Travel agents' earnings vary widely depending on factors such as employment status (employed vs. self-employed), experience, type of agency, and commission structure.
Average Salaries and Income
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for employed travel agents was about $47,410 in May 2023, with an average salary around $50,040 in 2024 for full-time employees
- Self-employed travel agents generally earn more, with full-time hosted advisors averaging $67,256 annually and independently accredited self-employed agents earning about $78,940 in 2024
- Entry-level agents or those new to the industry may earn less, with some reports citing first-year earnings around $30,000, which can be significantly higher than the industry average of about $2,662 for new agents at some agencies
Commission and Fees
- Travel agents typically earn commissions ranging from about 10-12%, sometimes up to 15%, on bookings. The average commission is roughly 10% of the booking value
- The average sale per booking in 2024 was about $4,401, meaning agents might earn around $440 per booking on average
- Many travel agents also charge planning or service fees, often around $250 per week of travel planned, which supplements commission income
Factors Affecting Income
- Experience: More experienced agents, especially independently accredited ones, tend to earn more.
- Employment type: Self-employed agents, particularly those independently accredited, typically make more than employed agents or those hosted under another agency.
- Workload: Full-time agents earn more than part-time agents.
- Booking volume and type of travel sold also influence earnings.
Potential for High Earnings
- Top-performing travel agents can earn six-figure incomes annually, especially those who book frequently and work with high-value clients
In summary, travel agents can expect to make anywhere from around $30,000 in early years to $70,000 or more with experience and self-employment, with top earners exceeding six figures. Commission rates averaging about 10% per booking and additional planning fees contribute to overall income
