Travel Agent Schools in South Carolina

There are several benefits to being a travel agent in South Carolina. These professionals can develop a strong network of hospitality industry experts while leveraging their position to help people enjoy a lovely experience on their trips that they will remember forever.

Moreover, travel agents in South Carolina enjoy positive projections and a competitive annual average salary for their efforts. State residents interested in pursuing a career in this field will be glad that we have highlighted all the major requirements in the upcoming section.

Here, they will learn the basic prerequisites, available educational options, and specific training programs, among other key considerations.

How to Become a Travel Agent in South Carolina

These are the steps involved in starting a successful travel agent career in South Carolina:

Having a High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or a GED is optional for aspiring travel agents in South Carolina. However, working on getting either of these is still advisable, as they make the entire process much easier.

Not only does it make it easier to secure admission into a training program, but some host agencies also require agency agents to have one before they can be fully admitted.

Getting Comprehensive Training

Although it is not mandatory by law that aspiring travel agents in South Carolina acquire formal education before they can start their careers, this is still a popular choice among many professionals in this field because it is one of the most effective ways to secure placement and entry-level employment at a highly rated host agency.

Several training programs across the state offer convenient arrangements for future travel agents, including online and hybrid options for candidates with prior commitments. Individuals looking to earn advanced degrees may also participate in two—or four-year hospitality, travel, and tourism programs, through which they will earn an associate degree or a bachelor of science degree.

Job Placement

Most travel agents, including independent ones, work with host agencies. They can work independently well, but being part of a host agency allows them to enjoy many resources and tools they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• Learn how to become a truck driver in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Host agencies also offer travel agents an IATA number, which is required to carry out virtually all the major duties of a travel agent. This number is usually the only major requirement in terms of licensure.

Candidates are not expected to register with the state or pass a professional examination. However, they may have to do the latter if they want to be certified independently.

Travel agents in South Carolina are advised to pursue certification because of the edge it gives them and the professional benefits it offers. The International Air Transport Association and the Travel Industry Designator Association have wonderful credentials that are highly rated nationwide.

Top Travel Agent Schools in South Carolina

The following are the top training programs for travel agents in South Carolina.

Explore travel agent schools in South Carolina by city:

• Travel agent schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

For a travel agent in South Carolina, $22,735 is usually the lowest figure they can expect to earn at the end of each year. This figure was revealed to be relevant to the bottom 10% by a survey of travel agents in the state.

At the mid-level, where most travel agents in South Carolina fall, the annual average salary to expect is $37,087. However, the highest-paid in the state takes home an annual average salary of $65,421.

Factors that may help candidates earn more include working at a better geographical location, working at a better agency, specializing, and gaining more experience on the job.

Currently, the most favorable locations within South Carolina to earn the highest annual salary as a travel agent include West Columbia, with an annual average salary of $43,161, and Manning, with an annual average salary of $43,015. Chesnee is also worth highlighting, with an average annual salary of $42,540.