Are you a big fan of traveling and love learning about new places?
If the answer is yes, then you could easily become a travel agent in Michigan.
All you have to do is read the article below, and you will find out more info about licensing and training.
Then, you can start your new career in a flourishing industry.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Michigan
You may want to know which are the main responsibilities of a travel agent first.
Your duties will consist of:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
You have to be prepared to:
- Review visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
- Understanding the needs and desires of their clients
- Keeping accurate records
- Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
- Handling payments and deposits
- Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
- Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more
Some travel agents prefer to pick only one area of specialization.
You can choose from:
- Honeymoon
- Family-oriented
- Business
- Budget
- Cruise
- Luxury
Keep in mind that you will need knowledge about the locations you are recommending.
Requirements to be a Travel Agent in Michigan
You must also develop or improve a certain skill set.
The skills you will need to have include:
- Good communication skills
- Good management skills
- Ability to use various computer programs
- Good problem-solving skills
- Great marketing skills
- Ability to work full time
- Detail-oriented
- Being confident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Having a clean criminal record
- Being honest
- Having a high school diploma or GED
- Speaking a foreign language
You should be able to travel to the various destinations so you can learn more about them.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Michigan
In Michigan, there are no laws that state you will need a certification.
But, you may choose to get a license or finish higher education.
For instance, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree will bring better career opportunities.
This can be done after you finish a diploma program or get a tourism degree.
You can opt for a program in person or attend online classes.
Online classes are a good option for students who already have a job.
The schools that provide travel agent programs in Michigan are:
Top 18 Schools in Michigan
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Central Michigan University | 101 WARRINER HALL MOUNT PLEASANT, MI 48859 |
| Cleary University | 3750 CLEARY DRIVE HOWELL, MI 48843 |
| Concordia University | 4090 GEDDES RD ANN ARBOR, MI 48105 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 401 PIERCE HALL YPSILANTI, MI 48197 |
| Ferris State University | 1201 S STATE ST BIG RAPIDS, MI 49307 |
| Grand Valley State University | 1 CAMPUS DR ALLENDALE, MI 49401 |
| Henry Ford College | 5101 EVERGREEN RD DEARBORN, MI 48128 |
| Lake Michigan College | 2755 EAST NAPIER AVENUE BENTON HARBOR, MI 49022 |
| Lansing Community College | 610 N CAPITOL AVE LANSING, MI 48933 |
| Macomb Community College | 14500 E TWELVE MILE RD WARREN, MI 48088 |
| Madonna University | 36600 SCHOOLCRAFT RD LIVONIA, MI 48150 |
| Michigan State University | 220 TROWBRIDGE RD EAST LANSING, MI 48824 |
| North Central Michigan College | 1515 HOWARD ST PETOSKEY, MI 49770 |
| Northern Michigan University | 1401 PRESQUE ISLE AVENUE MARQUETTE, MI 49855 |
| Northwood University | 4000 WHITING DR MIDLAND, MI 48640 |
| Oakland Community College | 2480 OPDYKE RD BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48304 |
| Siena Heights University | 1247 E. SIENA HEIGHTS DR. ADRIAN, MI 49221 |
| Wayne County Community College | 801 W. FORT STREET DETROIT, MI 48226 |
Schools in Michigan will ask for proof of a high school diploma or a GED.
After you join a program, you will attend the following classes:
- Introduction to the travel industry
- Professional Skills
- Basic/International geography
- Destination geography
- Introduction to international travel
- Introduction to air travel
- Transportation
- Career development
- Sales and marketing for travel
Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Michigan
Travel agents get to travel much of their time and visit many places.
You can also make your own work schedule, and work either in an office or remotely.
You may want to start your own travel company, and in that case, you should know extra certifications are needed.
The annual salary for a travel agent in Michigan depends on a few factors.
You can make more money if you attended higher education.
Travel agents who work in a large region can also expect a higher salary.
One thing to know is that you will easily find a job as a travel agent in Michigan.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$34K | |
$38K | |
$45K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Michigan
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Detroit | $39,042 |
| Grand Rapids | $37,227 |
| Warren | $39,042 |
| Sterling Heights | $38,919 |
| Ann Arbor | $39,610 |
| Lansing | $37,157 |
| Clinton | $39,426 |
| Flint | $35,781 |
| Dearborn | $39,042 |
| Livonia | $38,919 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 690 | $50,680 | $24.37 | $65,250 | $36,560 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | 150 | $47,830 | $22.99 | $62,690 | $32,990 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | 60 | $46,610 | $22.41 | $59,070 | $31,370 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Michigan
You may be able to find a better job if you join the Michigan Travel Industry Association.
Once you get a travel agent certification, you will also need to get it renewed before it expires.
To do so, you may have to join some extra hours of education.
In order to know when the license is due to expire, contact your licensing agency.
