Money · 1 of 5
What guides make
Median
$38,120
Bottom tenth
$28,520
Top tenth
$60,930
The national median is $38,120 a year. The bottom tenth earn $28,520 or less and the top tenth $60,930 or more, in 2025 figures. These figures come from the survey group called tour guides and escorts, which also counts museum docents and bus tour guides, so it is broader than adventure guiding. Most guiding is seasonal, so a full year of it is rare.