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A travel agent, also known as a travel manager, is a professional who works for a travel agency business, and whose responsibilities and roles revolve around planning and booking trips for their clients.
Experienced travel agents know everything about tourist products that include destination, accommodation, climate, and other areas of service.
If you are interested in becoming a travel agent in the state of Oregon, here is what you need to know about this career path.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties In Oregon
The primary mission of a travel agent is to plan, choose, and organize travel schedules for their clients.
They ensure that their clients enjoyed their travel experiences and that everything went smoothly.
Travel managers assist individuals, groups, and corporations in booking their tickets and accommodations, arranging transportation, and planning activities and events.
Here is a list of the general duties and responsibilities of a travel agent:
- Provides advice to clients on destinations
- Calculates total travel costs and helps clients find the best option based on their budgets
- Gives advice about destinations, foods, customs, weather, and attractions
- Follows up with their clients about their travel plans and make the necessary adjustments if needed
- Provides any additional and relevant information about clients’ trips, including brochures, guides, publications, maps, etc.
- Creates data files for every client
- Maintains financial records
- Describes trips to clients and gives all the information about documents and visas
- If something arises before or during the trip, suggests alternative changes and arranges
- Attends travel seminars and conferences
Licensing Requirements to Become A Travel Agent In Oregon
Since there are no industry standards for training and education for travel agents, anyone can begin working in this field right after graduating from high school.
It is recommended though to pursue a certificate or bachelor’s degree in tourism, which usually takes one to four years.
Also, there are no licensing requirements in Oregon to become a travel agent, meaning that you do not have to have a license to sell travel.
There are only four states in the US that have the seller of travel laws: Hawaii, Florida, Washington, and California.
However, if you want to add to your credibility, it might be a good idea to join professional organizations, such as the American Society For Travel Agents (ASTA) and the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA).
Travel Agent Programs
There are certain educational requirements to become a travel agent.
However, it might be a good idea to get a certificate or diploma in travel and tourism.
Here is a list of the best programs in this industry in the state of Oregon:
Oregon State University
Oregon State University offers an undergraduate program in Hospitality Management.
This multi-disciplinary degree prepares students for a variety of hospitality careers, including a travel agent.
Students study hospitality management, business administration, ecotourism, and sustainability.
The duration of the program is four years.
Central Oregon Community College
This community college located in Bend, Oregon offers a program in Hospitality Management that prepares students for immediate employment in hospitality occupations.
It gives students a foundation for careers in hospitality management and lasts two years.
Upon graduation, students receive a Certificate of Completion.
Lane Community College
The program in hospitality management in this community college is perfect for those who want to get the degree and skills necessary to launch a career as a travel agent.
This two-year program helps students to gain useful knowledge about the hospitality industry and advance in their careers more quickly.
Salary of a Travel Agent in Oregon
The average yearly salary of a travel agent or travel management in the United States is $38,683 as of November 2021.
However, the salary can vary because it depends on different factors, including the level of education, work experience, skills, and others.
The average salary of travel agents in the state of Oregon is $36,609 or $17 per hour as of November 2021.
The highest salary of travel agents in Oregon is in Portland – $40,160.
The salary in other towns and cities in Oregon is the following:
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $40,160 |
| Eugene | $37,724 |
| Salem | $38,090 |
| Gresham | $40,108 |
| Beaverton | $40,160 |
| Hillsboro | $40,031 |
| Medford | $36,911 |
| Springfield | $37,639 |
| Bend | $37,295 |
| Corvallis | $37,542 |
| Columbia City | $37,326 |
| Colton | $36,559 |
| Lexington | $36,387 |
| Prospect | $34,277 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eugene, OR | 150 | $37,980 | $18.26 | $47,490 | $29,830 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 410 | $49,600 | $23.85 | $68,780 | $37,210 |
| Salem, OR | 40 | $51,370 | $24.7 | $74,120 | $36,040 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a license required to work as a travel agent in Oregon?
No, it is not required.
There are only four states in the United States with travel agency licensing laws.
They are California, Florida, Washington, and Hawaii.
Where is the highest salary of a travel agent in Oregon?
The highest salary in Portland – about $40,000 a year (as of November 2021).
Is there high demand for travel agents in Oregon?
Even though everything slowed down because of the pandemic in 2020, things started slowly returning to normal, which caused the increase in demand for travel agents in the United States and Oregon particularly.
Thus, it is possible to say that the demand for travel agents in Oregon is quite high in 2021 and is going to be even higher in 2022.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State