How to Become a Travel Agent in Oregon

Do you love to travel?

Are you highly organized?

If the answer is yes, you should consider becoming a travel agent in Oregon.

Becoming a travel agent is relatively easy, but it is helpful to have the necessary knowledge and skills. 

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent in Oregon. 

Travel Agent Duties in Oregon

As a travel agent in Oregon, you’ll help clients plan and book their trips.

You may choose to specialize in a certain type of travel, like honeymoons, vacations, or business travel. 

It’s important to focus on your clients as a travel agent.

Your goal is to make their trip the best it can be, and eliminate the stress of planning the trip for them.

You can also choose to work with clients who are planning to travel to Minnesota, or residents of Minnesota who are planning to travel to other locations. 

You can be an independent travel agent, which allows you to have complete control of your business.

You can also work with an agency, which will give you access to industries and resources you may have a hard time accessing on your own. 

As a travel agent in Oregon, you’ll help your clients plan their trips and itineraries.

You may give them advice about specific destinations.

You’ll also book flights, transportation, hotels, and even tours for your clients.

You’ll also need to be prepared to deal with any issues that come up before or during the client’s travel. 

Specific duties for a travel agent in Oregon may include:

• Making reservations for flights and hotels  
• Recommending specific destinations and attractions 
• Booking tours and dinner reservations
• Creating a schedule or itinerary
• Making sure that any needed passports or visas are in order
• Providing advice or information about the destination

Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Oregon

There are no specific requirements to become a travel agent in Oregon.

However, being certified is still helpful for beginning your career. 

The beginning certification for a travel agent is the Travel Associate Proficiency certification, or TAP.

You’ll need to complete a training program or have some experience in the industry to pass this test. 

There are five states that do have licensing requirements.

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

If you plan to work with clients in these states, you’ll need to be licensed in the state. 

Travel Agent Programs in Oregon

Chemeketa Community College

Chemeketa Community College offers a Tourism and Travel Management certificate.

This program will prepare you to work as a travel agent, tour operations, and airline travel. 

The program is 10 months long, and you’ll earn 36 credit hours.

You can choose to continue your education to get your Hospitality and Tourism Management associate’s degree to advance your career. 

Courses in this program include Special Event Planning, Computer Reservation Systems, Tourism and Travel Industry, and Selling in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

The program costs $5,000 for in-state and border-state students. 

Portland Community College

Portland Community College offers a Travel Agent Training program.

This program requires 100 course hours, and is self-paced.

You have 6 months to complete the course, but many students complete the program sooner. 

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

Training includes the travel industry, including airlines, ground transportation, and hotel accommodation.

You’ll also learn about popular tourist destinations and the customer service skills you’ll need to be successful.

You’ll learn how to market yourself as a travel agent as well. 

The program is completely online, so you can learn from the comfort of your own home.

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

This gives you the credential you’ll need to be successful in the travel industry. 

The cost of the program is $2,245. This includes the cost of the TAP exam. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Oregon – Summary Table

Oregon Travel Agent Salary

The average salary for Oregon travel agents is $40,504.

Salaries range from $36,908 to $47,103.

How much you earn as a travel agent will depend on your experience, education, skills, and whether you specialize in a particular type of travel. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Portland	$38,245
Eugene	$36,130
Salem	$36,258
Gresham	$38,196
Beaverton	$38,245
Hillsboro	$38,123
Medford	$35,800
Springfield	$36,050
Bend	$35,723
Corvallis	$35,833

Regional Salary in Oregon

* 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 Oregon?

Yes.

Oregon is a popular tourist destination, with more than 350 state parks, a stunning coastline, and cultural attractions.

The demand for travel agents is expected to grow by 20% in the next decade, so you will have great job security.

How can I get started as a travel agent in Oregon?

The best way to get started as a travel agent in Oregon is to complete a training program.

If you have experience in a related field, including event or wedding planning or marketing, this can also help you begin your career.

What skills do I need to be a travel agent in Oregon?

To be a travel agent in Oregon, you’ll need to be passionate about travel.

You’ll also need a strong attention to detail and good organization skills.

Lastly, you’ll need to be skilled at customer service and marketing.

Travel Agent Info by State