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People interested in becoming a travel agent in Minnesota should know some essential basics about the necessary education and career path steps.
Like most careers, becoming a travel agent in the state of Minnesota requires certain information and skills.
Those skills and details can be learned in a program offered by one of the many educational institutions in the state.
There are various options to choose from, and each provides its own approach to learning.
Keep reading to learn more about the qualifications, must-have training, and potential for this ever-growing and high-demand career.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in Minnesota
It is worth mentioning first that a travel agent in the state of Minnesota can either be a freelance professional or work as an employee/agent for an established company.
The essential duties of a travel agent in the state consist of coordinating all the client’s travel details.
This means they coordinate with any government officials to allow for smooth entry and exit from any nation, country, or territory.
That means ensuring the client has the appropriate information and documentation ready for inspection when entering the proposed destination.
From passports to other requirements, the travel agent’s job is to ensure the client has everything they need on hand when they arrive.
They also handle lodging and entertainment arrangements.
The goal is to allow the traveler to do minimal tasks to prepare for their journey.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Minnesota
Five states require a travel agent to hold special travel licenses, but that does not include Minnesota.
That means you do not need a license to begin working in the travel agent career field.
However, you are highly encouraged to get the training you need from an accredited program.
These programs cover all the essential details and information you need to succeed in the field.
To get a CTA certification, you will need to have 18 months of hands-on experience in the field and then take a rigorous test and pass.
That means that you want to start off your career on the right foot and have the education necessary to begin working as a travel agent as well as complete the hands-on portion of the education.
Travel Agent Programs
There are several top-notch travel agent programs to choose from in the state of Minnesota.
Each has its own schedule and timeline and its different tuition prices.
Here are the current education facilities offering travel agent programs.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Minnesota State College Southeast | Winona, MN 1250 Homer rd 55987 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN 1601 Jefferson st. 56308 |
| St. Catherine University | Saint Paul, MN 2004 Randolph Ave 55105 |
| Northwest Technical College | Bemidji, MN 9905 Grant ave. SE 56601 |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park, MN 9000 Brooklyn Blvd 55445 |
| The University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN 1049 University dr. 55812 |
Check out these programs to see if they offer the training you want in the area that is most convenient.
Some courses may offer an online option, so location might now be a big issue.
Salary
The salary you can expect to see in the state of Minnesota for a travel agent is between $35K and $45K.
However, that is the average, and some top travel agents can make as much as $64k and more, depending on the client base, skills, experience, and company details.
It is worth mentioning that the more education and training you have, along with experience, the more you can make as a travel agent.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $41,213 |
| St. Paul | $41,213 |
| Duluth | $36,691 |
| Rochester | $37,464 |
| Adams | $37,116 |
| Barnesville | $35,712 |
| Brookston | $36,343 |
| Carlton | $36,528 |
| Elrosa | $36,366 |
| Burnsville | $41,097 |
Regional Salary in Minnesota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth, MN-WI | 30 | $43,350 | $20.84 | $54,130 | $35,590 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 610 | $49,040 | $23.58 | $59,230 | $35,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Summary
If you are interested in becoming a travel agent in Minnesota, you will need to get the education and experience necessary to begin on the right foot.
That usually means you will want to take a course from one of the educational institutions listed previously.
There, you can get the details and insight you need to start working in an ever-growing field with multiple opportunities in Minnesota.
You have options and flexibility with a career move that proves satisfying for many.
Sources
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/travel-agent-salary
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enroll in a program to become a travel agent in Minnesota?
You can expect to pay anywhere from about $3k to $13k at the previously listed educational facilities.
To find out more specifics, use the contact information for the website.
Do you need to pay a fee for a CTA certification?
Once you get your certification, you need to acquire at least ten credits per year of training courses to maintain your certification.
Are travel agents only freelance?
A travel agent can work freelance, or they can become an employee with a company.
There is both full-time and part-time position available in the state of Minnesota for those who choose to work for a company.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State