How to Become a Tour and Travel Guides in California
Tour and Travel Guides in California earn a median salary of $42,210/year, which is 15% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~2.1%. After taxes and rent, a tour and travel guides takes home approximately $1,512/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a tour and travel guides can afford in California
Becoming a tour and travel guides in California
Meet education requirements
Tour and Travel Guides positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many tour and travel guides positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for tour and travel guidess. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 6,940 tour and travel guides. The highest concentrations are in San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles and Vallejo.
Tour and Travel Guides salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $51K | $24.36/hr | 150 |
| Vallejo | $47K | $22.8/hr | 30 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $47K | $22.42/hr | 1,140 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $46K | $22.05/hr | 270 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $44K | $21.18/hr | 190 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $44K | $21.03/hr | 240 |
| Salinas | $42K | $19.96/hr | 120 |
| Napa | $41K | $19.88/hr | 180 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $41K | $19.75/hr | 290 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $41K | $19.56/hr | 340 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $40K | $19.42/hr | 920 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $39K | $18.94/hr | 2,210 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $39K | $18.86/hr | 130 |
| Fresno | $39K | $18.55/hr | 80 |
Tour and Travel Guides salary range in California
Tour and Travel Guides careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tour and travel guides make in California?▼
The median tour and travel guides salary in California is $42,210 per year ($20.3/hr). This is 15% above the national median of $36,660. Salaries range from $33,700 to $65,720.
What are the requirements to become a tour and travel guides in California?▼
Tour and Travel Guides positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a tour and travel guides afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $42,210, a tour and travel guides in California would take home approximately $2,924/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 48.3% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for tour and travel guides in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for tour and travel guides in California are San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles ($50,660), Vallejo ($47,430), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($46,630). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for tour and travel guides?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.1%. On a $42,210 salary, this means roughly $869/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.