20 Travel Jobs for Backpackers (With Average Salary)

If you love backpacking, you may want to pursue a career that allows you to do so regularly. There are plenty of great options in the travel industry and outside of it that can allow you to explore your passions. Learning more about these careers can help you find one that suits your needs, interests, experience, and training. In this article, we discuss 20 travel jobs for backpackers, their primary duties, and their national average salary.

20 travel jobs for backpackers

Here are 20 travel jobs for backpackers, their primary duties, and their national average salary for you to consider to find your dream job:

1. Blogger

National average salary: $20.93 per hour

Primary duties: Travel blogging allows you to write about your interests while travelling anywhere in the world. As a blogger, you may need various skills including web design, copywriting, search engine optimization, and social media management, in addition to the dedication to posting and improving content regularly. It takes time to build enough traffic to make a solid living, but once you acquire a decent audience, it can be a full-time option or a side hustle.

2. Concierge

National average salary: $18.15 per hour

Primary duties: Concierges typically work at a hotel to provide guests with local information. They may organize excursions, recommend activities, make restaurant reservations, or arrange transport to and from the airport. Having strong communication skills and knowing different languages can help you become a concierge in different countries.

3. Musician

National average salary: $21.26 per hour

Primary duties: Musicians sing or play instruments either alone or as a group, such as a band or an orchestra. They may perform, compose, conduct, or arrange music. Musicians often tour different cities or countries to perform in front of a live audience.

4. Chef

National average salary: $20.54 per hour

Primary duties: As there are restaurants in every country, becoming a chef can help you cook in different places while you backpack. Chefs prepare food in dining establishments, such as restaurants, bars, or resorts. They may create their own menu and ensure it adheres to the kitchen's budget. Chefs maintain a clean workspace to ensure they're following health and safety regulations.

5. Bartender

National average salary: $15.07 per hour

Primary duties: Another popular role in the food and beverage industry is a bartender. Bartenders can work in nightclubs or bars around the world preparing drinks for customers. Depending on the country you want to work in, knowing another language may be a requirement. But even working as a bartender in Canada can help you save money to backpack around the world.

6. Graphic designer

National average salary: $21.59 per hour

Primary duties: Graphic designers create artwork for clients to use in marketing material or websites. Graphic designers typically only need a computer and internet connection to work, so they can do so from anywhere in the world. You can even pursue freelance graphic design work so you can create your own schedule.

7. Consultant

National average salary: $26.43 per hour

Primary duties: Consultants are experts in a specific industry, such as travel, finance, or human resources. They offer advice to clients or businesses to help them make informed decisions. Consultants often travel to meet with their clients and they earn a competitive wage which can help them backpack in their spare time.

8. Virtual assistant

National average salary: $20.95 per hour

Primary duties: Virtual assistants help clients and businesses with their administrative tasks. They may schedule appointments, answer emails, prepare documents, or conduct phone calls. Virtual assistants work remotely, so you can work from anywhere in the world as you backpack.

9. Software developer

National average salary: $88,792 per year

Primary duties: Software developers design computer programs and mobile applications. They write the code that helps these programs and applications function while still being aesthetically pleasing. If you become a freelance software developer, you can work from anywhere in the world.

10. Travel agent

National average salary: $42,470 per year

Primary duties: As a travel agent, you may work with individuals, couples, or large groups of people to plan vacations or professional travel. Having reasonably extensive knowledge about popular travel destinations and schedule planning is important. You might also need experience with travel planning software.

Related: What Does a Travel Agent Do (And How to Become One)

11. Boat captain

National average salary: $20.28 per hour

Primary duties: If you prefer to travel by water, becoming a boat captain may be a good option for you. Boat captains drive ships of various sizes, typically to take passengers from one location to another or to deliver cargo. They choose the best route to get passengers and cargo to their destination safely.

12. Travel nurse

National average salary: $52.29 per hour

Primary duties: Travel nurses fill short-term roles at different healthcare facilities across Canada or the world. They may even visit patients in their homes to provide care. Travel nurses perform the same duties as regular nurses, such as administering medication, monitoring patients' health, and following their physician's treatment plan. You must be a registered nurse to become a travel nurse, which gives you access to a lucrative salary.

13. Truck driver

National average salary: $24.48 per hour

Primary duties: If you want to backpack around Canada, becoming a truck driver is a good option. You can obtain short- or long-haul orders to deliver products from one city to another. This allows you to see different places on your drive and, once at your destination, you can take some time to explore. You need a Class A or Class D driving license to become a truck driver, depending on the type of vehicle you want to operate.

14. Pilot

National average salary: $71,509 per year

Primary duties: A pilot is a skilled professional who safely transports people or cargo via air travel. Aviation is a diverse field that can allow you to work in the military, the airline industry, or as an independent contractor. There are many opportunities for travel and work-related fulfillment, as well as the chance to earn a sizable income.

15. ESL teacher

National average salary: $23.39 per hour

Primary duties: English teachers who teach overseas perform a mix of English as a second language (ESL) and basic English teacher duties, including teaching students how to read, write, and speak English. They also complete progress reports and create, administer, and grade exams. English teachers who want to teach overseas usually work on contracts that last anywhere from three months to two years. Teachers usually work typical school hours during their contract.

16. Scuba diving instructor

National average salary: $65,729 per year

Primary duties: If you enjoy adventure and teaching concepts to others, consider becoming a scuba diving instructor. Scuba instructor jobs are available across the globe, allowing you to show both locals and tourists how to dive. Scuba certification is mandatory, and having strong communication skills is important.

17. Interpreter

National average salary: $19.86 per hour

Primary duties: Interpreters help two parties that speak different languages communicate with one another. To become an interpreter, you must be fluent in a minimum of two languages. Interpreters are frequently in demand across the world, so you can work while you backpack.

18. Flight attendant

National average salary: $19.06 per hour

Primary duties: Flight attendants enjoy the stability of a steady paycheck while also being able to travel nearly full time. Patience and customer service experience are essential, as well as the ability to work long shifts with several flights per day. With hundreds of airlines across the globe, you can find a company that aligns with your core values and geographic interests.

Related: 15 of the Best Travel Jobs

19. Tour guide

National average salary: $18.07 per hour

Primary duties: Popular destinations are the source of numerous jobs for avid travellers and history experts. Famous cities, national parks, and world heritage sites are always in need of tour guides who speak various languages. Communication and people skills are essential, while employers may prefer applicants with foreign language fluency.

20. Au pair

National average salary: $17.00 per hour

Primary duties: If you have babysitting or childhood education experience, au pairs are constantly in demand. This job involves becoming a nanny for a family overseas. Au pairs are responsible for taking care of children, making sure they complete homework, tutoring sessions and other school projects, and any other task required by the parents. In exchange, many au pairs get free room and board, as well as a monthly stipend.

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