How to Become a Travel Agent in Ohio

To become a travel agent in Ohio, you must follow a few guidelines.

While there are no licensing requirements, travel agents must have a wealth of knowledge and tools.

Fully prepare for your role as a professional travel agent with these simple steps.

We have compiled a list of schools, programs, duties, and salary caps for you to consider as a future OH travel agent.

Travel Agent Duties in Ohio

As you prepare for a career as a travel agent in Ohio, here is a general idea of what you can expect day in and day out.

Your job duties will cover planning travel arrangements and itineraries.

In addition, you will have access to the best rates and deals for exciting travel adventures and programs, such as a specialty cruise or holiday train ride.

Ultimately, as a travel agent in Ohio, you aim to ensure everything goes smoothly while your clients are traveling.

This can include working with unique requests and the personal needs of clients.

Travel can be a demanding adventure for even the most robust adventurer, especially if you are planning group travel or trips due to funerals.

After all, travel does not always mean vacation, and your job may not always be a vacation–but you can do the best of your abilities by preparing.

You will also be responsible for managing certain activities required for travel, such as:

• Organizing personal identification, insurance, and passports for travelers
• Identifying the lowest price point for trips according to the client’s budget
• Booking hotels, airfare, and car rentals
• Planning activities, meals, and special events for clients

Your duties as an OH travel agent will also cover travel safety and US Customs regulations.

Understanding how to protect your clients while traveling will protect your job as a travel agent.

In addition, you need a solid understanding of geography, urban development, and sociology as you work with different cultural expectations of travelers.

Licensing Requirements to Become an OH Travel Agent

You have no licensing requirements if you want to get a job as a travel agent in Ohio.

There are no licensing programs by the state that monitor or track travel agents.

You also do not need a certification or take any special course to become a travel agent.

If you want to get a license as a travel agent in OH, consider a business license.

This is essential if you plan to work for yourself or run a state travel agency.

A business license protects your investments and that of the client.

Travel Agent Program

Ohio University

At Ohio University, travel agents can expand their skills with travel training.

The school currently offers three courses–booking individual travel and booking group travel, as well as travel policy and procedures.

However, you do have to be a student or staff of the school to access the program.

This is not a community-at-large online training and requires you to be able to already log in to the portal with a school email.

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Ohio – Summary Table

Salary

As a travel agent in Ohio, you can earn on target with the national average.

In the US, a travel agent earns approximately $40,000 a year.

For travel agents who live in Mansfield, OH, the salary range is $35,299 to $45,115 annually. 

In Lakewood, OH, for comparison, the annual salary for a travel agent is $39,769.

This means Ohio travel agents make less than travel agents in other states. 

Therefore, you may want to work with other states and regions to build the business and increase profits.

Nearby Pennsylvania and New York are high-cost-of-living states with increased costs for travelers.

By working with those New England states, you can increase your profits.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Columbus	$36,045
Cleveland	$36,238
Cincinnati	$35,899
Toledo	$35,473
Akron	$35,245
Dayton	$35,612
Newark	$35,824
Youngstown	$34,574
Canton	$34,524
Lorain	$35,855

Regional Salary in Ohio

* 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

Do I Need a Travel Agent Certification or License in Ohio?

No, in Ohio, you are not required to have a travel agent certification.

In addition, you do not have to get a license to sell travel products.

You can begin working with clients by selling travel itineraries and planning trips.

Is Ohio Hiring Travel Agents to Plan Trips and Sell Travel Products?

You can work in Ohio as a travel agent and be self-employed.

However, the state most likely hires travel agents to help plan cultural experiences and trips abroad for state employees.

That being said, if you want to work as a travel agent in Ohio, you will be working for yourself or at a privately owned travel agency.

Should I Travel to Ohio to Get a Good Idea of What the Job is for a New Travel Agent?

Yes!

Traveling in Ohio is an important asset for someone working as a travel agent in the state.

You need to get out there and see what there is to visit, explore, and go sightseeing.

This will ensure you have the most up-to-date information for your clients when you plan their trips.

While not everyone plans trips in-state to Ohio, you can increase your potential by organizing local itineraries for OH travel.

Travel Agent Info by State