Career overview

Tour Guides and Escorts

O*NET-SOC 39-7011.00

Median pay / yr$36,660

OutlookRapid Growth

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

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Tour Guides and Escorts.

Skills employers look for

SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
History and ArcheologyKnowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Communications and MediaKnowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and TrainingKnowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.