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Becoming a travel agent in Alabama is a great way to boost your income as well as launch an exciting career.
You can become a travel agent in Alabama with some very basic requirements and training courses.
This is a great career option for people who are looking for a career that will open up new adventures in their lives.
Here is everything you want to know about becoming a travel agent in Alabama.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Alabama
Travel agents in the state of Alabama have a few responsibilities that come with this job.
You will be expected to help individuals, families, businesses arrange travel in the state including transportation, lodging, and entertainment at their destinations.
Alabama is the host of many exciting destinations that people travel to throughout the year.
This is a premier state for college sports, business destinations, and weddings.
Traveling to Alabama is often based on events that happen throughout the year.
Licensing Requirements to Become an Alabama Travel Agent
As with most states in the USA, there are not that many requirements to become a travel agent in Alabama.
In general, individuals need to be 18 years old, hold a high-school diploma, and have relevant on-the-job skills, such as business math and communications skills.
Individuals are also encouraged to have some certification in formal training as a travel agent.
You can get on-job training working at a travel agency or take a course from a program at the Central Alabama Community College or the International Travel Institute.
The Alabama Department of Insurance does require travel agents who are also selling travel insurance to get a license through their department.
This license costs $80 upfront and has a $70 yearly renewal fee.
Alabama Travel Agent Programs
There are very few specialized programs for becoming a travel agent in Alabama.
This means that you are going to have to work a little harder to get experience in this career by working as a travel agent helping people travel to Alabama to get the experience you are looking for.
There are a few programs that can get you started.
The Central Alabama Community College offers a travel agent training course with a tuition of $1,995.
This course covers all of the basics, as well as Alabama-specific travel information.
This course is an ideal option for individuals who are just getting started in their travel agent training and need to brush up on the basics, as well as programs at a more specific level.
There are also general online programs that can help you get started in your career as a travel agent.
The international travel Institute offers their TAP test for just $299.
This can help kick-start your career with an internationally recognized certification.
Central Alabama Community College – Travel Agent Training – $1,995
International Travel Institute – TAP Test – $299.00
Alabama Travel Agent Salary
Travel agents in Alabama make less than the national median pay for travel agents.
The average yearly income for a travel agent in this state is $36,246.
The pay range for travel agents in Alabama is $33,025 to $42,211.
This pay falls just a little short of the national average of $42,350.
Alabama is not as big of a tourist destination as other states which is one of the big reasons why this pay is lower than in other states.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | $36,625 |
| Montgomery | $34,691 |
| Mobile | $35,808 |
| Huntsville | $36,594 |
| Tuscaloosa | $36,267 |
| Tanner | $35,613 |
| Dothan | $34,176 |
| Decatur | $35,476 |
| Auburn | $34,910 |
| Gadsden | $36,300 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile, AL | 40 | $45,580 | $21.92 | $72,950 | $35,940 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a travel agent?
You can become a travel agent almost immediately as long as you are willing to put in work to get hired and do some training, at a travel agency.
Most agencies only require individuals to be 18 years of age, have their high school diploma, and have proficiencies and skill sets related to the job.
There are specialized training courses that can last as little as a day or up to 18 months.
How do travel agents get paid?
Travel agents get paid based on commission from the trips that they arranged.
This commission is paid by airlines, hotels, and other destinations that travel agents book for their clients.
Most travel agents also charge a premium on top of this commission in order to get compensated for their time and experience.
What is the TAP Test for travel agents?
The TAP test is a test for travel agents designed to make sure that they are up-to-date with all of the regulations, best practices, and industry standards for travel agencies across the country.
This test is not mandatory, but most travel agencies recognize this is the gold standard for their industry.
Taking this test can greatly improve your chances of being hired by a travel agency.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State