Tour Guides and Escorts

Career Overview

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

Also Known As

• Docent
• Historical Interpreter
• Museum Guide
• Tour Guide

Alternate Job Titles

• Admitting Office Escort
• Adventure Guide
• Alpine Guide
• Art Museum Aide
• Art Museum Docent
• Discovery Guide
• Docent
• Duck Driver
• Environmental Educator
• Escort
• Escort Service Attendant
• Establishment Guide
• Event Guide
• Fishing Guide
• Guest Ambassador

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• History and Archeology

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Speaking

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Oral Expression
• Oral Comprehension
• Speech Clarity
• Far Vision
• Speech Recognition
• Written Comprehension
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Expression
• Selective Attention

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Social Orientation
• Cooperation
• Dependability
• Optimism
• Adaptability

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Relationships
• Support
• Independence
• Working Conditions
• Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Adobe Photoshop
• Apple Safari
• Facebook
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Zoom

Tools & Equipment

• ActiveMap Tour Guide software
• Cell phones
• Desktop computers
• First aid kits
• Laser facsimile machines
• Microphones
• Personal digital assistants PDA
• Tour boats
• Tour buses
• Touring bicycles

Work Environment

• Public Speaking
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Contact With Others
• Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

---

---

Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.