Are you passionate about travel and interested in turning your wanderlust into a rewarding career?
If you’re in Wisconsin, becoming a travel agent might be the perfect choice for you.
In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to becoming a travel agent in Wisconsin, from acquiring the necessary qualifications to finding job opportunities in the state’s booming travel industry.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or simply looking for a flexible job that allows you to explore the world, this blog will provide you with all the information you need to kickstart your journey as a travel agent in Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Wisconsin
A travel agent in Wisconsin has various duties that are essential to their role.
They are responsible for assisting clients in selecting and booking travel arrangements, such as flights, accommodations, and transportation.
Travel agents must have extensive knowledge of different destinations, travel regulations, and visa requirements.
Additionally, travel agents in Wisconsin provide personalized recommendations and itineraries tailored to the client’s preferences and budget.
They also handle any changes or cancellations to travel plans and ensure that clients receive any necessary travel documents.
Moreover, travel agents in Wisconsin may organize group tours or special events, and may also offer travel insurance options to clients.
Licensing Requirements
In Wisconsin, it is not required to obtain a license to become a travel agent.
Unlike some other states, the state of Wisconsin does not have specific licensing requirements for individuals working as travel agents.
This means that anyone can technically become a travel agent in Wisconsin without needing to fulfill any specific licensing requirements or undergo any formal training.
However, it is important to note that although a license is not required, it is still advisable for individuals to gain knowledge and expertise in the travel industry through education or certification programs.
This will help them provide better services to their clients and succeed in their travel agent career.
Travel Agent Programs
Here are some of the programs available for those looking into becoming a travel agent in the state of Wisconsin.
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
This program takes 100 course hours and can be completed in approximately six months.
The tuition for the Travel Agent Training program is $2,245.
After completing the travel agent training course at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, you will be eligible to sit for the Travel Agent Proficiency exam.
There are a total of nine courses or subject areas in this program. Students are expected to learn the following:
- All about the travel industry, including transportation, hotels, resorts, cruises, specialty travel, tours, and much more.
- International and domestic travel destinations
- How to market yourself
- Customer service skills
Wisconsin Technical College
Wisconsin Technical College offers a hospitality specialist program that can be helpful for travel agents.
This program is a 30-credit program that takes approximately one year to complete.
Tuition is right around $4,386. In the hospitality specialist program, students will gain the following:
- How to prepare for many types of jobs in the hospitality business, including event planner, front desk supervisor, diving room manager, reservations manager, and guest services coordinator.
- Be prepared to earn the ServSafe Food Production Manager certification.
- Travel opportunities to increase knowledge and experiences in the hospitality field.
- Learn skills required in many jobs in the field such as budgeting, supervision, purchasing skills, and marketing.
Travel Agent Representative Schools in Wisconsin – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| University of Wisconsin Whitewater | 800 W Main St, Whitewater, WI 53190, United States |
| Wisconsin Technical College |
Salary
Across the United States, the average salary for a travel agent ranges from $36,710 to $46,920 with the average sitting at around $40,287.
Depending on what state you live in the United States, the average can be lower or higher than the national average.
The average salary for a travel agent in Wisconsin is roughly similar, only a few hundred dollars off from the national average.
The average salary in Wisconsin ranges from $36,159 to $46,216 with the average salary settling at $39,682.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $36,332 |
| Madison | $35,970 |
| Green Bay | $35,216 |
| Kenosha | $36,064 |
| Racine | $36,064 |
| Appleton | $35,223 |
| Waukesha | $36,195 |
| Oshkosh | $34,996 |
| Eau Claire | $35,144 |
| La Crosse | $34,111 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| 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.
Here are some frequently asked questions about becoming a travel agent in the state of Wisconsin and our answers to those questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete a travel agent training program?
While it is not mandatory, completing a certified travel agent training program can greatly enhance your chances of success in the field.
These programs provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as a travel agent.
Can I work as an independent travel agent in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can work as an independent travel agent in Wisconsin.
Many travel agents choose to work as independent contractors or start their own travel agencies.
However, it is important to comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining the necessary licensure and adhering to industry standards.
What are the job prospects for travel agents in Wisconsin?
The job prospects for travel agents in Wisconsin can vary depending on factors such as the overall economic climate and the demand for travel services.
While online booking platforms have impacted the industry, many travelers still value the expertise and personalized service provided by travel agents.
Developing strong customer relationships and staying current with industry trends can help enhance job prospects in this field.
Travel Agent Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
