with safe, engaging, and informative outdoor adventures throughout Icy Strait Point. This multifaceted role includes leading kayaking ...

Wilderness Tour Guide Summary: The Tour Guide provides guests with safe, engaging, and informative outdoor adventures throughout Icy Strait Point. This multifaceted role includes leading kayaking ...

Juneau Tour Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

$20/hr

Juneau Tour Guide Location: Juneau, AK Compensation: $20 per hour Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Why not get paid to tell ghost stories? US Ghost Adventures is looking for outgoing, fun ...

Juneau Tour Guide

Juneau, AK · On-site

$20/hr

Juneau Tour Guide Location: Juneau, AK Compensation: $20 per hour Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Why not get paid to tell ghost stories? US Ghost Adventures is looking for outgoing, fun ...

... guide help them navigate the Denali wilderness. There are so many ways to experience Denali but our ... Establish a relationship with each guest and tour group that will foster strong communication ...

Wilderness Guide Supervisor Category: Seasonal Position (April to September 2026) Salary Range: $30/ hour with bonus potential. Travel Stipend included with job offer. Position Summary: As a Tour Bus ...

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Tour Guide information

See Alaska salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour guide in Alaska is $20.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a tour guide?

To become a tour guide, you typically need good communication skills, a thorough knowledge of the area or subject, and often a relevant license or certification depending on the location. Some employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience in customer service or public speaking is beneficial.

What is a tour guide?

Tour guides are professionals who lead individuals or groups on tours, providing information about the places being visited. They share historical, cultural, and practical knowledge, answer questions, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of their guests. Tour guides may work in various settings, such as museums, cities, nature parks, or heritage sites. Their role is to enhance the visitor experience by making the tour informative, engaging, and memorable.

What are some common challenges tour guides face during group tours, and how can they effectively handle them?

Tour Guides often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, addressing unexpected questions, and adapting to last-minute itinerary changes. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are key to keeping the group engaged and on schedule. Building rapport with participants, staying flexible, and having a deep knowledge of the tour content help guides handle unforeseen issues smoothly. Many guides also develop quick problem-solving strategies to ensure a positive experience for all guests.

What is a tour guide?

Tour guides are the helpful and knowledgeable resources for travelers. They may be on staff at museums or other tourist attraction sites to run scheduled tours our provide information to visitors. They may also lead guided tours through natural attractions, like caves or hikes to a waterfall. Tour guides assist visitors, monitor crowds, and provide information. Some tour guides have extensive knowledge in a particular subject or area, for example, a period in history or ecology.

Do tour guides get paid a lot?

Tour guides' salaries vary depending on location, experience, and the type of tours they lead. On average, they earn around $10 to $20 per hour, with some earning higher tips or commissions, but generally, the pay is moderate and often supplemented by tips. Skilled guides with certifications and specialized knowledge can increase their earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tour guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tour Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local history and attractions, strong verbal communication skills, and often a relevant certification or license depending on the region. Familiarity with booking software, audio tour systems, and GPS navigation devices is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and adaptability help create engaging and memorable experiences for diverse groups. These abilities ensure that tours run smoothly, clients remain safe and informed, and guests leave with a positive impression.

What is the difference between Tour Guide vs Travel Agent?

AspectTour GuideTravel Agent
CredentialsNone required, but certifications like Certified Tour Guide can helpTravel certifications or licenses may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOn-site at tourist locations, guiding groups in personOffice-based or remote, planning and booking travel arrangements
Employer & Industry UsageTourism, hospitality, travel companies, attractionsTravel agencies, tour operators, online booking platforms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, job duties, and qualificationsPlanning trips, booking travel, and arranging tours

While both Tour Guides and Travel Agents work within the tourism industry, Tour Guides lead groups at specific locations, providing on-site information and entertainment. Travel Agents, on the other hand, focus on planning and booking travel arrangements behind the scenes. Each role requires different skills and work environments, but both contribute to the overall travel experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tour Guide jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Tour Guide jobs in Alaska are:

What are popular job titles related to Tour Guide jobs in Alaska?

For Tour Guide jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alaska are hiring for Tour Guide jobs?

Cities in Alaska with the most Tour Guide job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Tour Guide jobs in AK?

For Tour Guide jobs in AK, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Tour Guide job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,135 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

$11.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Type: Seasonal - Summer 2019


About Stampede Excursions:


Stampede Excursions offers a new take on excursions. Shaking up the local industry by creating a team-focused, service-centric experience for both our teammates and guests. Having begun operations in 2011, Stampede Excursions provides adventure tours near Denali National Park, Alaska.


We operate a backcountry adventure tour of the Stampede Trail, a historic mining road made infamous by the book and movie "Into the Wild." Utilizing highly modified 4x4 and 6x6 off-road vehicles seating up to 14 guests, this excursion traverses open tundra, mud bogs, and boreal forests before stopping for a hearty Alaskan snack deep in the bush. The tour operates three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) from mid-May through mid-September, lasts about 3.5 hours, and is fully narrated by driver-guides. In addition, the company offers other adventures including those by air and operates a visitor center style sales office in the heart of Denali.


Denali is situated between Anchorage and Fairbanks on the George Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad. About 600,000 visitors come to Denali each year, primarily between May and September. The area is a mountainous and rugged wilderness, with the highest point on the continent a mere 80 miles away.


Stampede Excursions is an all hands on deck employer. This means each member of our team is hired as a Tour Support Teammate and may serve in different roles such as a Guest Service Represtative, Shuttle Driver, or Tour Guide depending on current operational demands.


Responsibilities:


  • Deliver a well-researched, narrated tour of the local area and backcountry sights to include facts about Denali National Park, flora and fauna, and a history of the Stampede Trail.
  • Safely and skillfully operate 4x4 vans and 6x6 military on/off-road vehicles through a variety of road and trail conditions.
  • Possess excellent customer service skills and interact with travelers of all demographics from all over the world.
  • Ability to prepare and serve a picnic-style snack in the wilderness utilizing a propane grill or similar equipment. 
  • Maintain a clean and professional appearance at all times.
  • Pick up and drop off guests at area hotels while developing positive relationships through interaction with hotel and resort staff.
  • Assist in maintaing trail, vehicles, facilities, and equpiment.
  • Mainitain and prepare Jeeps for rental.
  • Addtional duties as assigned which may include, but are not limited to, shuttle driving and guest service office shifts.
Qualifications:


Minimum qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license and safe driving history.
  • 21+ years of age per insurance guidelines. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to operate oversized, off-road vehicles with manual and automatic transmissions.
  • Knowledge of Jeep-type off-road driving skills and techniques.
  • High mechanical aptitude and ability to use most hand tools and equipment. 
  • Current CPR certification. 
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods of time.
  • Strong work ethic. 
  • Ability to pass pre-employment and/or random drug testing.
  • Ability to conform to and follow appearance and uniform guidelines including limitations on hair color, piercings, and tattoos.


Preferred qualifications:

  • Sales or customer service background, especially in the tourism or hospitality industries. 
  • Documented First Aid training, preferably Wilderness First Responder, EMT, or equivalent certification. 
  • Experience and interest in outdoors/wilderness/backcountry settings.
  • Ability to speak other languages in addition to English.
  • Willingness to take on additional responsibilities to include basic mechanical work on vehicles and equipment, sales/customer service duties, and assisting the team with other facets of the business.
Compensation:


This position pays $11.50 per hour plus earned tips from tours.


How to Apply:


Our online application will give you the option to apply for this role.


We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified people to apply. If we can make this easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please contact us.


We will review applications as they are received and look forward to hearing from you.

Employment Type: OTHER