How to Become a Travel Agent in Washington

Updated On November 13, 2023
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Being a travel agent in Washington is a relatively easy job.

If you’re considering changing careers or simply are searching for one without many demands, this could be it!

Read on!

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Washington

Generally, travel agents present various travel destinations to their clients, along with various packages they could benefit from.

Usually, these packages include:

  • Transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Entertainment

These offers should be tailored to the needs and budget of the client.

You’ll need to find out why are they traveling.

Their travel reason could be:

  • Honeymoon
  • Have some more family time together
  • For business
  • Go on a cruise
  • Luxury
  • Budget
  • Relaxation

To ensure your clients will have a good time at their destination, you’ll have to complete additional tasks.

These include:

  • Reviewing visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
  • 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

Travel Agent Job Requirements in Washington

You can’t really be a travel agent without some abilities.

The most important of them are:

  • Good communication skills
  • Good management skills
  • Able to use various computer programs
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Great marketing skills
  • Able to work full-time
  • Detail-oriented
  • Being confident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Having a clean criminal record
  • Being honest
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Speaking a foreign language
  • Liking and having the ability to travel

You’re not really required to have an education or a diploma in the field, but these will definitely help you get hired faster.

Additionally, having some experience working in a travel agency will also be an advantage.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Washington

The best education that travel agents can receive is in tourism or other hospitality-related fields.

They usually aim to obtain a Bachelor’s degree that has a duration of 4 years.

Below, you can see the 13 Washington colleges and universities that offer such a degree.

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Top 13 Schools in Washington

School NameAddress
Central Washington University400 EAST UNIVERSITY WAY ELLENSBURG, WA 98926
Edmonds Community College20000 68TH AVE W LYNNWOOD, WA 98036
Highline Community College2400 S 240TH ST DES MOINES, WA 98198
Northwest Indian College2522 KWINA RD BELLINGHAM, WA 98226
Olympic College1600 CHESTER AVE BREMERTON, WA 98337
Peninsula College1502 E LAURIDSEN BLVD PORT ANGELES, WA 98362
Shoreline Community College16101 GREENWOOD AVE N SHORELINE, WA 98133
Skagit Valley College2405 E. COLLEGE WAY MOUNT VERNON, WA 98273
South Seattle College6000 16TH AVE SW SEATTLE, WA 98106
Spokane Community College1810 NORTH GREENE STREET SPOKANE, WA 99217
Washington State UniversityPO Box 645910 Pullman, WA 99164-5910
Wenatchee Valley College1300 FIFTH ST WENATCHEE, WA 98801
Whatcom Community College237 W KELLOGG RD BELLINGHAM, WA 98226

If these programs are not enough, you can look at other schools as well, and even at programs taught online.

Here are the main topics you can expect to study:

  • 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 Washington

The demand for travel agents is on the rise again, after things started going back to normal after 2020.

You can get employed by a travel agency or you can start one of your own.

When working for another, you’ll have to follow the regulations they set in place, whereas if you work on your own, you set up your own rules.

Both types of employment will demand you to travel quite a bit and this can only be good for your career.

If you want to know how much you’ll earn as a travel agent, look no further than the table below.

Annual Salary Range:
ItemPercent
$37K
$41K
$48K

Average Salary of Travel Agents in Washington

City NameSalary
Seattle$41,971
Spokane$37,004
Tacoma$40,705
Vancouver$39,749
Bellevue$41,971
Kent$40,623
Everett$41,073
Renton$41,930
Federal Way$40,705
Yakima$37,993

Regional Salary

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA4,550$57,630$27.71$68,150$42,020
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA30$45,520$21.89$61,060$37,410
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

The actual numbers may differ based on experience as well as other factors.

Additional Information for Travel Agents in Washington

If you want to start a business, you’ll need extra permits.

These usually need to be updated from time to time and usually involve passing an exam and paying some fees.

To have more credibility, you can also register with some tourism-related associations.

Doing so requires paying an annual membership fee as well.

Travel Agent State-specific Information:

5 Comments on Washington

  1. A
    Andrea Feider says:

    Obtaining relevant certifications, such as CTA or CTC, can enhance your credibility and competitiveness as a travel agent.

  2. M
    Margie Becker says:

    Building strong customer service and communication skills is essential, as you’ll be helping clients plan their dream vacations and addressing their inquiries and concerns.

  3. S
    Sean McBride says:

    Familiarize yourself with popular travel destinations and trends, as well as the ins and outs of travel booking systems and platforms.

  4. K
    Katelyn Price says:

    Thank you for the insightful guide! Becoming a travel agent in Washington seems like a fantastic way to combine my passion for travel with a fulfilling career.

  5. J
    James Gomez says:

    Wow, I had no idea there were specific regulations and certifications needed to become a travel agent in Washington.

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