Tour Guides and Escorts
Tour guides and escorts lead individuals or groups through places of interest such as museums, historical sites, industrial facilities, and public buildings. They provide information, answer questions, and ensure visitors have organized, informative experiences. Tour guides work for museums, tour companies, historical societies, and other cultural institutions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tour guides and escorts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves planning tour routes, researching content about sites and attractions, and conducting tours for different groups. Tour guides may give multiple tours per day, adapting their presentation to audience interests and size. Work includes managing group logistics, answering visitor questions, handling logistics like timing and safety protocols, and sometimes operating transportation or coordinating with other staff members.
Who this work suits
Holland code SEA. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and sharing knowledge about places and topics you find interesting. You're comfortable taking initiative in conversations and naturally persuade others to see things from new perspectives—qualities that help you engage groups and encourage participation in tours.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Nursing Assistant - Escort Unit · Veterans Health Administration · Temple, Texas · $39027–$63719
- Nursing Assistant-Escort · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, North Carolina · $36993–$60399
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $43,150 | $54,160 | $66,020 | 1,420 |
| District of Columbia | $39,650 | $49,210 | $58,940 | 380 |
| Wyoming | $33,960 | $47,020 | $58,040 | 560 |
| California | $38,770 | $46,000 | $57,510 | 6,900 |
| Hawaii | $38,350 | $45,940 | $50,320 | 1,370 |
| Vermont | $43,690 | $45,920 | $55,850 | 140 |
| Maine | $35,100 | $44,940 | $47,930 | 270 |
| New York | $37,160 | $44,450 | $50,600 | 2,870 |
| Alaska | $37,330 | $44,210 | $50,060 | 1,660 |
| Kansas | $31,260 | $43,700 | $52,790 | 400 |
| Colorado | $36,630 | $42,840 | $47,110 | 2,150 |
| Florida | $33,510 | $41,600 | $52,720 | 2,720 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Tour Guide / Director — International Tour Management Institute
- Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) — National Association for Interpretation
- Certified Tour Professional (CTP) — National Tour Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tour guides and escorts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-7011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.