Travel Agent Schools in New Mexico

As an individual who dreams of planning luxury getaways, family vacations, or adventure trips, a career as a travel agent is always a rewarding path to consider. The guide on this page walks readers through the steps to turn their love for travel into a rewarding profession in New Mexico.

It begins with a step-by-step overview of the educational and certification requirements before providing a concise but detailed list of some of the best training institutions across the state. Lastly, we analyze the average annual salary ranges that travel agents in New Mexico can fall into throughout their careers and the factors that can help them scale their yearly returns as they go.

How to Become a Travel Agent in New Mexico

The steps below constitute the process of becoming a travel agent in New Mexico.

Obtaining Proper Training

Unsurprisingly, obtaining proper training is the first and arguably most important step to becoming a successful travel agent in New Mexico. However, when it comes to travel agents, candidates have a few decisions to make, including the following:

• Academic Training—New Mexico has several community colleges and technical schools where interested individuals can pursue a strong academic education as travel agents. These programs may be offered online or hybrid, giving students ample time and flexibility to manage other commitments in their lives.

They may also earn a certificate or an associate degree through these programs.

• On-the-Job Training—Travel agent training can be received on the job for those who don’t care about academic degrees and certificates. However, such individuals would have to find an existing agency or professional organization willing to provide such training.

Joining a Host Agency

Lastly, regardless of whether they went through an academic program or received training on the job, candidates should endeavor to join a host agency upon completing training. This will allow them to learn in a thriving environment and work closely with successful travel agents.

Host agencies also provide IATA numbers, which all travel agents need to do their jobs.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become an auto mechanic in New Mexico

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Travel agents in New Mexico can become certified by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). This organization is one of many that offers certification and opportunities for professionals to gain skills in relevant areas such as project management, culture guides, and negotiation.

Although professionals in this field are not technically required by law to receive certification or licensing, certification is still a very efficient way to acquire credibility in the field. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is another top organization that offers possible credentials for travel agents in New Mexico. The IATA is also responsible for facilitating smooth booking for both domestic and international travel.

Top Travel Agent Schools in New Mexico

The following schools offer viable programs for aspiring travel agents in New Mexico.

Explore travel agent schools in New Mexico by city:

• Travel agent schools in Albuquerque

Salary & Career Outlook

Data obtained from a survey of travel agents in New Mexico and revealed by the employment platform Zip Recruiter showed that the annual average salary of travel agents in the state can be as high as $68,320. However, this is only possible for candidates who have successfully increased their earnings to be among the top 10 percent in the state.

Ultimately, everybody can reach this scale, but those who are just starting may have to start with an annual average salary of $23,742 (for the lowest-paid). They can then move to the median range, where they will earn an annual average salary of $41,608.

Candidates can move up from the lower end of the salary spectrum to the upper end by working on factors like marketing strategies, networking, experience, and location.

The best locations include Chaparral, with an annual average salary of $44,689; Espanola, with an annual average salary of $43,391; Sandia Park, with an annual average salary of $42,675; and Clovis, with an annual average salary of $42,614.