How to Become a Travel Agent in Missouri

Working as an independent travel agent is a great way to make money, while helping people plan their trips, and it can be a lot of fun.

Online Travel Agent Schools for Missouri

To get started, below are some online certification courses offered in conjunction with local schools.

How Will You Benefit from the Course?

TAP Exam Ready: This course fully prepares you to take on the Travel Agent Proficiency (TAP) test with confidence.

Other benefits include:

Fit Learning into Your Life: With open enrollment and flexible online study, you can begin anytime and learn at your own pace.
Ease Your Investment: The course’s affordable payment installments make it financially accessible.
Master Essential Skills: The wide-ranging curriculum equips you with all the necessary skills to succeed as a travel agent.
Expand Your Network: Studying online sometimes means connecting and collaborating with industry peers. These will be valuable partners down the line.
Boost Your Career: The course offers a solid stepping stone to advance your travel industry career.

How Long is It?

It will take you around 6 months to become a travel agent in Missouri with this course, but you can complete it sooner.

It’s created by industry maestros who’ll guide you from the basic principles to mastering niche areas of the travel industry. And all you need is a good laptop to start.

If you’re over 18 with a high school diploma or GED, you’ve already crossed the first hurdle. Previous experience isn’t a necessary requirement, but if you have it, great!

Now, onto building your skills as a travel agent—how do you get there? This is where the aforementioned course comes into play. It’s a professional yet practical six-month online course tailored to your pace and schedule.

What Do You Study?

Here’s a snapshot of what will be covered:

Introduction to the Travel Industry
Building Professional Skills
Understanding Basic and International Geography
Exploring Destination Geography
Getting Started with International Travel
Learning the Basics of Air Travel
Mastering Transportation Logistics
Focusing on Career Development
Strengthening Sales and Marketing in Travel

How Much Does It Cost?

About $2,300. If paying upfront isn’t feasible, you can take advantage of installment options, easing the financial burden.

Missouri Requirements

As mentioned earlier, MO doesn’t necessarily require certification. As long as you are 18 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and possess a high school diploma or GED, you’re already eligible to kick-start your journey.

However, it’s worth noting that even though certification isn’t compulsory, it certainly raises your professional profile.

Certification exhibits your dedication, thorough training, and validated skills.

This, in turn, instills confidence in your potential clients, assuring them that they’re in capable, trustworthy hands.

Given these noteworthy advantages, it’s clear that certification can greatly enhance your professional standing in the travel industry.

Some of the renowned certifications travel agents can consider are:

Salary Range

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median annual wage for travel agents in the state is $45,120.

However, Indeed.com puts that number closer to $56,800.

Below is some more BLS data for parts of the state.

Area	Hourly	Annual
Kansas City	$25.47	$52,980.00
Southwest Missouri	$20.62	$42,890.00
Springfield	$19.53	$40,620.00
St. Louis	$23.28	$48,410.00

Occupation: Travel Agents(SOC Code413041)
source: data.bls.gov

Travel Agent Job Types and Compensation in Missouri

Corporate and Government Travel Consultants

Companies Hiring: ADTRAV, EyeCare Partners, Maritz.
Salary Range: $23-$27 per hour (full-time, remote or hybrid).
Responsibilities: Handle complex business and government travel, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and company policies.

Group Travel Coordinators

Companies Hiring: ADTRAV (Group Air Agent), Maritz (Corporate Travel Consultant).
Salary Range: $22-$25 per hour.
Responsibilities: Manage large-scale group travel for corporate events, government contracts, and incentive programs.

Luxury and Leisure Travel Agents

Companies Hiring: Big Cedar Lodge, AAA Missouri.
Salary Range: Base pay plus commission (potential earnings over $42,000 annually).
Responsibilities: Plan customized leisure and resort travel while offering exclusive benefits and upsell opportunities.

Airport and Airline Customer Service Agents

Companies Hiring: Envoy Air (American Airlines).
Salary Range: $15.46 per hour (plus benefits like flight discounts and 401(k)).
Responsibilities: Assist passengers with flight check-ins, baggage handling, and reservation modifications.

Job Description

Possible Workplaces

Working for an Agency

Many graduates opt for a traditional route, joining established travel agencies to gain valuable experience and learn the ropes.

Working Independently

Others choose a more independent path, seizing remote work opportunities or even founding their travel agencies.

Working Within the Industry

In addition to these conventional options, travel agents can also find employment within resorts, cruise lines, and large corporations that maintain in-house travel departments.

