Travel Agent Schools in Oregon

Whether starting from scratch or transitioning from another industry, this guide helps Oregon residents build up the pool of knowledge they’d need to become successful travel agents in the state. It begins with an analysis of the fundamental requirements along with possible destinations to receive comprehensive training.

It then covers what candidates can expect with a host agency and what licensing/certification steps can help them gain an edge over the competition. Lastly, readers will find out what institutions offer the best training programs and what numbers to expect when it comes to annual average returns.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Oregon

Travel agents in Oregon typically enter the profession by following the route below.

Step 1: Soft Skills

Although they will eventually participate in formal training, aspiring travel agents in Oregon will have an edge throughout their careers if they can start familiarizing themselves with key aspects of the job on their own.

Typically, these include becoming familiar with budgeting techniques, researching planning methods, and understanding possible specialty areas in the field.

It also helps immensely to have a fundamental knowledge of the travel industry.

Step 2: Finding the Right Programs

Since there are several possible training arrangements for candidates looking to become travel agents in Oregon, residents have to find the best placement for them. Generally, they may go with on-the-job training if they have access to a host agency or an academic program.

Those who go with a host agency will have the added benefit of having a certificate or associate degree by the time they’re done with their education. They may also choose an online program in order to enjoy a great level of convenience in their studies.

One of the upcoming sections provides tangible options concerning where to find the best travel agent training programs in Oregon.

Step 3: Specialization & Job Placement

Once they complete their training and pick up broad skills, aspiring travel agents in Oregon may start to focus on one particular area of travel. They should also endeavor to join an existing host agency in order to settle into the profession as smoothly as possible.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a home and building inspector in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

All that is needed to become a fully-fledged travel agent in Oregon is proper training and an IATA number (which is typically provided by host agencies). Candidates looking to start a career in the field don’t have to worry about sending in an application to a government body to receive a license.

Although certification is quite common for travel agents in Oregon, it is not mandatory. Those who would like to be certified can go through organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors and the International Air Transport Association.

These two organizations are among the most prominent in the world. Candidates should be prepared to partake in certification courses and pass professional examinations before they can be certified.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Oregon

The schools below offer high-quality training programs for aspiring travel agents in Oregon.

Explore travel agent schools in Oregon by city:

• Travel agent schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

When it comes to annual average returns, a travel agent in Oregon can expect to make around $45,395 per year. This figure is in line with the national average and is pertinent to candidates who are in the median earning category in the state.

Obviously, this makes way for candidates to be either below or above this figure. Those who are above and are among the top 10% can take home an annual average salary as high as $74,539, and those who are among the lowest-paid in the state can still manage an annual average salary of $25,903.

It is typically by working on conditions such as experience, credentials, marketing, and outreach that candidates can increase their yearly earnings as travel agents in Oregon. A criterion like location also plays a role.

Currently, Hillsboro is the place where travel agents make the highest average figures in Oregon, with an annual average salary of $46,760. Those who work in Sherwood are also worth mentioning, with an average annual salary of $46,321.