Adventure Travel Specialists

There is very little information available on what adventure travel specialists earn. Those who work in the field may have peak and slack times of the year that correspond to weather conditions or vacation and travel seasons. Specialists, especially those just starting in this line of work, may need to work two or three seasonal jobs in different locations and for other employers to have work throughout the year. As specialists gain experience, it may be possible for them to find year-round work with one employer. Many experienced travel specialists go on to start their own business and work for themselves. Experience, employer, and amount of work done are all factors that influence earnings per year.

The average salary for adventure travel guides in March 2024 was $52,562, according to Simply Hired. Experienced guides with managerial responsibilities often receive higher annual earnings. Owners of adventure travel businesses can earn $75,000 or more annually.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that tour and travel guides working on scenic and sightseeing tours on land earned an annual mean wage of $37,200, while those working on water earned $33,590. Guides who specialize in deep sea, coastal, and great lakes touring and travel earned mean annual wages of $46,250.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay of Adventure Tourism in March 2024 was $116,999. The lowest-paid 10 percent made less than $75,500 per year, while the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $143,500.

Adventure travel specialists who work in the field generally receive free meals and accommodations while on tour, and they often receive a per diem to cover other expenses. Major tour packagers and outfitters may offer their employees a fringe benefits package, including sick pay, health insurance, and pension plans.