Travel Agent

Print

Work Tasks

• Make travel plans for people based on where they want to go, what they like to do, and how much they can spend
• Tell people about places they can travel to and the travel costs
• Tell people going out of the country about customs regulations, how to get passports and visas, and the value of foreign money compared to U.S. money
• Plan for transportation, hotels, tours, and fun activities
• Work for travel agencies, large organizations, or are self-employed
• Work with computers, customer plans, fare schedules, hotel guide and fact sheets, tourist information, tickets, reservation confirmations, pamphlets, and brochures

Salary, Size & Growth

• $37,500 average per year ($18.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (70,900 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and on-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A short travel-related training, and up to a 4-year degree in travel and tourism
• Certification/Licensing: A few states require some form of registration or certification of retail sellers of travel services.