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Tour Guide

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AVG. SALARY

$27,860

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EDUCATION

High school (GED) +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Increasing

What They Do

Tour Guides and Escorts Career Video

About This Career

Escorts individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.

This career is part of the Hospitality and Tourism cluster Travel and Tourism pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Describes tour points of interest to group members, and responds to questions.
  • Escorts individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries.
  • Monitors visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
  • Conducts educational activities for school children.
  • Researches various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.
  • Provides directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
  • Selects travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas.
  • Provides for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations.
  • Assembles and checks the required supplies and equipment prior to departure.
  • Greets and registers visitors, and issues any required identification badges or safety devices.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Irregular hours
  • Overnight travel
  • Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Discovery Guide
  • Docent
  • Guide
  • Historical Interpreter
  • Museum Educator
  • Museum Guide
  • Science Interpreter
  • Art Museum Docent
  • Museum Docent

Contact

  • Email Support

  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900

Support


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