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Travel Agent Schools & Programs
Travel agents earn a median salary of $46,400 per year (BLS, OEWS, May 2024), with top earners bringing in over $69,600 annually. Travel agent programs teach you to plan, book, and manage travel experiences for clients – from family vacations and honeymoons to complex corporate itineraries. Despite the rise of online booking tools, professional travel advisors continue to thrive by offering expertise, personalized service, and access to deals that consumers cannot find on their own. Training programs prepare you with destination knowledge, booking system skills, and the business fundamentals to launch your career.
Travel Agent Salary Snapshot
U.S.7,100 openings/yr
What Is a Travel Agent Program?
Travel agent programs train students to plan and book travel arrangements including flights, hotels, cruises, tours, and rental cars using industry reservation systems. Students learn destination geography, travel regulations, customer service techniques, and the business side of running a travel practice. Programs cover both leisure and corporate travel, giving graduates the skills to work for travel agencies, host agencies, tour operators, or as independent travel advisors. With approximately 59,100 travel agents employed nationwide and about 5,000 openings projected annually, the profession continues to offer opportunities for those with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for travel.
What You’ll Learn
- Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport
- Destination geography and international travel requirements (visas, passports, health advisories)
- Cruise, tour, and vacation package booking and itinerary design
- Airline ticketing, fare rules, and rebooking procedures
- Customer service, needs assessment, and consultative selling
- Travel insurance products and when to recommend them
- Marketing and social media strategies for building a client base
- Industry regulations, supplier relationships, and commission structures
- Corporate travel management and expense reporting
- Niche market specialization (luxury, adventure, group, destination weddings)
How Long Does Training Take?
Certificate programs range from a few weeks to 6 months depending on depth and format, with costs typically between $500 and $5,000. Some programs are intensive boot camps that cover the essentials quickly, while others provide more comprehensive training including GDS certification. Many travel agents enter the industry through on-the-job training at an agency or host agency, supplementing with certificate coursework. Associate degree programs in travel and tourism take about 2 years and cost between $5,000 and $20,000, including broader hospitality and business coursework. A degree is not required to work as a travel agent, and many successful advisors start with short certificate programs and build expertise through supplier training and industry experience.
Admissions & Requirements
- High school diploma or GED is typically sufficient
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Computer literacy and comfort with online booking platforms
- Personal travel experience is helpful but not required
- Attention to detail for managing complex itineraries and bookings
- Some programs require access to a computer with internet for GDS training
- Entrepreneurial mindset is valuable for those planning to work independently
Licensing & Certification
Travel agents do not need a state license in most states, though a few states including California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, and Washington have seller-of-travel registration requirements. Voluntary industry certifications can boost your credibility with clients and suppliers. The Travel Institute offers the Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) designations. IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network) accreditation gives agents access to industry rates and supplier benefits. Many suppliers – cruise lines, hotel chains, tour operators – offer their own free specialist certifications that demonstrate destination or product expertise and can unlock higher commission tiers.
Career Outlook & Salary
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $46,400 for travel agents, with the top 10% earning over $69,600 (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Employment is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 5,000 openings per year. The mean annual wage is $51,040. While online booking tools handle simple transactions, travel agents continue to add value for complex trips, group travel, luxury vacations, and corporate travel management. Agents who specialize in niche markets – such as destination weddings, adventure travel, or luxury cruise – often earn above-average incomes through higher commissions and service fees. Independent agents affiliated with host agencies can also benefit from commission splits that increase as they build volume.
Where You’ll Work
Travel agents work in a variety of settings. Traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies still operate in many cities, and corporate travel management companies employ agents to handle business travel accounts. Many agents work from home as independent contractors affiliated with host agencies, which provide booking tools, supplier access, and back-office support. Tour operators, cruise lines, and resort companies also employ travel specialists. The work is primarily phone, email, and computer-based, making it well-suited to remote arrangements. Some agents work part-time, building a client base alongside other employment.
Online vs In-Person Options
Travel agent training is widely available online, making it one of the most accessible career training fields. Most certificate programs, GDS training, and supplier certification courses are offered through online platforms with self-paced or live virtual formats. Since travel advisors work primarily by phone, email, and computer, online training closely mirrors the actual work environment. In-person programs are less common but may offer networking opportunities with local agencies and suppliers. Many host agencies also provide their own training programs for new agents joining their network, often at no additional cost.
