Average Salary for a Travel Agent in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Travel Agent will play a big role in career choices.
Travel agents help people plan trips and book flights, hotels, and fun activities. They work with families, business people, and groups who want to travel. These jobs are changing because more people book trips online now. But many travelers still want help from real people who know about places and can fix problems.
Knowing how much you can earn as a travel agent is very important in 2025.
The job market is different now than it was before. Some travel agents work from home, while others work in offices or stores. The pay can be very different based on where you work and how much you know.
This blog will help you understand travel agent salaries in America. We will answer questions like: How much do travel agents make? Which states pay the most? How can you earn more money? What skills help you get better pay? These answers will help you make smart choices about your career.
Average Salary for a Travel Agent in the USA?
$50,800 per year (Average)
Based on several global salary surveys and government statistics, the average travel agent salary in the USA ranges from $40,900 to $62,551 per year.
We calculated this average by looking at data from major job sites, salary surveys, and government reports. Glassdoor reports $62,551 per year based on 1,780 salary submissions, while other sources show $40,900 gross per year.
Many U.S. data sources show that the salary typically falls between $52,870 and $68,975. The salary for a travel agent has stayed about the same as last year. This is because more people are traveling again after COVID-19, but online booking is still popular.
Salary for a Travel Agent Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $50,800 per year, according to multiple salary surveys and industry reports. This number comes from looking at many different sources and finding the middle point.
Salary range: The pay range goes from $48,822 (25th percentile) to $80,779 (75th percentile) annually. According to several global salary surveys, hourly wages range from $11.78 to $33.89 per hour. The lowest-paid travel agents make about $26,000 per year, while the highest-paid can make over $80,000.
Salary by experience: According to government statistics and salary surveys,
- Entry-level travel agents with 0-4 years earn about $32,000.
- Mid-career agents with 4-9 years make $36,100.
- Experienced agents with 10-20 years earn around $51,260.
- Travel agents with more than 20 years of experience earn $58,870 per year on average.
75th percentile: Many U.S. sources report that travel agents in the 75th percentile earn $80,779 per year. This means 75% of travel agents make less than this amount, and 25% make more.
Salary for a Travel Agent: Regional Comparison
Pay for travel agents changes a lot based on where you work. Big cities usually pay more because living costs are higher. Tourist areas might pay more during busy seasons. States with lots of business travel often have better salaries. Washington is the highest-paying state for travel agent jobs, while Florida is the lowest-paying state.
Here's how salaries compare in major U.S. areas:
Data collected from multiple USA salary survey reports and government statistics
According to U.S. salary data, California travel agents earn around $63,810 annually with hourly rates of $31. The data comes from government job statistics and major salary tracking websites.
Washington and California offer the best value when you look at salary compared to job opportunities. These states have many travel agencies and business travelers who need help.
6 Tips to Grow Your Travel Agent Salary
1. Get Travel Industry Certifications: Travel agents with certifications earn 10-15% more than those without them. According to many international salary surveys, certified agents have better job security and higher pay. Popular certifications include Certified Travel Associate (CTA) and Certified Travel Counselor (CTC).
2. Learn Special Travel Types: Focus on luxury travel, business trips, or destination weddings. Many USA data sources show that specialized travel agents earn 12-20% more than general agents. Cruise specialists and international travel experts often have higher salaries.
3. Build Strong Customer Relationships: Travel agents who keep clients coming back earn more money through repeat business and tips. Agents with loyal customers earn more consistently and receive better reviews, according to government stats.
4. Master Technology Tools: Learn how to use booking systems, travel apps, and customer management software. Tech-savvy agents earn 8-15% more, according to global salary surveys. They work faster and serve more customers.
5. Work for Corporate Travel Companies: Business travel agents often earn more than vacation travel agents. Many U.S. sources say corporate travel specialists earn between $55,000 and $75,000 a year. Business travelers need fast service and often have larger budgets.
6. Develop Language Skills: Travel agents who speak multiple languages can help more customers. Bilingual agents earn 5-10% more, according to international salary surveys. This is especially true in cities with diverse populations or many international travelers.
FAQs About a Travel Agent's Salary
Is the average salary for a travel agent before or after taxes?
The salary numbers we shared are gross annual salaries before taxes. You will need to pay federal taxes, state taxes, and other deductions. Your take-home pay will be less than the gross salary.
Does the salary for a travel agent include bonuses?
No, the base salary numbers do not include bonuses. Many travel agents get extra money from commission on bookings, performance bonuses, or holiday pay. These can add 10-30% more to your total yearly income.
How much do entry-level travel agents make per hour?
According to recent job data, entry-level travel agents make about $20.64 per hour on average. New agents might start at $16-17 per hour and earn more as they gain experience and build customer relationships.
What factors affect a travel agent's salary the most?
Location, experience level, and type of travel agency affect pay the most. Agents in big cities, those with 5+ years of experience, and corporate travel specialists typically earn the highest salaries.
Do travel agents get paid vacation time?
Yes, most full-time travel agents get paid vacation days. Government statistics show that travel industry workers typically get 10-15 paid vacation days per year, plus sick days and holidays.
Can travel agents work from home and still earn good money?
Yes, many travel agents work from home now. Virtual travel agents can earn the same as office-based agents. Remote travel agents earn about $20.64 per hour according to job market data.
How does a travel agent's pay compare to other sales jobs?
Travel agent salaries are similar to other customer service and sales roles. The median pay is close to retail sales supervisors and customer service representatives, but lower than real estate agents or car salespeople.
Do travel agents earn more during busy travel seasons?
Yes, many travel agents earn more during peak travel times like summer and winter holidays. Agents who work on commission can double their income during busy months compared to slow periods.
What education do you need to become a high-paid travel agent?
You don't need a college degree, but it helps. Many high-earning travel agents have certificates in travel, business, or hospitality. Training programs and industry certifications matter more than formal education.
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