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Have you been thinking about becoming a travel agent and one of the most exciting and wild states in the United States?
Travel agents in Alaska can make over $50,000 a year with nothing more than a few training courses and their high school education.
These programs are readily accessible.
Here is what you need to know about becoming a travel agent in Alaska.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Alaska
Travel agents in the state of Alaska have responsibilities that are similar to those in the rest of the country.
You will be booking lodging, transportation, and activities for travelers.
You will be working with everyone and from solo travelers and families all the way up to companies booking large outings for the staff.
Travel agents in Alaska have a lot of specialized opportunities.
There are travel agents that specialize in booking weddings in scenic natural destinations in the state.
Travel agents in Alaska work very closely with the tourism industry in this state.
You can expect individuals to be coming to the state of Alaska to enjoy things like hiking, camping, and fishing.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Alaska
There is no overall licensing requirement for a travel agent in the state of Alaska.
This means that you might be able to do your career without any specialized licensing, but there are a few certifications that most travel agents get.
Most travel agents pick up the International Air Transport Association certification.
This allows them to operate in a greater range of travel opportunities.
There is also the Travel Limited Producer licensing run by the state of Alaska.
The Travel Limited Producer license only applies to travel agents who are selling travel insurance in addition to other products.
Travel Agent Programs
Becoming a travel agent does not always require specialized education.
Most travel agencies except individuals for the high school level of training and decent skills involving math, English, and other office paste skills.
However, picking up a specialized certificate in traveling Alaska will help travel agents improve their chances in this field.
The cost of these programs varies greatly depending on what certification you are looking for.
Some of the programs, like those from Explore Fairbanks and Visit Anchorage, are free of charge.
Other programs, such as those from the travel Institute, can cost somewhere between $60 to $70.
The most expensive programs come from the Alaska Travel Industry and are based on memberships that can range from $140 to a few thousand dollars for the largest companies.
Here are a few of the programs offering Alaska-specific travel agent training:
- The Travel Institute – Alaska: A Destination Specialist Course
- Travel Alaska – ACE Training Program
- Visit Anchorage Alaska – Anchorage Wild Expert
- Explore Fairbanks – FAMS Certification
- Alaska Travel Industry – Online and In-Person Training
Travel Agent Salary in Alaska
The average salary for a travel agent in Alaska is $43,364.
This compares favorably to the national median of $42,350
Travel agent salaries in Alaska range from $39,510 to $50,501.
There are several factors that can influence this income including location, experience, and the agency one works for.
Travel agents can make the most money in this state by working closely with tourism industries, as well as being able to connect with individuals and the rest of the country, and indeed the rest of the world, who are interested in being able to come to Alaska to experience these natural wonders.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $43,023 |
| Juneau | $42,640 |
| Fairbanks | $42,845 |
| Sitka | $42,060 |
| Ketchikan | $42,060 |
| Kenai | $42,443 |
| Kodiak | $42,443 |
| Bethel | $42,443 |
| Wasilla | $42,443 |
| Barrow | $42,265 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 190 | $46,490 | $22.35 | $62,350 | $38,080 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need to become a travel agent?
Travel agents require very few travel qualifications to become travel agents.
Most travel agencies require individuals to have at least a high school education with a strong background in English and math skills.
Some travel agencies require on-the-job training as well as certification in order for individuals to become full-fledged travel agents.
Do travel agents travel for free?
As a general rule, travel agents do not usually get their travel, lodging, and other expenses covered by their job.
Independent travel agents can often leverage their relationship with travel and lodging companies in order to give free or discounted travel, but this is far from the norm in the industry.
Most travel agents still have to pay for their travel and accommodations.
Is travel agent a good career?
Becoming a travel agent can be an excellent career choice depending on what your goals are.
It is worth pointing out that becoming a travel agent requires a minimal education requirement which makes this a great job for people with little, or even no, college experience.
This job pays a median salary of around $40,000 a year which can also be a solid payday.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State