Do travel agents make money anymore?

Those who are employed by major travel agencies generally earn a steady salary, providing a certain level of financial security. These agencies often incentivize their employees through additional remuneration models such as commissions, which are based on the volume of business each travel agent is able to generate.



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Employment of travel agents is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for travel agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

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A significant reduction in the number of travel agents. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, full-time agents declined from a peak of 124,000 in 2000 to 82,000 in 2019. From 1997 to 2013, retail travel agency headcount fell by 59 percent—from 22,938 to 9,387, said Skift, a travel media and events company.

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Approach it as a side hustle with the potential for growth. Being a travel agent can be a great way to make extra cash, especially if you already have other businesses or entrepreneurial ventures. If you're a serial entrepreneur, juggling multiple ventures might come naturally to you.

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  • Low average salaries. One of the biggest drawbacks of the field is the pay travel agents receive. ...
  • It can be a demanding job. Travel agents with clients traveling worldwide often have to be on call pretty much 24/7 due to the vast time differences. ...
  • Online booking/job security.


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People still choose a travel agent to help them book their travel experience, whether it is for business or pleasure. A travel agent helps travelers navigate any issues that may arise. They can even help save travelers money because they know what kinds of discounts and packages are out there.

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A 2023 consumer research survey from ASTA (the American Society of Travel Advisors) found that 50% of travelers are more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic. (This is a 7-point increase from 2022.) Here are the crib notes: There's no better time to become a travel agent.

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But cost isn't the only barrier. The perception of “one-size-fits-all travel” is another barrier to travel consumers choosing to use travel agents. In fact, the study found that nearly one-third of travellers list 'the inability to customise their trips the way they want' as a top concern with using travel consultants.

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With the growing demand for travel, this year is an excellent time to consider a career as a travel agent. In 2023, the earnings of a home-based travel agent in the United States can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, market demand, and the amount of sales made.

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Today, despite multiple threats to their business model, travel advisors appear to be here to stay. Many expect a surge of 2022 bookings, with clients ready to travel again after a year and a half of pandemic lethargy.

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The short answer is, yes. 22% of U.S. travelers used a travel advisor 1. This percentage will grow, with 50% of travelers reporting they're more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic (a 14% increase from 2022!) 2.

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It depends on what you're looking for in a career. If you love to travel and have an eye for detail, then becoming a travel agent could be the perfect job for you. You'll get to help people plan their dream vacations while also getting to explore different cultures and destinations yourself.

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Getting to a Million: Top Travel Agents Share Tips for Six-Figure Sales
  1. Set goals. ...
  2. Education is key. ...
  3. Be in it to win it. ...
  4. Find a mentor. ...
  5. Choose your clients rather than vice versa. ...
  6. Mingle where the high rollers go. ...
  7. Consider working for someone else first, so you can start a business with a book of travel in hand.


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How do travel agents get paid? Commissions – you are paid a percentage of the cost. Service fees – you charge a fee for arranging each segment of travel. Salaries – you work for a large travel company.

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Travel agent demographics research summary. There are over 29,992 travel agents currently employed in the United States. 78.1% of all travel agents are women, while 21.9% are men. The average travel agent age is 50 years old.

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Generally have a set schedule each week. May work full time or part time, but most work 40 hours a week. May work more than 40 hours a week if self-employed. May work evenings and weekends, when people have time to plan vacations.

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TRAVEL AGENTS are still in business because people need the convenience and expertise that only a travel agent can offer. Travel agents can help plan every aspect of a trip, from the budget to the destination. They can also provide valuable advice about where to go and what to see.

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Travel agents save clients money, but the benefits of booking with a travel agent go way beyond. Travel agents also create high-value travel over OTAs because (the living, breathing, talented humans that they are) are able to advocate for clients when things go awry.

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If you're a millennial or Gen Zer, you may be surprised by the retro hack some fellow travelers use to book seamless trips: a travel agent. Will Pay for Wanderlust! Millennials and Gen Zers are more likely to use travel agents/advisers than Boomers, according to a December 2022 Flywire survey of luxury travelers.

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The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you'll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel. This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

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But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.

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