Occupation AtlasTour Guides and Escorts

O*NET · 39-7011.00

Tour Guides and Escorts

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

Also called Admitting Office Escort · Adventure Guide · Alpine Guide · Art Museum Aide · Art Museum Docent · Discovery Guide · Docent · Duck Driver
45 more

Environmental Educator · Escort · Escort Service Attendant · Establishment Guide · Event Guide · Fishing Guide · Guest Ambassador · Guest Experience Ambassador · Guide · Haunted History Tour Guide · Historical Interpreter · Historical Site Guide · Hunter Guide · Hunting Guide · Kayak Guide · Licensed Guide · Mountain Guide · Museum Attendant · Museum Docent · Museum Educator · Museum Guide · National Park Tour Guide · Outdoor Guide · Page · Park Ambassador · Park Guide · Plant Guide · Presenter · River Rafting Guide · Science Interpreter · Sightseeing Guide · Site Attendant · Student Tour Guide · Tour Bus Guide · Tour Conductor · Tour Coordinator · Tour Escort · Tour Guide · Tour Travel Specialist · Tourist Escort · Tourist Guide · VIP Tour Guide · VIP Tour Guide (Very Important Person Tour Guide) · Wilderness Guide · Zipline Guide

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code SEA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Gambling Dealers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SEASocial · Enterprising · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social5.35
  • E Enterprising3.64
  • A Artistic3.46
  • R Realistic3.33
  • C Conventional2.85
  • I Investigative2.40

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma4%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent22%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate8%
  • Some College Courses2%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree31%
  • Bachelor's Degree30%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate2%
  • Master's Degree2%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (29%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (28%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • InstructingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23

Tasks

7 core · 12 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions.Importance 4.9
  2. Escort individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries.Importance 4.6
  3. Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.Importance 4.5
  4. Conduct educational activities for school children.Importance 4.2
  5. Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.Importance 4.1
  6. Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors.Importance 4.0
  7. Select travel routes and sites to be visited based on knowledge of specific areas.Importance 3.7
Show the other 12
  1. Provide for physical safety of groups, performing such activities as providing first aid or directing emergency evacuations.Importance 4.2
  2. Assemble and check the required supplies and equipment prior to departure.Importance 4.1
  3. Greet and register visitors, and issue any required identification badges or safety devices.Importance 4.0
  4. Distribute brochures, show audiovisual presentations, and explain establishment processes and operations at tour sites.Importance 4.0
  5. Drive motor vehicles to transport visitors to establishments and tour site locations.Importance 3.9
  6. Provide information about wildlife varieties and habitats, as well as any relevant regulations, such as those pertaining to hunting and fishing.Importance 3.8
  7. Teach skills, such as proper climbing methods, and demonstrate and advise on the use of equipment.Importance 3.8
  8. Train other guides and volunteers.Importance 3.8
  9. Collect fees and tickets from group members.Importance 3.7
  10. Perform clerical duties, such as filing, typing, operating switchboards, or routing mail and messages.Importance 3.6
  11. Solicit tour patronage and sell souvenirs.Importance 3.1
  12. Speak foreign languages to communicate with foreign visitors.Importance 2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 3.6Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.2Level 2.7
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.2Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • GeographyImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Fine ArtsImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.8Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Show all 33
  • TransportationImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • PsychologyImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.6Level 2.9
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • BiologyImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • MechanicalImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • MathematicsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.4Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • ChemistryImportance 1.3Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Far VisionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near VisionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Written ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.8
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 2.4Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 1.5
  • StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.6
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.3Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.3Level —
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.3Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
Show all 41
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Processing InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 2.9
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.9
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.6
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.4Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Working with ComputersImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.3Level 2.6
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.0Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.4Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.5
  • Public Speaking4.5
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.2
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Physical Proximity4.1
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities4.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals3.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.8

Technology

21 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (10)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Apple Safari
  • Facebook
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Zoom
Other tools (11)
  • Centaur Systems Centaur Travel Business Management System TBMS
  • Email software
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • IBS Software Services Tour Partner
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Padlet
  • Pear Deck
  • RBS GoTour Online
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • Softrip Travel Software System
  • TourTech Systems TourTools

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.