Tour Guide salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Tour Guide in South Africa is approximately 78,181 ZAR (3,907 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Tour Guide do?

A tour guide is a professional who provides guided tours and shares information about various attractions, landmarks, historical sites, or natural wonders to groups of tourists. They play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience by providing valuable insights, historical context, and interesting anecdotes. Tour guides are responsible for planning and organizing tours, ensuring the safety and comfort of the group, and delivering engaging presentations. They possess a deep knowledge of the destination, including its history, culture, architecture, and local customs. Excellent communication and storytelling skills are essential to effectively engage with tourists and convey information in an entertaining manner. Tour guides must also be adaptable and able to handle unexpected situations or changes in the itinerary.

Skills: Tour Guide, Travel, Tourism, Guided Tours, Cultural Heritage, Destination Expert
Job industry: Hospitality and tourism

How much does Tour Guide make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Tour Guide a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Tour Guide is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Tour Guide might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Tour Guide?

High salary for Tour Guide would be somewhere between 85,999 ZAR and 113,362 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Tour Guide in South Africa?

Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 78,181 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 6,515 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,503 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 38 ZAR per hour
By working as Tour Guide a person can save up to 54 USD per month or 653 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Tour Guide

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

Data as of 2025

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