Wages vary by the time of year. During peak tourist seasons, tour guides have many opportunities to work overtime and earn higher wages. However, they may not work at all during some of the winter months. Wages also vary by area of the country.
Most tour guides receive free meals and hotel rooms while conducting tours. They may also receive a small stipend to cover their personal expenses.
Tour guides may receive benefits, such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. They may also receive discounts from hotels and airlines.
Tour and travel guides (SOC 39-7010)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $14.27 | $17.55 | $18.87 |
| Yearly | $29,690 | $36,502 | $39,238 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $14.98 | $18.43 | $18.87 |
| Yearly | $31,159 | $38,341 | $39,238 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $13.22 | $14.27 | $18.87 |
| Yearly | $27,487 | $29,690 | $39,238 | |
| Du Page County | Hourly | $15.30 | $16.79 | $24.00 |
| Yearly | $31,830 | $34,932 | $49,924 | |
| Northwest Illinois Area | Hourly | $13.22 | $14.02 | $17.25 |
| Yearly | $27,487 | $29,159 | $35,887 | |
| Springfield Area | Hourly | $13.52 | $16.89 | $18.31 |
| Yearly | $28,123 | $35,142 | $38,084 | |
| United States | Hourly | $14.68 | $17.34 | $21.41 |
| Yearly | $30,530 | $36,060 | $44,520 | |