Also called: Antarctic Guide
Leads tourists on landings in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Polar guides drive Zodiac boats through ice, lead hikes among penguin colonies, give lectures, and watch for polar bears in the Arctic.
Estimate; seasonal contracts, room and board included.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Science or outdoor background plus Zodiac and wilderness first aid certifications.
Ways in: 4-year college, On-the-job training, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Biology, Geology, Outdoor Leadership.
Growing faster than average. Polar tourism is growing.
Low risk for 10 years. Ships use better ice charts and AI translation, but Zodiac driving, landings and wildlife lectures stay personal guiding.
Classes: AP Biology, Earth Science, Public speaking, A foreign language.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-7011.
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