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The economy greatly impacts the salaries of travel agents. Experience, sales ability, business location, and specialization also affect earnings.
Travel agents who own their own businesses earn commissions from travel companies when they book trips. They may also charge their customers for their services, although customers may be reluctant to pay for services they can obtain for free through travel websites. Travel agents who start their own businesses can expect a few lean years before they develop a solid base of clientele.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for salaried travel agents in May 2008 was $32,470. Of the 50 states, Virginia had the highest annual mean wage: $42,800. The city with the highest mean annual wage was Durham, North Carolina. These figures do not apply to self-employed travel agents.
Job opportunities for travel agents are expected to be fair to good over the next few years. Agents who specialize in specific destinations or types or travelers or who deal with luxury travelers will have more job options.
Worldwide political instability, international health scares, and economic downturns significantly reduce both personal and business travel and therefore the salaries of travel agents.
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