Tour and travel guides
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$36,660
~$18/hr · ~$3,055/mo
US Jobs
56K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
While AI can automate the digital aspects of the job—such as researching history, planning itineraries, and providing multilingual translations—the core of the role requires physical presence and real-time human interaction. Guides must physically escort groups through unpredictable environments, manage group dynamics, and provide a personal, empathetic experience that digital tools cannot fully replicate.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical AreaBEST VALUE | $55,860 | Above avg (107.0) | $52,200 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $52,090 | Above avg (107.2) | $48,595 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $52,060 | Above avg (112.7) | $46,181 |
| Boulder, CO | $46,440 | Average (100.6) | $46,157 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $50,660 | Above avg (111.0) | $45,631 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $42,260 | Below avg (93.5) | $45,191 |
| Boise City, ID | $41,690 | Below avg (94.2) | $44,236 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $44,870 | Average (101.9) | $44,030 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $44,080 | Average (100.9) | $43,676 |
| Vallejo, CA | $47,430 | Above avg (109.4) | $43,371 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $36,430 | Below avg (85.7) | $42,509 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $45,870 | Above avg (109.1) | $42,047 |
| Anchorage, AK | $44,790 | Above avg (106.8) | $41,950 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $41,140 | Average (98.1) | $41,931 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $40,570 | Average (97.3) | $41,692 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+8% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$18/hr
Monthly Income
~$3,055/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)