How to Become a Travel Agent in Washington

If you have ever planned or gone on a family vacation, you know that it takes a lot of work and time to get things just right.

Many people don’t want to go through all the headaches and stress of planning their trip, so they hire a travel agent to do all the planning for them.

What are the responsibilities of a travel agent?

What is required to become a travel agent in Washington?

What can you expect to earn as a travel agent in the state of Washington?

We will answer all of these questions and more below.

Keep reading to find out.

Travel Agent Duties in Washington

Travel agents in Washington have a range of duties to ensure smooth and enjoyable travel experiences for their clients.

They excel at researching and planning itineraries, flights, accommodations, and transportation options.

By understanding their client’s preferences, budgets, and needs, travel agents tailor personalized recommendations, offer expert advice, and make reservations accordingly.

They stay updated on changing travel regulations and destination information, providing crucial assistance with visa applications and advising on passport requirements.

Additionally, travel agents offer guidance on travel insurance options and help clients with rebooking or canceling travel plans if necessary.

Their goal is to simplify travel arrangements and deliver tailored experiences that meet their client’s expectations.

Licensing Requirements

In Washington, travel agents are required to meet specific licensing requirements to legally operate their businesses.

The Washington State Department of Licensing oversees this process.

To become a licensed travel agent, individuals must first complete a travel school program that meets certain criteria.

This program should cover topics such as sales and marketing techniques, customer service, and travel regulations.

After finishing the required education, applicants must pass a written exam administered by the department.

Additionally, travel agents are required to obtain a surety bond to protect their clients, which can range from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the type of service provided.

Overall, these licensing requirements ensure that travel agents in Washington are trained and knowledgeable about their industry.

Travel Agent Programs

The Travel Institute

The Travel Institute is an online-based option for those looking to become certified as a travel agent.

The program offered is called the Certified Travel Associate program.

The program is broken up into two types of modules: the professional skills modules and the practical skills modules.

Here are the modules and courses that are included in the certified travel associate program:

Professional skills modules

• Business Writing Skills
• Business Ethics
• Customer-focused Selling
• Customer Service
• Marketing and Promoting Your Business
• The Art of Listening and Communicating
• Understanding Customer Needs
• Time Management

Practical Skills Modules

• Accepting and Processing Payments
• Selling All-Inclusive Resorts
• Planning Itineraries
• Selling Special Interest Travel
• Selling Escorted Vacations
• Travel Insurance
• Touring the World

North Seattle College

North Seattle College offers a Travel Agent Training program.

This program costs approximately $2,245 and takes about six months to complete.

To take this program, students are required to purchase Travel Career Development and accompanying workbook; Exploring the World, and accompanying workbook.

The courses of this program include:

1. Introduction to the Travel Industry
2. Professional Skills
3. Basic/International Geography
4. Destination Geography
5. Introduction to International Travel
6. Introduction to Air Travel
7. Transportation
8. Career Development
9. Sales and Marketing for Travel

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Washington – Summary Table

Salary

If you plan to become a travel agent in Washington, you might be wondering what the average salary is.

In Washington, you can expect to make anywhere from $39,386 to $50,340 with the average falling at around $43,224.

This is a little higher than the national average which sits at around $40,287.

The average salary in the United States goes from $36,310 to $46,920.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Seattle	$40,506
Spokane	$36,137
Tacoma	$39,479
Vancouver	$38,147
Bellevue	$40,506
Everett	$39,779
Federal Way	$39,479
Kent	$39,400
Yakima	$37,041
Bellingham	$37,731

Regional Salary in Washington

* 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.

Below, we have included some of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a travel agent in Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a travel agent in the state of Washington?

It depends on the program you take and how long it takes you to successfully complete the required certification exams to get your license.

It could take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years.

What is the highest paying city for a travel agent in Washington?

We couldn’t find what city pays the highest, but most of the cities in Washington pay higher than the average national salary.

If you want a higher-paying salary as a travel agent, Washington is a good state to work in.

What happens if I don't get a license as a travel agent in Washington?

There are two licenses that Washington requires travel agents to have.

The first one is The Seller of Travel License.

Washington requires its travel agents to be bonded.

The second required license is the Travel Agent License.

All businesses are required to be licensed, and that includes travel agents.

Travel Agent Info by State