Travel Agents in Washington
Considering working as a Travel Agents in Washington? Here’s what you need to know. 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.
What do Travel Agents Make in Washington?
For travel agents working in Washington, the median annual wage is $62,620 per year (or about $30.10/hour).Earnings range from $40,620 at the 10th percentile to $70,710 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,620 | $19.53 |
| 25th percentile | $48,450 | $23.29 |
| Median (50th) | $62,620 | $30.10 |
| 75th percentile | $70,710 | $33.99 |
| 90th percentile | $70,710 | $33.99 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Washington nationwide is 2.97, indicating that travel agents are more concentrated here than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, travel agents earn a median of $65,314 per year ($31.40/hour), lower than the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 960,217 travel agents nationwide. In Washington alone, around 4,030 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 520 travel agents.
Top Washington Metros for Travel Agents
The largest metro-area employers of travel agents in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 3,690 | $66,190 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 50 | $46,580 |
Top States for Travel Agents Employment
View the states that employ the most travel agents work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,770 |
| New Jersey | 1,470 |
| Colorado | 1,290 |
| North Carolina | 1,290 |
| Michigan | 1,070 |
| Virginia | 1,060 |
| Ohio | 1,030 |
| Wisconsin | 870 |
| Minnesota | 780 |
| Indiana | 770 |
Highest-Paying States for Travel Agents
These states pay the most for travel agents.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $63,770 |
| Washington | $62,620 |
| Wyoming | $61,500 |
| Connecticut | $61,180 |
| Nevada | $60,630 |
| New Jersey | $59,640 |
| Alaska | $57,490 |
| Colorado | $56,370 |
| Massachusetts | $54,200 |
| Montana | $53,540 |
Skills
Top travel agents skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for travel agents, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Processing Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Performing Administrative Activities
- Selling or Influencing Others
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Access In-demand technologies: Amadeus CRS
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- General Sales & Marketing
- Specialized Sales
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to travel agents include:
- Customs Brokers
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
- Concierges
- Tour Guides and Escorts
- Travel Guides
- Counter and Rental Clerks
Also Known As
Auto Travel Counselor, Beach Expert, Booking Agent, Business Travel Consultant, Certified Travel Counselor, Corporate Travel Agent, Corporate Travel Consultant, Corporate Travel Counselor, Corporate Travel Expert, Destination Specialist, Entertainment Travel Consultant, International Travel Consultant, Leisure Travel Agent, Tour Agent, Tour Coordinator.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 41-3041.00