How Do Hikers Get Paid? 8 Exciting Ways To Make Money Hiking!

If you’re an avid hiker, you know the thrill of hitting the trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air, and soaking in the stunning views. But have you ever wondered how to make money while hiking?

In this blog post, we’re going to delve into the exciting world of how hikers can make money.

Whether you’re a gear guru, a skilled photographer, a knowledgeable outdoor educator, or simply someone who loves being in nature. There are plenty of opportunities out there to earn some green while enjoying the greens.

So grab your hiking boots, put on your sunscreen, and let’s explore the 8 fascinating ways hikers can turn their passion into a paycheck. Let’s dive in!

Guiding and Leading Hiking Tours

One of the most common ways hikers make money is by becoming a hiking guide or leading hiking tours.

If you have a wealth of experience and knowledge about a specific trail or area, you can share that expertise with others and get paid for the pleasure! Many outdoor tour companies hire experienced hikers to lead guided hikes, provide safety instructions, and share information about the local flora, fauna, and history. It’s a great way to combine your love for hiking with your passion for teaching and connecting with fellow nature enthusiasts.

If you are interested in being a hiking guide, here are some steps to help you get started:

How To Become A Hiking Guide

Gain hiking experience

Before you can effectively guide and lead hiking tours, having a strong foundation of hiking experience is important. Spend time hiking in different terrains, climates, and difficulty levels to build your skills, knowledge, and confidence.

Obtain necessary certifications

Depending on the country, region, and type of hiking tours you plan to lead, there may be specific certifications or qualifications required. Research and obtain any necessary certifications, such as wilderness first aid, CPR, or guiding certifications from recognized organizations. If you are in the U.S. We recommend checking out the American Hiking Guides Association

Develop a business plan

Like any other business, guiding and leading hiking tours requires careful planning. Develop a business plan that outlines your target market, marketing strategies, pricing, expenses, and financial projections. Consider factors such as transportation, permits, gear, insurance, and marketing materials.

Choose your niche

Decide on the type of hiking tours you want to offer and identify your target market. Asking yourself such questions as:

Will you focus on day hikes or multi-day trips?
Will you cater to beginners or experienced hikers?
Will you offer specialized tours such as birdwatching, photography, or geology-focused hikes?

Identifying your niche can help you differentiate yourself in the market.

Create a professional website and marketing materials

Having a professional website and marketing materials, such as brochures and business cards, can help you attract clients. Your website should showcase your expertise, highlight your services and pricing, and provide an easy way for potential clients to contact you.

Build a network

Network with other outdoor enthusiasts, local businesses, and tourism organizations to spread the word about your hiking tours. Attend outdoor events, join hiking clubs, and utilize social media to connect with potential clients and build a community around your business.

Provide exceptional customer service

Excellent customer service is crucial to building a good reputation and generating repeat business. Be knowledgeable, professional, and attentive to the needs and safety of your clients during the hikes. Provide a memorable experience that exceeds their expectations.

Set competitive pricing

Research the pricing of similar hiking tour services in your area and set your prices competitively. Consider your costs, including permits, transportation, equipment, and your time, when determining your pricing strategy. Be transparent about your pricing on your website and marketing materials.

Obtain appropriate insurance

Protect yourself and your business by obtaining appropriate liability insurance. This can provide coverage in case of accidents, injuries, or other unforeseen events that may occur during your hiking tours.

Market your business

Implement effective marketing strategies to promote your hiking tour business. Utilize social media, online advertising, and other marketing channels to reach your target audience. Partner with local tourism organizations, hotels, and outdoor retailers to expand your reach.

Remember, starting a hiking tour business requires careful planning, hard work, and dedication. It may take time to build your reputation and clientele, but with perseverance and a passion for the outdoors, you can turn your love for hiking into a profitable business.

Outdoor Education and Instruction

If you have specialized skills, such as wilderness first aid, navigation, or survival techniques. You can make money through hiking by offering outdoor education and instruction services to other hikers.

