The U.S. Department of Labor reports that tour and travel guides had median annual earnings of $36,060 in May 2023. Salaries ranged from $25,930 to $58,620 or more. Fifty percent of tour and travel guides earned between $30,530 and $44,520. The top-five highest paying states and territories were Idaho, Wyoming, District of Columbia, South Carolina, and Alaska.
The work of an inbound tour guide is often seasonal—extremely busy during the peak travel times of May through October, and much slower in the off-season. While traveling, guides often receive their meals and accommodations free, as well as a daily stipend to cover additional expenses. They may also receive tips from customers.
Full-time guides may also receive a benefits package that includes sick and vacation time, health insurance, and profit sharing. Work perks include discounts from hotels, airlines, and transportation companies.
- Adventure Travel Specialists
- Amusement Park Workers
- Bicycle Mechanics
- Campaign Workers
- Caterers
- Cruise Ship Workers
- Event Planners
- Exhibit Designers
- Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters
- Flight Attendants
- Fund-Raisers
- Gaming Occupations
- Hosts/Hostesses
- Lifeguards and Swimming Instructors
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Music Venue Owners and Managers
- National Park Service Employees
- Park Rangers
- Parking Attendants
- Pilots
- Recreation Workers
- Reservation and Ticket Agents
- Resort Workers
- Restaurant and Food Service Managers
- Ship's Captains
- Ski Resort Workers
- Spa Attendants
- Spa Managers
- Space Tourism Managers
- Sports Facility Managers
- Sports Instructors and Coaches
- Stadium Ushers and Vendors
- Strength and Conditioning Coaches
- Swimming Pool Designers
- Tour Guides
- Travel Agents
- Wedding and Party Consultants
- Yoga and Pilates Instructors
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors