Explore This Path

Travel Guide

💰 Earn $37K-$52K
📚 High School Diploma or GED
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 8.1% Job Growth
  • Perfect for those who love exploring new places and sharing adventures with others.
  • Create unforgettable experiences by crafting seamless travel journeys for clients.
  • Discover hidden gems and unique cultures while guiding tours around the globe.
Travel Guide
What Travel Guides DoPlan, organize, and conduct long-distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups.
  • Arrange for tour or expedition details such as accommodations, transportation, equipment, and the availability of medical personnel.
  • Plan tour itineraries, applying knowledge of travel routes and destination sites.
  • Resolve any problems with itineraries, service, or accommodations.
  • Attend to special needs of tour participants.
  • Sell travel packages.
Travel Guides Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings13,000 Annually
Median Earnings
$42,210 in California
$36,660 Nationally

$0

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Influencing or leading others
  • Using data or completing tasks
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Travel Guides Explained
Travel GuideExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
find training near you

Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

Enter your location to see training near you

What Are Similar Careers?

Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Want to explore more possibilities?
Search more paths with altpath discover.
discover more
Travel Guide | Explore this Career