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Whitewater Rafting Guide Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The Outlaw Group

Whitewater Raft Guide - Return

Kremmling, CO · On-site

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

AVA Rafting & Zip Line: Raft Guides Location(s): Kremmling, CO. Idaho Springs, CO. Buena Vista, CO ... A Whitewater Raft Guide is responsible for safely navigating a commercial raft down the river while ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

The Outlaw Group

River Manager

Buena Vista, CO · On-site

$16K - $19K/mo

... Whitewater Raft Guide! Apply on our jobs portal today! AVA strives to deliver the very highest ... AVA Rafting & Zip Line is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive ...

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Whitewater Rafting Guide information

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How much do whitewater rafting guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for whitewater rafting guide in Colorado is $15.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.31 and $14.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a whitewater rafting guide?

A whitewater rafting guide is a trained professional who leads and navigates groups of people down rivers with varying levels of rapids using inflatable rafts. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of participants, providing instructions on paddling and safety procedures, and making the trip enjoyable for everyone. Guides are skilled in reading river conditions, managing emergencies, and often share information about the local environment and wildlife. Their role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and physical fitness.

What are some common challenges faced by whitewater rafting guides during a typical trip?

Whitewater Rafting Guides often encounter rapidly changing river conditions, unpredictable weather, and varying skill levels among guests. Balancing safety with providing an exciting experience requires constant attention and quick decision-making. Guides must also manage group dynamics, maintain equipment, and communicate effectively with team members to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment on the water.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a whitewater rafting guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Whitewater Rafting Guide, you need strong paddling skills, river navigation expertise, and a solid understanding of water safety, often supported by CPR/First Aid certifications and swiftwater rescue training. Familiarity with safety equipment, rescue systems, and river-specific gear is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and decision-making skills help guides manage groups and respond calmly to emergencies. These abilities ensure guest safety, create enjoyable experiences, and allow guides to respond effectively to dynamic river conditions.

What is the difference between Whitewater Rafting Guide vs Kayaking Instructor?

AspectWhitewater Rafting GuideKayaking Instructor
CertificationsWilderness First Aid, CPR, rafting guides licenseWilderness First Aid, CPR, kayaking certifications
Work EnvironmentGroup rafting trips on rivers, outdoor settingsIndividual or group instruction on rivers or lakes
Industry UsageTourism, outdoor adventure companiesOutdoor recreation, adventure sports schools

Both roles involve outdoor water activities and safety certifications, but Whitewater Rafting Guides lead group trips on rivers, focusing on safety and navigation, while Kayaking Instructors teach individuals or groups how to kayak, often in controlled environments or on rivers. The roles overlap in outdoor skills and certifications, but differ in the equipment used and the nature of instruction.

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Whitewater Rafting Guide jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Whitewater Rafting Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Whitewater Rafting Guide job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,143 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Whitewater Raft Guide - Experienced

Kremmling, CO • On-site

The Outlaw Group
See more jobs at The Outlaw Groupexternal

$13.50 - $15.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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 & Zipline: Raft Guides

Location(s):

Moab Utah

Work Season:

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

Would you be moving to Utah for this summer gig? AVA does offer some employee campgrounds for accommodations.

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 Utah. 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 Utah, 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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