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Tour Guide Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

WorldStrides

Tour Guide/Course Leader

Vienna, VA · On-site

Possession of current Tour Guide License in cities where a license is required * Background in Education, Travel, Performance, U.S. History, Social Studies or Science * Historical and logistical ...

SemperServe

Building Receptionist / Tour Guide

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Must also be cross trained as a tour guide. Requirements * High School diploma required. * Must be a US Citizen. * Candidates must be able to obtain a security clearance, US Citizenship required.

SemperServe

Building Receptionist / Tour Guide

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Must also be cross trained as a tour guide. Requirements * High School diploma required. * Must be a US Citizen. * Candidates must be able to obtain a security clearance, US Citizenship required.

Museum of the Bible

VIP Tour Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Director of Strategic Engagement, this position serves as a VIP tour guide/associate for our VIP and major donor visits. This individual will communicate an in-depth ...

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All JobsTour Guide JobsTour Guide Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Tour Guide information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$8

$19

$34

How much do tour guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for tour guide in Silver Spring, MD is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.88 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 local regulations. Some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent, and experience in customer service or public speaking is beneficial.

How much do tour guides get paid?

Tour guides typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $25, with average annual salaries around $25,000 to $40,000. Pay can vary based on location, experience, and the type of tours they lead, and many guides earn tips in addition to their base pay.

What are tour guides?

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 Are Tour Guides?

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.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a tour guide, earning $4,000 a week is uncommon and typically requires high-end experience, specialized skills, or working in luxury or exclusive settings. Most tour guides earn between $300 and $1,000 weekly, depending on location, tips, and the type of tours offered. High earnings may be possible in niche markets or with additional certifications, but such income levels are rare without formal education or extensive experience.

How can I get a job as a tour guide?

To become a tour guide, you typically need good communication skills, knowledge of the area or subject, and often a relevant certification or license depending on the location. Gaining experience through volunteering or entry-level positions can also improve your chances of employment in the field.

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 Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Tour Guide jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Tour Guide jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Tour Guide jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tour Guide jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Tour Guide jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Tour Guide jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Tour Guide job openings:
Tour Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tour Guide job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, 67% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $40,446 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Tour Guide/Docent

Tour Guide/Docent

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$17.50/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Be an early applicant

Job description

Individuals need to be able to act as a liaison as well as give multiple tours throughout the day. They must be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to handle interactions with museum/event guests. They must be able to demonstrate basic computer and point of sale skills to check-in museum visitors. Individuals must be able to work on weekends with occasional evenings. The job environment can be very fluid so adaptability is a must. The primary responsibility of the tour guide is to give informative tours to all visitors ensuring they have a pleasant experience within the building.

Duties and requirements are listed below:

Museum Tours & Events

  • Memorization of script
  • Adapt tour based on audience
  • Crowd management
  • Management of groups of 1–40+ people
  • Elevator operation
  • Opening and closing the building/exhibits
  • Responding to customer inquiries in person and over the phone
  • Assisting with public and private events
  • Assist as necessary to ensure smooth operation of event

Security

  • Monitor security cameras
  • Monitor entrances and exits

Requirements

  • English Proficiency, second language is a plus
  • Comfortability with public speaking
  • Have reliable transportation, must live within 25 miles
  • Available to work on weekend/evenings
  • Able to walk/stand for extended periods of time (1 hour or longer)
  • Highschool diploma/GED or equivalent experience


Preferred Experience

  • Experience giving tours
  • At least 1 year of customer service experience
  • Knowledge of early United States history
  • Knowledge of freemasonry
  • Point of Sale experience preferred

Company Description

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial is a National Historic Landmark, Museum and Memorial dedicated to George Washington.
The Memorial is open to the public for tours, private and public events.