FAQ
Travel Agent FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a travel agent.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a travel agent: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about travel agents
Do travel agents still exist?
Yes. Many travelers use advisors for complex trips.
Can travel agents work from home?
Yes. Many are independent agents with host agencies.
How do travel agents get paid?
Through commissions and service fees.
How much does a travel agent make?
The median annual wage for travel agents was $50,160 ($24.11 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,610 and the highest 10% earned more than $76,660.
How long does it take to become a travel agent?
Most people need about 1–3 months of training. A high school diploma is typical. Agents learn through travel courses, host agency training and supplier programs.
Do you need a degree to be a travel agent?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is travel agent a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +0.2% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 5,900 openings each year. Upsides include work from home options; a common challenge is that commission-based income for many.
What skills does a travel agent need?
Key technical skills include booking systems (gds), destination knowledge, itinerary planning, and travel documents and rules. Employers also value customer service, organization, and problem solving.
What certifications are available for travel agents?
Common credentials include Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC), Destination specialist certifications, and Cruise line training. Some states, such as California, Florida, Hawaii and Washington, require seller-of-travel registration.
Still deciding?
Try the Travel Agent fit quiz, compare with Tour Guide, or explore Travel Agent training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-3041 (Travel agents).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Travel agents (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.