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Travel Agents

SOC: 41-3041 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Travel Agents typically perform the following tasks: • 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. • 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.

Career Video

Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor

Key facts

Median: $48,450
Employment: 65,700
Growth (2024–2034): +2.0%
Education: High school diploma

Career Intelligence Metrics

Automation Risk Assessment

Medium Risk
38.0% probability of being automated in the next 10-20 years. This job has some routine elements but still requires human judgment and interaction.

Work-Life Balance Score

8.7/10
Excellent work-life balance based on typical work schedules, stress levels, and time demands.

Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)

4.4
Realistic
5.0
Investigative
5.4
Artistic
8.0
Social
9.0
Enterprising
5.8
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling

Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.

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Top Skills

Communication skills Customer-service skills Detail oriented Organizational skills Sales skills

Strengths

  • High Demand
  • Flexible Work
  • Continuous Learning

Challenges

  • Burnout Risk
  • Rapid Technological Change

Median Salary Comparison

Employment projection (2024–2034)

Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis

BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05
View Interactive BLS Maps

States with Highest Employment

  • Florida 9,730
  • California 5,780
  • Washington 4,030
  • Texas 3,840
  • New York 3,100
  • Illinois 2,990
  • Georgia 2,240
  • Arizona 2,020
  • Massachusetts 1,850
  • Missouri 1,830
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

  • Florida -1%
    $47,780
  • California 0%
    $48,540
  • Washington +29%
    $62,620
  • Texas 5%
    $51,110
  • New York 4%
    $50,200
  • Illinois -2%
    $47,660
  • Georgia -5%
    $45,790
  • Arizona 2%
    $49,260
  • Massachusetts +12%
    $54,200
  • Missouri -9%
    $44,290
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Travel arrangement and reservation services
85%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South