A career as a travel agent in Utah requires an extensive understanding of travel and tourism. Candidates must also develop their business and marketing skills, as many of their day-to-day tasks will involve optimizing these skills.
In the guide below, we explore the means by which interested individuals in the state can start to build all of these characteristics and acquire the necessary pool of knowledge. Furthermore, we provide a detailed list of the best training programs to consider.
After revealing why these programs are deserving of a candidate’s attention, we round up the guide with an overview of the possible earnings figures for aspiring travel agents in Utah.
How to Become a Travel Agent in Utah
The steps below are needed to become a travel agent in Utah.
High School Diploma or GED
A high school diploma or a GED equivalent is vital to becoming a travel agent in Utah because it serves as the educational basis for professionals in the field. Technically, candidates are not even expected to attend a post-secondary institution so long as they have a diploma or GED.
Choosing a Training Route
Even though candidates are technically not expected to receive post-secondary education, doing so has become absolutely vital. Students typically have a few approaches to consider when it comes to their formal travel agent training route.
Academic Training
The first step toward receiving a comprehensive travel agent education in Utah is to attend an academic training program. These programs can be offered online or on campus.
They are also available as certificate programs, associate degree programs, or even bachelor of science programs. Candidates in certificate programs may complete their education in a few months, while those in associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs must spend two and four years, respectively, before they can graduate.
On-the-Job Training
Another approach to becoming a successful travel agent is to receive training “on the job.” Candidates may achieve this by working with a host agency that is willing to provide foundational education.
More commonly, though, applicants need some form of prior training or experience before they can join a host agency.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Those who completed travel agent training in Utah can join a host agency and start working professionally. However, they may consider certification to boost their career chances.
The American Society of Travel Advisors offers a platform for candidates to become certified, network with fellow professionals, and gain access to a host of resources that will help their careers immensely.
Along with the ASTA, the International Air Transport Association, the Travel Industry Designator Service, and the Cruise Lines International Association offer valuable credentials to state professionals.
It is also worth pointing out that travel agents in Utah need an IATA number to book and plan trips. However, those who work for a host agency do not need to obtain an IATA number; their host agency will provide one for them.
Top Travel Agent Schools in Utah
The schools below offer excellent training programs for aspiring travel agents in Utah.
Utah Valley University
Online, UT Online Only
Utah Valley University offers a travel agent training program with several learning materials. These include videos, live webinars, text-based materials, and more.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT Campus + Online
The University of Utah offers a sustainable tourism and hospitality management training program that teaches travel business operations, certification and guidelines, nature-based tourism, and more.
Tuition
$12,424 - $34,900Contact
(801) 585-6503
d.schmalz@health.utah.edu
Utah Virtual Academy
Online, UT Online Only
Candidates may also consider Utah Virtual Academy and its Hospitality and Tourism program to launch a thriving travel agent career in Utah.
Tuition
FreeContact
(866) 788-0364
Explore travel agent schools in Utah by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Data obtained from a survey of travel agents in Utah — provided by the employment platform Zip Recruiter — showed that the annual average salary of professionals in the field can be grouped as follows.
- Earning an annual average salary of $22,304 is the bottom 10%;
- Earning an annual average salary of $39,087 are the median earners, and
- Earning an average annual salary of $64,182 is the top 10%.
Obviously, some factors separate the highest-paid from the rest. The conclusion remains that a travel agent’s experience, credentials, location, marketing and business strategy, and host agency are all criteria that can significantly boost their yearly income.
The same data also revealed the best destinations to work as a travel agent in the state, based on annual average salary alone. They include:
- Park City, with an annual average salary of $44,917;
- Moab, with an annual average salary of $43,185;
- Eagle Mountain, with an annual average salary of $42,108 and
- Ogden, with an annual average salary of $42,016.