Travel Agents
Description OES Code: 43021
Plan trips for travel agency customers. Duties include determining destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, accommodations required, and planning, describing, or selling itinerary package tours. May specialize in foreign or domestic service, individual or group travel, specific geographical area, airplane charters, or package tours.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $8.63
25th Percentile $9.93
50th Percentile $12.80
75th Percentile $17.07

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.60
25th Percentile $8.70
50th Percentile $11.86
75th Percentile $14.61

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Agents normally work eight hours a day, five days a week. In addition, many agents frequently work overtime. Fringe benefits usually include paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave, and may include health insurance, pension, profit-sharing plan, annual bonus, or commission.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 14,100
Projected Employment 2008 14,600
Percent Change 1998-2008 3.5%
Separations 1998-2008 3,000

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 100
Projected Employment 2006 120
Percent Change 1999-2006 20%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Advancement
Experienced agents may advance to office or branch manager. In agencies with many offices, travel agents may advance to other managerial positions. Those with the right combination of capital, business skills, and a substantial following of satisfied clients sometimes open their own agencies.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Travel school graduates receive formal and informal placement assistance, although no one is guaranteed a job. Some schools announce the graduating class in industry publications and arrange interviews with employers who contact the school. Others simply post job notices and leave it to students to respond. All jobseekers should check the classified section in newspapers and travel magazines, make direct application to travel agencies, and register with the Job Service component of the local office of the California Employment Development Department.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
The minimum requirement for those interested in becoming a travel agent is a high school diploma or equivalent. Technology and computerization are having a profound effect on the work of travel agents. The minimum requirement for those interested in becoming a travel agent is a high school diploma or equivalent. Technology and computerization are having a profound effect on the work of travel agents, however, and formal or specialized training is becoming increasingly important. Many vocational schools offer 6- to 12-week full-time travel agent programs, as well as evening and weekend programs. Travel agent courses are also offered in public adult education programs and in community and 4-year colleges. A few colleges offer bachelor's or master's degrees in travel and tourism. Although few college courses relate directly to the travel industry, a college education is sometimes desired by employers to establish a background in fields such as computer science, geography, communication, foreign languages, and world history. Courses in accounting and business management also are important, especially for those who expect to manage or start their own travel agencies.

Skills & Other Requirements
A love of travel attracts many people to the field. But to succeed, agents must be able to convey their enthusiasm to the customer and have a genuine desire to be of service. Since agents deal with the public, they must be friendly, articulate, and well-groomed. To handle the technical aspects of their work, they must be well-organized, accurate and meticulous about following up on details.

Travel experience is an asset since personal knowledge about a city or foreign country often helps to influence clients' travel plans, as is experience as an airline reservation agent. Patience and the ability to gain the confidence of clients are also useful qualities. Travel agents must be well-organized, accurate, and meticulous to compile information from various sources and plan and organize their clients' travel itineraries. Other desirable qualifications include good writing, computer, and sales skills.

References
California Occupational Guide #213

Related Occupations: Airline Reservation & Passenger Service Agents

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)