Tour Guides and Escorts
SOC code 39-7011 · O*NET-SOC 39-7011.00 · Medium preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Tour Guides and Escorts pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$38,120
a year
Hourly
$18.33
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$43,720
$21.02 per hour
Middle 50%
$32,910 – $47,700
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$28,520 – $60,930
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
53,500
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Tour and Travel Guides”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $28,520
- $13.71/hr
- 25th percentile
- $32,910
- $15.82/hr
- Median percentile
- $38,120
- $18.33/hr
- 75th percentile
- $47,700
- $22.93/hr
- 90th percentile
- $60,930
- $29.29/hr
What do tour guides and escorts do?
Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Provide for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations.
- Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.
- Assemble and check the required supplies and equipment prior to departure.
- Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 31% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree31%
- Bachelor's Degree30%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)22%
- Post-Secondary Certificate8%
Common questions
How much does a tour guides and escorts earn?
The national median is $38,120 a year. The full range runs from $28,520 at the 10th percentile to $60,930 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a tour guides and escorts without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Speaking3.9/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Critical Thinking2.9/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language4.1/5
- History and Archeology3.6/5
- Communications and Media3.2/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- Geography2.9/5
- Fine Arts2.8/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making.