Browse by Location
- View all locations: Travel Agent by state
Travel Agent Salary by State
| State | Median annual | Top 10% annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,650 | $61,700 |
| Alaska | $57,490 | $65,760 |
| Arizona | $49,260 | $80,570 |
| Arkansas | $34,980 | $44,770 |
| California | $48,540 | $74,870 |
| Colorado | $56,370 | $83,830 |
| Connecticut | $61,180 | $102,230 |
| Delaware | N/A | N/A |
| District of Columbia | $63,770 | $72,230 |
| Florida | $47,780 | $64,470 |
| Georgia | $45,790 | $71,700 |
| Hawaii | $32,090 | $49,020 |
| Idaho | $48,660 | $86,690 |
| Illinois | $47,660 | $76,960 |
| Indiana | $46,860 | $62,380 |
| Iowa | $44,970 | $74,380 |
| Kansas | $47,390 | $72,980 |
| Kentucky | $47,850 | $56,320 |
| Louisiana | $45,720 | $71,880 |
| Maine | $37,950 | $63,030 |
| Maryland | $44,660 | $61,650 |
| Massachusetts | $54,200 | $85,710 |
| Michigan | $46,710 | $62,320 |
| Minnesota | $47,900 | $97,140 |
| Mississippi | N/A | N/A |
| Missouri | $44,290 | $60,420 |
| Montana | $53,540 | $65,310 |
| Nebraska | $48,010 | $60,280 |
| Nevada | $60,630 | $61,530 |
| New Hampshire | $48,680 | $73,180 |
| New Jersey | $59,640 | $90,560 |
| New Mexico | $35,250 | $61,470 |
| New York | $50,200 | $76,640 |
| North Carolina | $48,390 | $78,960 |
| North Dakota | $47,000 | $62,530 |
| Ohio | $44,750 | $68,420 |
| Oklahoma | $34,850 | $49,130 |
| Oregon | $49,690 | $73,550 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,910 | $74,550 |
| Rhode Island | $45,810 | $66,500 |
| South Carolina | $46,810 | $60,630 |
| South Dakota | $46,610 | $60,450 |
| Tennessee | $48,990 | $63,580 |
| Texas | $51,110 | $73,590 |
| Utah | $41,040 | $64,080 |
| Vermont | $50,960 | $82,150 |
| Virginia | $37,860 | $93,720 |
| Washington | $62,620 | $70,710 |
| West Virginia | $35,710 | $58,630 |
| Wisconsin | $47,020 | $54,570 |
| Wyoming | $61,500 | $74,450 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.
Career Guide
Travel agent careers offer a range of paths, from working at established agencies to building an independent advisory practice. Many agents start by handling general leisure travel and gradually develop specialties in areas like luxury cruises, destination weddings, adventure travel, or corporate accounts. The industry rewards relationship-building and destination expertise – agents who become known for a particular type of travel often attract clients through referrals and repeat business. Advancement can include senior advisor roles, agency management, or launching your own agency. For a complete look at daily responsibilities, income potential, and strategies for building a successful travel business, see our full career guide.
FAQs
Do travel agents still make money in the age of online booking?
Yes. While online booking tools handle simple transactions, travel agents add value for complex trips, group travel, destination weddings, luxury vacations, and corporate travel management. Agents earn commissions from suppliers (hotels, cruise lines, tour operators) and may charge service fees. The industry has shifted toward a travel advisor model where expertise and personalized service command premium pricing.
Do I need to join a host agency?
Most new independent travel agents affiliate with a host agency, which provides access to booking systems, higher commission levels, supplier relationships, errors and omissions insurance, and back-office support. Host agencies typically charge a fee or take a commission split in exchange for these resources. Working under a host agency lets you start booking right away without building supplier relationships from scratch.
What is the difference between a travel agent certificate and a CTA credential?
A travel agent certificate program teaches you the fundamentals of the profession and is your entry point into the industry. The Certified Travel Associate (CTA) credential from The Travel Institute is an industry-recognized professional designation that requires documented travel industry experience, completion of a study program, and passing an exam. The CTA signals a higher level of professionalism and can help you attract more clients.
How do travel agents get paid?
Travel agents earn money through commissions from travel suppliers (typically 10% to 16% on hotels, cruises, and tours), service fees charged to clients (often $25 to $100+ per booking), and in some cases, markups on packaged itineraries. Commission rates vary by supplier and product type. Cruise bookings tend to offer some of the highest commissions. Many agents combine commission income with flat service fees to create a stable revenue stream.
Can I be a travel agent part-time?
Yes, and many travel agents start part-time while maintaining other employment. The flexibility of working from home and setting your own hours makes part-time travel advising practical. Host agencies typically do not require minimum sales volumes, so you can scale your business at your own pace. Part-time agents often specialize in a niche market where they can build expertise efficiently and attract clients through focused marketing.
What GDS systems should I learn?
The three major Global Distribution Systems are Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport (which includes Galileo and Worldspan). Sabre is the most widely used in North America, so it is often the best starting point. Many training programs include GDS certification as part of the curriculum. However, some host agencies and suppliers use their own proprietary booking platforms, so GDS proficiency is valuable but not always required for every type of travel booking.
Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.
Browse Travel Agent Schools by State
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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