What Employers in Missouri Are Looking for in a Travel Agent

Travel agencies and corporations in Missouri are seeking skilled, service-oriented professionals to manage travel arrangements for corporate, government, and leisure clients.

Companies such as ADTRAV Travel Management, Big Cedar Lodge, EyeCare Partners, AAA Missouri, Maritz, and Envoy Air are hiring travel consultants, corporate travel specialists, and group travel coordinators. These employers value candidates with customer service expertise, proficiency in travel booking systems, knowledge of industry regulations, and strong sales acumen.

Missouri’s travel job market includes remote, hybrid, and on-site roles, covering areas such as corporate travel consulting, luxury travel planning, and group event coordination. Employers also emphasize cross-disciplinary skills, with opportunities to work in finance, expense management, sales, hospitality, and customer support.

Key Skills and Qualifications for Travel Agents in Missouri

1. Client Interaction and Customer Service

Employers prioritize exceptional customer service in travel agent roles.

AAA Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge, and ADTRAV Travel Management seek agents who can:

Communicate professionally to understand client travel needs, budgets, and preferences.
Provide recommendations and customized itineraries based on client expectations.
Process payments securely and handle travel-related inquiries.
Resolve travel issues quickly while maintaining professionalism and efficiency.

For corporate and VIP travel consultants, high-touch customer service is essential. ADTRAV Travel Management looks for professionals who can handle executive travel arrangements and last-minute itinerary changes with precision.

2. Travel Booking and Management

Companies like ADTRAV, Maritz, and Envoy Air seek agents skilled in organizing and booking complete travel packages, including:

Airfare, hotels, resorts, car rentals, cruises, and tours.
Corporate and government travel compliance, including adherence to federal travel regulations, Fly America Act, and Open Skies Agreement.
Group travel arrangements, requiring coordination of flights, hotel blocks, and event accommodations for large groups.

For roles like Group Air Agent at ADTRAV, candidates should have experience managing up to 4,000 travelers at once, ensuring seamless coordination of flights and accommodations.

3. Knowledge of Travel Booking Systems and Software

Employers expect travel agents to be proficient in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Sabre and Amadeus, as well as corporate travel tools like Concur and CRM platforms.

Maritz, EyeCare Partners, and AAA Missouri require agents with Microsoft Office proficiency and familiarity with expense management systems.
AAA and ADTRAV Travel Management prefer candidates with experience using online travel booking systems to create and modify reservations efficiently.

4. Sales and Business Development

Many Missouri-based employers look for travel agents who can drive revenue and secure repeat business.

AAA Missouri and Big Cedar Lodge value sales-driven professionals who can cross-sell products like travel insurance, credit card rewards programs, and exclusive travel packages.
Maritz and ADTRAV expect agents to promote preferred vendors and negotiate contracts with airlines, hotels, and other travel partners.

Successful travel agents must identify cost-saving opportunities for clients, making strategic recommendations that enhance the overall travel experience.

5. Cross-Industry Knowledge and Career Growth

Missouri travel jobs often overlap with finance, hospitality, and customer service.

EyeCare Partners is hiring Travel and Expense Specialists, blending finance, accounting, and travel coordination to optimize corporate travel budgets.
Maritz specializes in event and incentive travel, seeking agents who can handle business travel logistics, expense tracking, and corporate hospitality.
Big Cedar Lodge, a Bass Pro Shops property, focuses on resort and leisure travel, requiring expertise in vacation planning and hospitality management.

Professionals with backgrounds in banking, retail sales, hospitality, or accounting can transition successfully into travel agent roles, particularly in corporate and group travel management.

Conclusion: What Missouri Employers Want in a Travel Agent

Travel employers in Missouri seek highly organized, customer-focused professionals who can manage bookings, handle complex travel arrangements, and drive sales.

ADTRAV, AAA, and Big Cedar Lodge focus on high-touch customer service and strong sales skills.
Maritz and EyeCare Partners require knowledge of travel expense reporting and corporate travel policies.
Envoy Air and Big Cedar Lodge seek hospitality professionals with experience in travel planning and customer engagement.

For individuals with a passion for travel, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate booking systems, Missouri’s travel industry offers diverse career opportunities with competitive salaries, benefits, and room for advancement.

The Bottom Line

Now that you have a solid understanding of how to become a travel agent in Missouri, it’s time to take the first step toward your exciting career in the travel industry. Enrolling in a travel agent training class will equip you with the essential skills and deep insights you need to excel in this rewarding field.