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Volunteer River Rafting Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overnight Cooks

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

At Wing Inflatables we have dedicated ourselves over the past 30 years to giving rescue workers, the coast guard, Navy SEALs, river rafting guides, and kayakers, the confidence to stay safe while ...

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

Be Seen First

Cooks - 690

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$19.99 - $22/hr

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

... river rafting, and more. Peak Restaurant Partners is committed to making a difference in our ... Every decision we make is guided by our Mission Statement and Guiding Principles. We strive to make ...

... rafting department, including raft guiding and river guarding along the bank. • Ensure thorough communication with other staff members, management, and entire RIVERSPORT Rapid's team while on site ...

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Volunteer River Rafting Guide information

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$9

$16

$22

How much do volunteer river rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer river rafting guide in the United States is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $15.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Volunteer River Rafting Guide vs Paid River Rafting Guide?

AspectVolunteer River Rafting Guide
CredentialsBasic safety training, CPR/First Aid (often provided by organizations)
Work EnvironmentOutdoor river settings, seasonal and part-time
EmployerNon-profit organizations, conservation groups, or adventure charities
CompensationVolunteer, no monetary pay but possibly provided with accommodations or meals

The main difference between a Volunteer River Rafting Guide and a Paid River Rafting Guide is compensation. Volunteers assist in guiding river trips without pay, often to support conservation or community projects, while paid guides earn a salary or hourly wage for their services. Both roles require safety training and involve working in outdoor river environments, but paid guides typically have more extensive certifications and work full-time or seasonally for commercial companies.

More about Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer 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 Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer River Rafting Guide jobs are:
Infographic showing various Volunteer River Rafting Guide job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

$195/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Wet Planet is looking for experienced paddle raft guides to join our team on the Class III-IV White Salmon River!
Our team enjoys making it possible for guests to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and gain an appreciation for our natural environment through half-day and full-day paddle raft trips on the Northwest's classic Wild and Scenic White Salmon River. With continuous, technical Class III-IV whitewater, it is essential that our day trip raft guides prioritize guest care and risk management to create seamless experiences for guests. As the face of Wet Planet, our guides enjoy working with a team of fellow river professionals to make sure our guests have amazing experiences out on the river.
The bulk of our day trips are Class III-IV paddle rafting on the White Salmon River. Due to the technical nature of the White Salmon, all guides we hire must have previous guiding experience on Class III-IV. In addition to the White Salmon, we offer day trips on the Class III Klickitat River, Class III Tieton River, Class IV Hood River, and Class V Wind River. Our guides enjoy this variety and the opportunity to hone their skills and guide Class IV/V if desired. Kayakers enjoy the opportunity to support kayak on small trips and Class V trips.
Wet Planet
Each year, many of our guests and team members return to enjoy the abundance of beautiful rivers we raft and kayak in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Our headquarters is located on the banks of the White Salmon River in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by a whitewater paradise and an incredible community of boaters. It's the perfect location for raft guides and kayakers to work and play in the Pacific Northwest.
Qualifications & Experience:
  • Previous commercial paddle raft guiding experience on Class III whitewater at a minimum; Class IV experience preferred
  • Professional appearance, excellent communication skills, and team player
  • You love guiding rafts and sharing the river with guests, including your knowledge on natural and human history
  • You prioritize guest care and risk management
  • Current First Aid & CPR required at a minimum; Wilderness First Responder preferred
  • Current River Rescue Certification preferred (Sierra Rescue, ACA Swiftwater, or equivalent)

Day Trip Season: We offer day trips from April 1-September 30.
Availability:
  • Full-time, full season: Mid-May (or earlier) through September
  • Full-time, peak season: June-August
  • Part-time, peak season: June-August

Many of our staff combine work in multiple disciplines and enjoy the variety of work throughout the season. For those with skills in paddle rafting, rowing, and/or kayaking, work is available from April to September by combining day trips, multi-day trips, and kayak instruction.
Wet Planet Perks:
  • Access to free trips and courses as well as discounted professional training (river rescue courses, medical courses, ACA instructor course, etc.)
  • Cross-training for other job areas & opportunities within Wet Planet
  • Discounts on food, drinks, and merchandise in the Wet Planet store and espresso bar
  • Industry Pro Purchase Program
  • Free rafting and kayak courses for friends & family
  • Access to local housing options
  • Accrued Sick Leave
  • Retirement plan after two years of employment

Compensation:
  • $85-195 per trip, based on certifications, experience, role, and type of trip (half-day or full-day, first year guide to Senior Trip Leader with all required experience, trainings and certifications)
  • Simple IRA savings plan option after 2 years

Combine your desire to play outside with your professional skillset and experience - join our team!