How to become a Tour Guides and Escorts
Also called: Art Museum Docent, Discovery Guide, Docent, Guide, Historical Interpreter, Museum Docent, Museum Educator, Museum Guide, Science Interpreter, Tour Guide
Escort individuals or groups on sightseeing tours or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, and art galleries.
Main tasks
- 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.
- Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.
- Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
- Select travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas.
How to become one
Tour and travel guides typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Once hired, they usually receive training on the job. Some guides need a license.
Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Pay · Outlook
- About 62,200 people work in this job now, and about 66,100 are projected by 2035. (+6.3%)
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Tour Guides and Escorts?
Tour and travel guides typically need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Once hired, they usually receive training on the job. Some guides need a license.
Is a Tour Guides and Escorts a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2035, from about 62,200 to about 66,100 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become a Tour Guides and Escorts?
Not always. 47% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.