Travel Agent Schools in Montana

To succeed in the field, a prospective travel agent in Montana needs several qualities. In addition to problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, candidates must have a strong sense of planning and organization and be able to multitask.

The following sections analyze the professional requirements for becoming a successful travel agent in Montana and provide a general structure for what candidates must consider, including pre-educational steps and networking opportunities for career advancement.

We also dedicate a few sections to exploring quality training programs and projected annual average salary figures depending on specific points in a professional travel agent’s career in the state.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Montana

The following is a step-by-step overview of how to become a travel agent in Montana.

High School Diploma or GED

Montana is one of the states across the country where advanced education and a college degree are not mandatory parts of launching a thriving travel agent career. In fact, at the basic level, all that is needed is a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Proper Education

Candidates with a high school diploma or GED can secure training opportunities at a host agency through a certified travel agent. However, the most common approach is for them first to receive training at an academic institution.

This kind of training doesn’t have to last for years, and students don’t have to attend classes in person.

They may go for online travel agent programs with open enrollment, complete their education in a few weeks, and leave with a certificate and pathway to certification.

Of course, those who insist on on-campus training can also do so. Furthermore, those who desire a two-year associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree can also acquire one by finding a suitable Travel, Tourism, or Hospitality program.

Host Agencies & Career Advancement

Host agencies are existing travel agents willing to take on new agents. The agents will enjoy working with other professionals and will have access to an IATA number and other booking and marketing tools that will make their lives easier.

For career advancement, candidates may consider networking and certification, as analyzed below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Become a CNC machinist in Montana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Travel agents in Montana will be glad to know that they don’t have to register with the state or receive a license before they can start working professionally. Like licensing, certification is optional.

However, unlike licensing, the majority of travel agents in the state are certified anyway. Becoming certified by an organization like the International Air Transport Association can offer several professional benefits that candidates should not overlook.

Additionally, the ITIA provides an IATA number that all travel agents must have (which is usually provided by a host agency for those who are part of one.)

Other notable professional organizations and associations with credentials for travel agents are the Travel Institute, the Travel Industry Designator Service, the Cruise Lines International Association, and the American Society of Travel Advisors.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Montana

The following destinations have top-class training programs for future travel agents in Montana.

Explore travel agent schools in Montana by city:

• Travel agent schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average distribution of travel agents in Montana can be organized as follows:

• Those who earn around $22,487 are those who are among the bottom 10%,
• Those who manage an annual average salary of $39,408 are among the median earners in the state,
• Those whose annual average salary is around $64,708 are the highest-paid in the state.

Even the highest-paid travel agents in the state usually start their careers in either the lowest-paid or median category. They scale their earnings through connections and networking, experience, and professional credentials, among others.

Location can also be a good point to consider. A survey of travel agents in Montana showed the following places to be the highest-paying for professionals in this field:

• Big Sky, with an annual average salary of $47,847;
• Sidney, with an annual average salary of $46,667; and
• Bozeman, with an annual average salary of $46,479.