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Tour Guide Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

US Ghost Adventures

Lynchburg Tour Guide

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: Lynchburg Tour Guide Location: Lynchburg, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Are you brave enough to be a ghost tour guide? Ready to share incredible experiences as you bewitch and enchant ...

US Ghost Adventures

Lynchburg Tour Guide

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: Lynchburg Tour Guide Location: Lynchburg, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Are you brave enough to be a ghost tour guide? Ready to share incredible experiences as you bewitch and enchant ...

US Ghost Adventures

Yorktown Tour Guide

Yorktown, VA · On-site

$40 - $80/hr

Yorktown Tour Guide Location: Yorktown, VA Compensation: $27 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 ...

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US Ghost Adventures

Richmond Tour Guide

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Richmond Tour Guide Location: Richmond, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Love history, true crime, acting, theater or the paranormal? We are hiring confident and engaging Storytellers to lead walking ...

US Ghost Adventures

Richmond Tour Guide

Richmond, VA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Richmond Tour Guide Location: Richmond, VA Compensation: $33 per hour Love history, true crime, acting, theater or the paranormal? We are hiring confident and engaging Storytellers to lead walking ...

US Ghost Adventures

Richmond Wine Tour Guide

Richmond, VA · On-site

$25/hr

Tour Guide - Richmond Wine Tour Location: Richmond, VA Job Type: Part-time Compensation: $27 per hour Position Overview Urban Wine Walks, a Tourismo brand, is seeking personable storytellers, wine ...

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All JobsTour Guide JobsTour Guide Jobs in Virginia

Tour Guide information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour guide in Virginia is $18.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.96 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.

More about Tour Guide jobs

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Tour Guide jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Tour Guide jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Tour Guide jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Tour Guide job openings:

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

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

Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tour Guide job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,789 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Tour Guide

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!
What you get to do as a Part-Time Tour Guide- Busch Gardens Williamsburg
  • Tour Guides will be required to learn facts about the park, rides, shows, and restaurants in order to lead Behind-the-Scenes tours.
  • Lead VIP and Behind-the-Scenes Tours at Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.
  • Staff the Guest Service Center and Tours & Education Center at Busch Gardens to up-sell guests on unique experiences offered at the park and to sell tours, dines and quick queue products.
  • Provide exceptional service and go above-and-beyond to ensure guests are fully satisfied with their tour and overall Busch Gardens experience.
  • Follow up with tour guests, complete surveys, and make PhotoKeys for guests.

What it takes to succeed:
  • Availability- Must be flexible and willing to work early mornings, days, nights, weekends, and holidays as well as be willing to be scheduled on short notice. Tour Guides will be asked to assist with other jobs in Park Operations, including Rides, Theatres, and Guest Arrival.
  • Leadership - Must be able to operate independently from supervision.
  • Communication- Must have strong communication skills and be comfortable with speaking in front of large groups. Tour Guides must be outgoing and enthusiastic at all times.
  • Professionalism- Must always represent our brand and park with pride and professionalism by exhibiting a friendly and professional demeanor and by having a 'family friendly' image.
  • Knowledge - The tour guide may be aware of park policies and information that they cannot share while leading tours. The tour guide will be required to show discretion and sound-decision making when leading tours and answering guests' questions.
  • Approachability - Tour Guides will give tours to families and lead tours of large groups. The Tour Guide may spend long hours with families and children and should be professional, approachable, and KIDsiderate at all times. Making a meaningful connection is what we do.
  • Technology- Must be comfortable with digital cameras and computers

Physical Requirements- Must be comfortable with working long hours outside, walking long distances and standing for extended periods of time. Must be comfortable with heights (i.e. standing at the top of Griffon)
Professional Experience:
Previous Tour Guide experience is preferred
Compensation: 12.77 USD
The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:
  • FREE park admission
  • Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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