The tourism industry in Wisconsin is going strong.
If you want to be a part of it by becoming a travel agent, check out the article below.
Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Wisconsin
If you are a travel agent, you will help clients choose the right destination for their needs.
This means that you will suggest places that might be suitable for them.
You will also have to visit those destinations in order to make the best suggestions.
You will also assist with tasks such as:
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
Your main job responsibilities will also 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
If you want to choose a specialization, you have the following options:
- Honeymoon
- Have some more family time together
- For business
- Go on a cruise
- Luxury
- Budget
- Relaxation
Travel Agent Job Requirements in Wisconsin
Some of the skills you will need to develop 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
There are no particular licensing requirements you need to fulfill to become a travel agent in Wisconsin.
But, if you get the certification you can get better career opportunities because employers prefer it.
Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Wisconsin
If you choose to get licensed, you first have to attend a training program.
Wisconsin has several schools where you can complete training.
If you are willing to spend longer in school, you can opt for a bachelor’s degree that will take about 2 to 3 years.
Some schools also offer the option of studying online, especially if you have a second job.
In Wisconsin, you can join one of the following schools:
Top 15 Schools in Wisconsin
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Bryant and Stratton College | 10950 W POTTER ROAD WAUWATOSA, WI 53226 |
Cardinal Stritch University | 6801 N YATES RD MILWAUKEE, WI 53217 |
Concordia University | 12800 N LAKE SHORE DR MEQUON, WI 53097 |
Fox Valley Technical College | 1825 N BLUEMOUND DR APPLETON, WI 54912 |
Gateway Technical College | 3520 30TH AVE KENOSHA, WI 53144 |
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College | 13466 W TREPANIA RD HAYWARD, WI 54843 |
Lakeland University | W3718 SOUTH DRIVE PLYMOUTH, WI 53073 |
Lakeshore Technical College | 1290 NORTH AVENUE CLEVELAND, WI 53015 |
Madison Area Technical College | 1701 WRIGHT STREET MADISON, WI 53704 |
Mid-State Technical College | 500 32ND ST N WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI 54494 |
Milwaukee Area Technical College | 700 W STATE ST MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 |
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 2740 W MASON ST GREEN BAY, WI 54307 |
University of Wisconsin | 712 S BROADWAY ST MENOMONIE, WI 54751 |
Waukesha County Technical College | 800 MAIN STREET PEWAUKEE, WI 53072 |
Western Technical College | 400 SEVENTH ST. NORTH LA CROSSE, WI 54601 |
Keep in mind that you will need a high school diploma or a GED at the minimum.
Depending on the school, there might be additional criteria you will need to fulfill in order to enroll.
The subjects you will take in class include:
- 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 Wisconsin
After receiving your license, you are probably looking to get your first travel agent job.
You should know that it is easier to find work if you have certification.
You can decide whether you want to work independently or get hired by a company.
If you are looking to work independently, keep in mind you should pursue extra certifications.
Working in an office will provide you with job stability and the possibility to travel often.
In Wisconsin, the travel industry keeps increasing over the past few years.
So, you will have no issues in finding your first job.
If you have a bachelor’s degree or certification, you can earn a better salary.
You will also be paid better if you work in a big city or for a well-known company.
Item | Percent |
---|---|
$34K | |
$37K | |
$44K |
Average Salary of Travel Agents in Wisconsin
City Name | Salary |
---|---|
Milwaukee | $37,990 |
Madison | $37,612 |
Green Bay | $36,824 |
Kenosha | $37,710 |
Racine | $37,710 |
Appleton | $36,831 |
Waukesha | $37,847 |
Eau Claire | $35,789 |
Oshkosh | $36,593 |
Janesville | $37,459 |
Regional Salary
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Madison, WI | 70 | $49,120 | $23.62 | $69,330 | $21,890 |
Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 230 | $45,900 | $22.07 | $58,890 | $24,960 |
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 50 | $46,240 | $22.23 | $59,110 | $38,400 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information for Travel Agents in Wisconsin
Your new travel agent certification will allow you to work for some time.
After some time, the license will expire, so you need to get it renewed before that.
You might be required to attend some additional class hours in order to renew it.
If you want to keep in touch with any changes in the industry, reach out to the entity that certified you.
I found the step-by-step breakdown incredibly helpful. It’s great to see such a comprehensive overview that covers everything from the necessary qualifications and certifications to practical advice on finding the right training programs. The inclusion of tips on networking and building a client base is particularly useful for those new to the industry.
This post on becoming a travel agent in Wisconsin is exactly what I needed! The thorough explanation of the certification process and the various training options available in the state is incredibly helpful. I appreciate the emphasis on the importance of continuing education and staying updated with industry trends.