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Trainee River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teton County

Seasonal River Monitor

Jackson, WY · On-site

$26.18 - $29.46/hr

Maintains daily records of outfitter use levels, types, and patterns of use; checks guides for ... AND one (1) year of recreation programming experience or river rafting experience; OR an equivalent ...

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Trainee River Rafting Guide information

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$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee river rafting guide jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee river rafting guide in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee River Rafting Guide vs River Rafting Guide?

AspectTrainee River Rafting GuideRiver Rafting Guide
CertificationsBasic safety and rafting certifications, often in trainingAdvanced certifications, experience-based
Work EnvironmentTraining sessions, supervised tripsLeading trips independently
Experience LevelEntry-level, learning skillsSkilled, experienced guide
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting, observing, learningLeading and managing rafting trips

The main difference is that a Trainee River Rafting Guide is in training and gaining experience, while a River Rafting Guide is fully qualified and leading trips independently. Trainees focus on learning safety procedures and guiding techniques, whereas experienced guides handle client safety and trip navigation confidently.

More about Trainee River Rafting Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee River Rafting Guide jobs? Cities with the most Trainee River Rafting Guide job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of River Rafting Guide jobs? The most popular types of River Rafting Guide jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee River Rafting Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee River Rafting Guide jobs include:
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Trainee River Rafting Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

The Outlaw Group

Idaho Springs, CO

$13 - $15/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join the Team!

At the Outlaw Group, we believe in working hard, playing hard, and constantly striving for excellence.

Not only do we seek to provide unforgettable experiences for our guests, but we encourage our employees to reimagine the best of Colorado's outdoor spaces and urban areas. We are adventurers, innovators, and explorers, and we look for employees that share this same passion for life. We intend to grow together, testing the boundaries of what is possible, as we constantly consider new ways to challenge ourselves and industry standards.

Job Description:

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides

Location(s):

Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO

Work Season:

Full time and Part Time, May 2026 to September 2026,
Relocation?:

Would you be moving to Colorado for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee living accommodations at Buena Vista and Idaho Springs Outpost.

Pay Rate:

Starting pay for experienced guides is 15.56 an hour, with tips adding anywhere from an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour on average. Guides with additional experience are eligible for further compensation.

AVA is seeking enthusiastic, safety-oriented, and dynamic individuals to join our team as Whitewater Raft Guides for the upcoming season. As a Raft Guide, you will be the face of our company, responsible for leading safe, educational, and fun river trips while ensuring an exceptional customer experience.

A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while managing guests, providing interpretive information, and executing swiftwater rescue techniques as needed.

Have River Experience?

AVA is looking for experienced raft guides to join our team across Colorado. If you are looking for new water and great people we are the company for you! If you have experience in class III+ whitewater, apply today.
*Experienced raft guides will need up-to date and verifiable river miles upon employment start and will be required to perform checkout runs for each stretch of river to be commercially guided with AVA*
*NOTE*This job does require onsite location in Colorado, the company does have options areas for employees to live during the summer

What You'll Do

  • Navigate rafts down a river while managing a great guest experience!

  • Maintain equipment, gear, and the work area.

  • Maintain situational awareness and readiness to help perform river rescue maneuvers if needed.

  • 2 -3 trips a day typically ~9-hour workdays

  • Having a great time outdoors with guest and coworkers!

What we Look For

  • Physically capable individuals passionate about the outdoors.

  • Strong teamwork skills.

  • People with an emphasis on customer care.

  • Experience on class III to class V whitewater.

  • Individuals with up-to-date CPR, First Aid, and other training is always a plus!

Work Availability

  • Part Time < ~30 hours

  • Full Time ~ 40 hours

  • Holidays (4th of July)

Benefits

  • The job is a service industry job meaning guest are encouraged to tip.

  • Base pay is, with tipped income commonly adding an additional 10 to 20 dollars an hour.

  • Gear discounts! AVA works with many companies in the outdoor industry, as an AVA employee you have access to discounts strictly for outdoor industry professionals across many major brands such as North face, Yeti, Patagonia, and more.

Why Apply Today?
Whether it's your love for the Rockies, soaking up the sun, meeting new friends, or trying something new - AVA offers all this as a Whitewater Raft Guide!

Apply on Indeed or directly with our website,
Careers | AVA Rafting: https://www.coloradorafting.net/about-us/employment/

If you are interested in joining the AVA Team this summer, then please apply today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest level of guest service while bringing awareness and understanding of the surrounding wilderness to our guests. As leaders in our industry, we set examples in safety, professionalism, outdoor skills and guest service, while providing low-impact environmental recreation.

AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

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