How much does a Tour Guide make?
Tour guides share stories and facts about places of interest. They work in many different settings, from museums to national parks. The average yearly salary for a tour guide is around $48,080. This means that most tour guides earn between $24,000 and $72,000 each year.
Tour guides can earn more based on their experience and location. Those in busy cities or popular tourist spots often make more. Some guides earn tips, which can add to their income. Tour guides who work for cruise ships or luxury hotels may also earn higher salaries. The top-earning tour guides make over $130,000 a year. This usually happens with those who have many years of experience and work in high-demand areas.
What are the highest paying cities for a Tour Guide?

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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $78,900
In New Orleans, leading the way in tourism means sharing the rich history and vibrant culture of the city. Companies like French Quarter Tours and New Orleans City Cruises offer exciting opportunities. Visitors love to explore the French Quarter, so you'll be at the heart of it all.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $71,807
Chicago offers a dynamic environment for those who love to guide. With companies like Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Tours, you'll navigate the city's iconic architecture and deep history. The city's diverse neighborhoods provide a rich backdrop for tours.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $69,054
In Denver, guiding tours means exploring the stunning Rocky Mountains and the city's vibrant culture. Companies like Rocky Mountain Tours offer unique experiences. You'll share the beauty of the outdoors and the city's rich history with visitors.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $65,844
Boston provides a historic setting for guiding tours. With companies like Boston Duck Tours, you'll navigate the city's rich history and landmarks. The Freedom Trail and the Boston Common are just a few of the highlights you can share with visitors.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $60,742
Phoenix offers a warm climate and a vibrant city life for tour guides. Companies like Phoenix Trolley Tours provide opportunities to explore the city's attractions. You'll share the desert landscapes and the city's unique culture with visitors.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $60,314
Houston's diverse attractions make it a great place for tour guides. Companies like Houston City Tours offer a variety of tours. You'll explore the Space Center, museums, and the city's rich cultural scene with visitors.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $60,151
Portland offers a laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty for tour guides. Companies like Portland Ecotours provide eco-friendly tours. You'll share the city's parks, breweries, and unique neighborhoods with visitors.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $58,737
Seattle's scenic beauty and vibrant culture make it an exciting place for tour guides. Companies like Seattle Trolley Tours offer tours of the city's landmarks. You'll explore the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the city's rich history with visitors.
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Nashville, TN
Average Salary: $58,282
Nashville offers a lively music scene and rich history for tour guides. Companies like Nashville Trolley Tours provide tours of the city's attractions. You'll share the country music scene, historic sites, and the city's vibrant culture with visitors.
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Savannah, GA
Average Salary: $57,816
Savannah's historic charm and southern hospitality make it a great place for tour guides. Companies like Savannah Trolley Tours offer tours of the city's landmarks. You'll explore the historic district, plantations, and the city's rich history with visitors.
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What are the best companies a Tour Guide can work for?

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Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago
Average Salary: $63,533
Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago offers exciting Tour Guide jobs with a focus on biking and hiking tours. They operate in Chicago, providing a unique way to explore the city. The company values teamwork and customer satisfaction, making it a great place to work.
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GO Destination Services
Average Salary: $55,000
GO Destination Services provides Tour Guide jobs with a variety of tour options. They operate in multiple locations, including major cities and national parks. The company offers competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth.
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Star Guides Wilderness Therapy
Average Salary: $51,375
Star Guides Wilderness Therapy offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on adventure and therapy. They operate in wilderness areas, providing unique experiences for their guests. The company values a healthy work-life balance and professional development.
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Unlimited Biking
Average Salary: $50,000
Unlimited Biking offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on biking tours. They operate in various locations, including urban and rural areas. The company provides a fun and engaging work environment with opportunities for growth.
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Kualoa Ranch Hawaii
Average Salary: $44,625
Kualoa Ranch Hawaii offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on nature and adventure tours. They operate in Hawaii, providing stunning tours of the island. The company values a strong team spirit and customer satisfaction.
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Travel + Leisure Co.
Average Salary: $39,149
Travel + Leisure Co. offers Tour Guide jobs with a variety of tour options. They operate in multiple locations, including major cities and tourist destinations. The company provides a dynamic and exciting work environment.
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Icy Strait Point
Average Salary: $36,000
Icy Strait Point offers Tour Guide jobs with a focus on adventure and nature tours. They operate in Alaska, providing unique tours of the wilderness. The company values teamwork and a positive work environment.
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Hilton Grand Vacations
Average Salary: $32,290
Hilton Grand Vacations offers Tour Guide jobs with a variety of tour options. They operate in multiple locations, including resorts and vacation destinations. The company provides a professional and supportive work environment.
How to earn more as a Tour Guide?
Becoming a successful tour guide involves more than just sharing knowledge about a place. It requires a mix of skills, dedication, and smart strategies to earn more. One key factor is gaining a deep understanding of the area. This includes knowing the history, culture, and interesting stories. A knowledgeable guide attracts more visitors and can command higher fees.
Another important factor is building strong relationships with tourists. A friendly and engaging guide can leave a lasting impression. This can lead to repeat business and referrals. Good communication skills are essential. They help in connecting with people from different backgrounds. A guide who can speak multiple languages or has a charismatic personality often earns more. Networking with other guides and tourism professionals can also open up more opportunities. This can lead to higher-paying tours or exclusive contracts. Finally, marketing oneself effectively can make a big difference. Using social media, creating a personal website, or offering special tours can attract more clients. These efforts can lead to increased income.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a tour guide:
- Deep knowledge of the area
- Strong relationship-building skills
- Effective communication skills
- Networking with other professionals
- Effective self-marketing



