Tour and Travel Guide Salary: $38,120 Median, Fast Growth Ahead
The median salary for tour and travel guides is $38,120, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average pay is $43,720, or about $18 an hour. Most guides earn between $28,520 and $60,930, so there's room to move up with experience or location.
How much Tour and Travel Guides earn
Entry-level guides (10th percentile) make around $28,520, while top earners (90th percentile) pull in $60,930. The typical guide falls in the middle at $38,120. Those at the mean earn $43,720, reflecting higher pay for experienced guides in busy markets.
Full-time guides often get tips that aren't fully captured by the BLS figures, which can boost take-home pay significantly. Seasonal work is common, so annual income can vary depending on how many months you work.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Washington state pays tour guides the most, with a mean annual wage of $54,160. The District of Columbia ($49,210), Wyoming ($47,020), California ($46,000), and Hawaii ($45,940) also top the list.
At the low end, West Virginia ($28,570), Mississippi ($27,460), and Iowa ($22,490) pay well below the national median. States with heavy tourism—like Hawaii and California—tend to offer higher wages, while rural or less-visited states lag.
How to become Tour and Travel Guide
No formal degree is required, but a high school diploma is typical. Most guides learn on the job. Key steps include:
1. Get certified: Organizations like the Tour Guide Association offer certifications that boost credibility. Some cities (like New York) require a license. Check local regulations.
2. Build knowledge: Specialize in a topic—history, food, nature. Guides with deep expertise command higher pay.
3. Gain experience: Start with a tour company or as a junior guide. Many guides work part-time before going full-time.
4. Develop soft skills: Public speaking, customer service, and foreign languages are major assets. Bilingual guides earn more.
- High school diploma typical; college helpful but not required.
- Licensing required in some cities (e.g., NYC, Washington D.C.).
- Certification from ASTA, TGA, or similar can improve job prospects.
- First aid/CPR certification often required for outdoor tours.
Job outlook
Employment of tour and travel guides is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,000 openings are expected each year, mostly to replace workers who leave the industry.
The growth is driven by continued demand for experiential travel and guided tours. Jobs are concentrated in high-tourism states and cities. Competition for year-round positions can be stiff, but seasonal spots are easier to land.
Frequently asked questions
Do tour guides get tips?
Yes, tips are common and can significantly boost income. On popular tours, tips may add $5–$20 per person, doubling the hourly wage. The BLS salary figures don't fully account for tips, so actual earnings can be higher.
What is the highest paying state for tour guides?
Washington state is the highest paying, with a mean wage of $54,160. Other top states include District of Columbia ($49,210), Wyoming ($47,020), California ($46,000), and Hawaii ($45,940).
How many tour guide jobs are there?
The BLS reports about 53,500 tour and travel guide jobs nationwide in 2024. With 8.1% growth, that number should rise by roughly 4,300 jobs by 2034.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Tour and Travel Guides data.