Adventure Travel Trip Leader

Also called: Tour Leader, Expedition Leader

Leads groups on adventure trips like hiking, biking, and kayaking tours, in the US and abroad.

A day in the life

They manage logistics, lead daily activities, keep everyone safe, and solve problems from flat tires to sprained ankles. Many work for companies running trips in national parks or overseas.

Pay over a career

Starting
$28k
Typical
$40k
High
$65k

Based on BLS tour and travel guides, with estimates.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 0 years after high school. Wilderness First Responder; guide experience.

Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Outdoor Recreation, Hospitality, Tourism.

Outlook

Growing about average. Adventure travel is growing.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI helps with bookings and routes; leading people safely outdoors stays human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Physical education, Foreign language, Geography.

Official data: O*NET occupation 39-7012.

More Outdoor Recreation & Adventure careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.