Personal care and service
Tour and travel guides
Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
Median pay
$38,120
Growth to 2035
+6%
faster than average
Openings a year
11,900
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Tour and travel guides
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Tour and travel guides: 11% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions.
- Escort individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries.
- Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
- Conduct educational activities for school children.
- Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.
- Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
- Select travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas.
- Arrange for tour or expedition details such as accommodations, transportation, equipment, and the availability of medical personnel.
Also called: Art Museum Docent · Discovery Guide · Docent · Guide · Historical Interpreter · Museum Docent · Museum Educator · Museum Guide
Outlook and AI
Tour and travel guides held 62,200 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 66,100 by 2035 (+6%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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