Career Profile: Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 46,200 people employed as travel agents in the United States. The median annual salary is $43,810. Entry level employees earn approximately $28,280 per year and senior employees earn approximately $74,220 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

  • Print or request transportation carrier tickets, using computer printer system or system link to travel carrier.
  • Provide customer with brochures and publications containing travel information, such as local customs, points of interest, or foreign country regulations.
  • Collect payment for transportation and accommodations from customer.
  • Plan, describe, arrange, and sell itinerary tour packages and promotional travel incentives offered by various travel carriers.
  • Converse with customer to determine destination, mode of transportation, travel dates, financial considerations, and accommodations required.
  • Compute cost of travel and accommodations, using calculator, computer, carrier tariff books, and hotel rate books, or quote package tour's costs.
  • Record and maintain information on clients, vendors, and travel packages.
  • Book transportation and hotel reservations, using computer or telephone.

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Career Outlook

Total Current Jobs:
46,200
Annual Openings:
7,500
Increase in Openings by 2030:
20%
Annual Salary Range:
$28,280 - $74,220
Education Requirements:
High school diploma

Materials presented in MoneyEdu are prepared by Decision Partners LLC on FDCU's behalf. Although every effort is made, the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the content cannot be guaranteed. The information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.