1

Tour Guide Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Port Engineer

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Experience in tourism or tour-related industry. * Post-secondary mechanical engineering certificate. Traits and Characteristics for Port Engineer To deliver world-class experiences guided by the ...

Port Engineer

Juneau, AK · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Experience in tourism or tour-related industry. * Post-secondary mechanical engineering certificate. Traits and Characteristics for Port Engineer To deliver world-class experiences guided by the ...

... Tour Manager, and all Tour Managers across the organization while maintaining alignment with company goals and values. Key Outcomes: * Capture and produce photo/video content of tours, guides ...

Dock Representative

Sitka, AK · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... guides, vessel crew, and other dock personnel to ensure our tours depart and arrive in a timely ... Direct and assist passenger movement between cruise ship and tour embarkation. * Collect tickets ...

Dock Representative

Juneau, AK · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... guides, vessel crew, and other dock personnel to ensure our tours depart and arrive in a timely ... Direct and assist passenger movement between cruise ship and tour embarkation. * Collect tickets ...

Dock Representative

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$39K - $45K/yr

... guides, vessel crew, and other dock personnel to ensure our tours depart and arrive in a timely ... Direct and assist passenger movement between cruise ship and tour embarkation. * Collect tickets ...

Dock Representative

Ketchikan, AK · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

... guides, vessel crew, and other dock personnel to ensure our tours depart and arrive in a timely ... Direct and assist passenger movement between cruise ship and tour embarkation. * Collect tickets ...

Showing results 41-60

Tour Guide information

See Alaska salary details

$9

$20

$35

How much do tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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.

Server / Prep Guide SEASONAL

Cape Fox SS

Ketchikan, AK

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Cape Fox Tours is seeking an engaging Server / Prep Guide to provide quality customer service to tourists while helping guide them through a culinary experience. The Server / Prep Guide will be required to provide narrated tours including educational background of foods to guests throughout their tour. This position requires working in a fast-paced environment involving all aspects of food prep, cleaning and serving.

The employee will work at any of the three following locations: Saxman Community Center, George Inlet Cannery, and Eagle's Nest This position is seasonal (April 15 - October 15). The hourly rate for this position has been established at $15. The above rate represents the company's good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting.

This job will be posted until filled or withdrawn. Duties and responsibilities include: Service of local Alaskan food and beverage products to customers. Prep and prepare food and beverage for weekly counts.

Prep and prepare workspace for various tours. Present knowledge of local products to customers. Maintain a clean work environment throughout the day.

Quickly and efficiently turn over workspace between tours.High school diploma or equivalent. Alaska State TAPS Certificate required. Alaska State Food Handlers Card required

At least one year of experience in customer service or food and beverage service is preferred but not required. Preferred experience in tourism or tourist-based work environment (i.e. guide)

Preferred minimum age of 19 years. Ability to work under pressure, handle stress and deliver professional customer service. Ability to work long hours, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to stand for long periods of time. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimum oversight. Ability to utilize strong oral communication skills to provide given narrative to guests.

Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986. Cape Fox Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all persons and prohibit employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or sexual orientation. Cape Fox Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates offer preference to Cape Fox Corporation shareholders, descendants and other Native Americans pursuant to Public Law 100-241.High school diploma or equivalent

Alaska State TAPS Certificate required. Alaska State Food Handlers Card required. At least one year of experience in customer service or food and beverage service is preferred but not required.

Preferred experience in tourism or tourist-based work environment (i.e. guide). Preferred minimum age of 19 years

Ability to work under pressure, handle stress and deliver professional customer service. Ability to work long hours, weekends, and holidays. Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimum oversight. Ability to utilize strong oral communication skills to provide given narrative to guests. Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.

Cape Fox Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates provide equal employment opportunities to all persons and prohibit employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or sexual orientation. Cape Fox Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates offer preference to Cape Fox Corporation shareholders, descendants and other Native Americans pursuant to Public Law 100-241.