Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 44,000 people employed as tour guides and escorts in the United States. The median annual salary is $29,500. Entry level employees earn approximately $20,430 per year and senior employees earn approximately $47,660 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing, operating switchboards, or routing mail and messages.
• Solicit tour patronage and sell souvenirs.
• Speak foreign languages to communicate with foreign visitors.
• 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.
• Provide for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations.
• Assemble and check the required supplies and equipment prior to departure.
• Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.
• Distribute brochures, show audiovisual presentations, and explain establishment processes and operations at tour sites.
• Drive motor vehicles to transport visitors to establishments and tour site locations.
• Train other guides and volunteers.
• Provide information about wildlife varieties and habitats, as well as any relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to hunting and fishing.
• Teach skills, such as proper climbing methods, and demonstrate and advise on the use of equipment.
• Collect fees and tickets from group members.
• Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
• Conduct educational activities for school children.
• 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.

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