Many people are willing to pay for professional guidance and training to enhance their hiking skills and stay safe in the wilderness. You can offer workshops, classes, or one-on-one training sessions, and even create online courses or write books on hiking-related topics to generate income. Alternatively, you can seek employment with an outdoor center that already runs such workshops. The pay may not be amazing but the job satisfaction is off the scale!

How To Make Money through hiking With Outdoor Education And Instruction

Outdoor Skills Workshops

Offer workshops on outdoor skills such as camping, hiking, rock climbing, navigation, wilderness first aid, and outdoor cooking. You can charge a fee for participants to join your workshops, and market them to outdoor enthusiasts, schools, organizations, and the general public.

Guided Outdoor Tours

Lead guided tours for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, nature walks, wildlife photography, or geocaching. You can charge a fee for your services and provide a unique and educational experience for your clients. You can also partner with local parks or conservation organizations to offer your tours and share profits.

Outdoor Education Programs for Schools

Partner with schools or educational institutions to provide outdoor education programs for students. This could include field trips, outdoor camps, or wilderness education programs. You can charge a fee per student or program and customize the programs based on the curriculum and age group.

Outdoor Leadership and Team Building Workshops

Offer workshops and training programs for businesses, organizations, and teams focused on outdoor leadership and team-building skills. Activities such as ropes courses, wilderness survival skills, and group problem-solving exercises can be incorporated to enhance leadership skills and promote teamwork.

Charge a fee for your services and market them to companies, non-profit organizations, and other groups.

Outdoor Instructional Content Creation

Create and sell instructional content related to outdoor education. This could include ebooks, online courses, instructional videos, or educational blogs. You can monetize your content through sales, subscriptions, or advertising.

Outdoor Photography and Content Creation

If you have a knack for photography and storytelling, you can turn your hiking adventures into content-creation opportunities. Many hikers make money by capturing stunning photos and videos of their outdoor experiences and sharing them on social media or through their blogs, websites, or YouTube channels.

You can monetize your content by partnering with brands, selling prints, or offering sponsored posts. It’s a fantastic way to combine your creativity with your love for hiking and inspire others to explore the great outdoors.

How To Make Money through hiking With Outdoor Photography And Content Creation

Stock Photography

Sell your outdoor photographs as stock images to online platforms such as Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Unsplash. These platforms allow you to upload and sell your images to potential buyers, who may use them for various purposes such as websites, marketing materials, or print media. You earn a commission for each sale made.

Fine Art Prints

Create and sell fine art prints of your outdoor photographs. You can sell your prints through online marketplaces such as Etsy, art galleries, or by setting up your online store. Market your prints to art collectors, home decor enthusiasts, and nature lovers who appreciate high-quality prints of outdoor scenes.

Outdoor Brand Partnerships

Collaborate with outdoor brands to create content for their marketing campaigns. This could include sponsored blog posts, social media posts, or product reviews featuring your outdoor photography. You can negotiate a fee or receive free products or services in exchange for your content creation and promotion.

Outdoor Photography Workshops

Offer workshops or photography tours where you teach others how to improve their outdoor photography skills. You can charge a fee for your workshops and provide instruction on composition, lighting, camera settings, and post-processing techniques. Market your workshops to photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and travelers.

Outdoor Content Creation for Tourism or Outdoor Industry

Create outdoor-focused content for tourism boards, outdoor industry publications, websites, or blogs. This could include articles, blog posts, social media content, or videos featuring your outdoor photography and expertise. You can charge a fee for your content creation services or negotiate sponsored content partnerships.

Freelancing or Remote Work

With the rise of remote work opportunities, many hikers make money by opting for freelancing or remote work options. Allowing them to work while on the trail. Usually, this involves working for yourself and finding clients worldwide on sites such as Upwork or Fiverr but maybe you have a nice boss that will let you sneak away on a working holiday for a few months.

If you have skills and experience in any of the below then you could be a gainfully employed hiking bum!

