How to Become a Travel Agent in Missouri

If you love to travel and have a passion for planning and organizing, you should consider being a travel agent.

As a travel agent in Missouri, you’ll help people plan their trips.

You’ll make the process easier for them, give them a better trip experience, and make a great living at the same time. 

Travel Agent Duties in Missouri

As a Missouri travel agent, you’ll be working with clients to plan their trips.

It’s very important to understand your client’s needs and wishes.

A great travel agent is able to make their client’s trip better than they hoped for. 

Your duties may include booking flights, transportation, and hotel accommodations.

You may also plan itineraries, and recommend specific destinations. 

You may work with clients who are traveling to Missouri, or clients who are traveling from Missouri to other locations.

You’ll need to be prepared to handle any travel issues that may come up during travel. 

Specific duties for a travel agent in Missouri include:

• Making flight and hotel reservations
• Recommending specific attractions 
• Booking tours and dinner reservations
• Creating a schedule or itinerary
• Ensuring that passports and visas are in order when needed
• Providing advice or information about the destination

Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Missouri

Missouri doesn’t have any licensing requirements to become a travel agent.

You can work with clients who live in or are traveling to Missouri.

However, there are a few states that have licensing requirements to work with residents of their state.

These states are California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, and Washington.

If you are handling travel arrangements for residents of these states who want to come to Missouri, you’ll need to be licensed by the state. 

Although licensing isn’t required to be a Missouri travel agent, it’s still strongly recommended.

Licensing shows that you have the training and skills necessary to do your job well, which can help you land clients. 

The lack of regulation means that scams are very common in the industry.

Many people will claim to be a travel agent, and then steal someone’s personal information or money.

Becoming licensed shows you are a legitimate travel agent who is committed to your work. 

Travel Agent Programs in Missouri

While you don’t have to attend a travel agent training program in Missouri, you should consider doing so.

You’ll learn the skills you need to be a travel agent.

Training also gives you a credential that can set you apart from the competition. 

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers an online travel agent course.

You’ll have six months to complete the self-paced course, but you can complete it sooner. 

Once you’ve completed the course, you can take the Travel Agent Proficiency, or TAP, test.

This gives you a basic certification as a travel agent. 

The cost of the course is $2,245 and includes the cost of the TAP test. 

You’ll learn about popular domestic and international travel destinations.

You’ll study the travel industry, including airlines, cruises, hotels, tours, and more.

You’ll also learn about the customer service skills you need to be successful, and how to market yourself as a travel agent. 

The Travel Institute

The Travel Institute offers online courses in becoming a travel agent.

The entry-level program is TRIPKIT.

You’ll learn about the travel industry, how to sell travel, and how to ensure customers are satisfied.

You’ll also learn about popular destinations in the U.S. and around the world. 

Once you’ve completed the self-paced program, you can take the TAP exam to show what you’ve learned and get your certification. 

 Once you have passed the TAP test, you can get advanced training and certification. 

The Certified Travel Associate certification is considered the gold standard for the profession, regardless of whether you are just beginning or you’ve been in the industry for years.

This program can be completed in one year or less.

You’ll need one year of experience in the travel industry, or a score of 80% or better to qualify for the course. 

To be certified, you’ll need to pass the CTA exam, and have 10 continuing education requirements each year to maintain your certification. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Missouri – Summary Table

Salary

Travel agents in Missouri make an average of $39,000 a year.

Salaries in the state range from $36,000 to $46,000 a year.

How much you earn will depend on your skill, whether you choose to specialize in a particular type of travel, your education, and your experience. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Kansas City	$36,002
St. Louis	$36,145
Springfield	$34,317
Independence	$35,963
Columbia	$35,729
St. Joseph	$35,654
Lee's Summit	$35,865
St. Charles	$35,949
St. Peters	$35,871
Florissant	$36,086

Regional Salary in Missouri

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC Code 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travel agents in demand in Missouri?

Yes.

The demand for travel agents is expected to grow by 20% over the next 10 years, which is much faster than average for all industries.

How do I get started as a travel agent in Missouri?

School or certification isn’t required to be a travel agent in Missouri, but it is recommended.

If you have experience in a similar industry, like wedding or event planning, this can help you get started as well.

What skills do you need to be a travel agent in Missouri?

You’ll need strong customer service and communication skills to be a Missouri travel agent.

Strong marketing skills, being detail oriented, and a passion for travel are helpful as well.

Travel Agent Info by State