Software Developer/Engineer
Content Writer/Copywriter
Virtual Assistant/Administrative Assistant
Customer Service Representative
Graphic Designer
Digital Marketer
Project Manager
Social Media Manager
Data Entry Specialist
Online Tutor/Teacher
Freelance Translator/Interpreter
UX/UI Designer
Sales Representative
Consultant/Coach
Financial Analyst/Accountant
Human Resources Specialist
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Researcher/Data Analyst
E-commerce Specialist

Outdoor Retail or Gear Testing

Another way hikers make money is by working in outdoor retail, or as gear testers. Many outdoor retailers and gear manufacturers hire experienced hikers to work in their stores or as brand ambassadors to promote their products. You can earn money by sharing your knowledge and passion for outdoor gear, providing recommendations, and testing new gear in real-life hiking situations.

How To Make Money In The Outdoor Retail Or Gear Testing Industry.

Outdoor Retailer

Hikers can make good money by working in the outdoor retail industry. This can involve working in or owning an outdoor gear store or specialty shop. Selling outdoor gear, apparel, and accessories to customers. You can earn money through profits, a regular salary or hourly wage, and commissions or bonuses based on sales performance.

Online Outdoor Gear Retailer

Another option is to start your own online outdoor gear retail business. You can create an e-commerce website, sell outdoor gear through online marketplaces, or use social media platforms to sell outdoor gear directly to customers. You can earn money through the markup on the products you sell, as well as shipping fees and other associated charges.

Outdoor Gear Testing

Many outdoor gear companies hire gear testers to evaluate and provide feedback on their products. You can test outdoor gear such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, hiking boots, and camping equipment, providing feedback on their performance, durability, comfort, and usability. You can earn money through compensation or by receiving free gear in exchange for your testing services.

To do this type of work, you must be a highly skilled and well-respected hiker that brands and customers trust for honest and well-considered feedback.

Gear Repair and Maintenance

If you have skills in repairing and maintaining outdoor gear, you can offer gear repair and maintenance services to outdoor enthusiasts. This can include repairing damaged gear, tuning skis or snowboards, or waterproofing gear. You can earn money through service fees, and potentially sell gear repair kits or maintenance products.

Many outdoor sports manufacturers partner with local companies to provide repair and warranty services for their products. Seeking such contracts could provide a stable income.

Working As A Park Ranger

If you’re looking for a way to combine your love for the great outdoors with a rewarding career. You can make money through hiking by becoming a park ranger!

Not only do you get to work in some of the most beautiful natural settings, but you also get to access trails and hike to your heart’s content. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts, educate visitors about nature, and connect with like-minded professionals in the field. And the best part? You’ll get to enjoy a unique outdoor lifestyle that aligns perfectly with your passion for hiking!

How To Get A Job As A Park Ranger?

While the specific requirements may vary depending on the park or agency, generally, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as natural resource management, environmental science, or outdoor recreation.

You may also need to pass a background check, possess a valid driver’s license, and complete specialized training in areas like law enforcement, first aid, and fire management.

When it comes to finding job opportunities, start by checking out the websites of national parks, state parks, or other protected areas that you’re interested in.

They often post job openings on their websites or on government job boards. You can also network with other park rangers, attend job fairs or workshops related to outdoor careers, or join professional organizations in the field to stay updated on job opportunities. Don’t forget to highlight your hiking experience, knowledge of trails, and outdoor skills in your application and interviews to showcase your passion and suitability for the role.

Becoming a park ranger can be a fulfilling and exciting way for hikers to make money, providing them with the opportunity to work in stunning natural settings, share their hiking knowledge with others, contribute to conservation efforts, and live a unique outdoor lifestyle. So, lace up your hiking boots and start exploring the possibilities of becoming a park ranger!

Blogging or Vlogging

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Do you have a talent for writing or creating videos? Hikers can make money by starting a blog or vlog about their hiking adventures and monetizing it through advertising, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing. By sharing your personal stories, tips, and advice, you can build a loyal audience and generate income from your blog or vlog.

How To Get Started As a Blogger Or Vlogger in The Hiking Industry

Blogging or vlogging in the hiking industry can be a great way to share your passion for the outdoors and potentially earn money. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Choose a Niche

Decide on a specific niche within the hiking industry that you are passionate about and that has an audience. This could be backpacking, hiking with pets, hiking for families, or hiking in a specific region or park. By narrowing down your niche, you can better target your content and attract a specific audience.

Create High-Quality Content

Produce high-quality content that is engaging, informative, and visually appealing. This can include blog posts, articles, videos, photos, and other multimedia. Provide valuable information, tips, advice, and stories related to your niche. Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your adventures and experiences. Consistently publish new content to keep your audience engaged.

Build an Audience

Promote your blog or vlog through social media, search engine optimization (SEO), and other marketing strategies to attract and grow your audience. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, emails, and messages. Encourage them to share your content with others and subscribe to your blog or vlog for updates.

Monetize Your Content

There are several ways to monetize your blog or vlog in the hiking industry. Here are some options:

Affiliate Marketing: Join affiliate programs of outdoor gear companies, hiking equipment manufacturers, or outdoor retailers. Recommend and review hiking gear and equipment in your content and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral links.
Sponsored Content: Collaborate with outdoor brands, travel agencies, or tourism boards to create sponsored content. This can include sponsored blog posts, videos, or social media posts, where you promote their products, services, or destinations in exchange for payment.
Advertising: Display ads on your blog or vlog through ad networks like Google AdSense or MediaVine. Earn money based on the number of ad impressions or clicks.
Merchandise or Products: Create and sell your merchandise, such as branded apparel, outdoor gear, or e-books related to hiking or outdoor adventures.

Provide Services

Offer services related to your expertise in the hiking industry, such as guided hikes, photography services, hiking coaching, or outdoor consulting. You can charge a fee for your services and provide personalized experiences to your audience.

Collaborate with Other Hiking Bloggers/Vloggers

Collaborate with other hiking bloggers or vloggers to cross-promote each other’s content, share ideas, and expand your reach. Collaborations can include joint blog posts, videos, or social media campaigns, which can help you attract a wider audience and potentially earn more money.

Remember, building a successful blog or vlog takes time, effort, and dedication. It’s important to consistently produce high-quality content, engage with your audience, and explore different monetization strategies to find what works best for your niche and audience.

Seasonal or Part-Time Jobs

Many hikers take up seasonal or part-time jobs during off-hiking seasons to earn money for their outdoor adventures. Jobs such as working at a ski resort, campground, national park, or seasonal hospitality work can provide the income needed to support your hiking lifestyle. These jobs often come with perks such as discounted or free accommodations, food, or outdoor gear, making them an attractive option for hikers.

Some hikers choose to also do rotational shift work to earn money for adventures. Packing in as much work in a small space of time as possible.

Jobs such as the ones listed below are great for this!

Oil Rig Worker
Mining Worker
Remote Construction Worker
Forest Firefighter
Remote Medical Worker
Remote Research or Field Work
Remote Hospitality or Tourism Industry

The Possibilities Are Out There!

The possibilities are truly out there! Whether you’re passionate about hiking, camping, photography, or simply being in nature, there is a wide range of job opportunities that can help you turn your passion into a paycheck.

From remote work options, allowing you to work from the comfort of your tent to seasonal or part-time jobs that provide flexibility and time for your adventures, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a gear enthusiast who loves testing and reviewing outdoor equipment, a talented photographer or content creator who can capture the beauty of nature or someone who enjoys sharing their knowledge and skills through outdoor education or instruction, the hiking industry has opportunities waiting for you.

So, don’t be afraid to explore and pursue your dreams. Embrace the freedom and flexibility of remote work, seasonal or part-time jobs, and turn your love for the great outdoors into a source of income. With dedication, determination, and a bit of creativity, you can create a fulfilling and rewarding career that aligns with your passion for hiking and the great outdoors.

Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and hit the trails – because the possibilities for making money in the hiking industry are endless!