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Make and confirm reservations and sell tickets to passengers and for large hotel or motel chains. May check baggage and direct passengers to designated concourse, pier, or track; make reservations, deliver tickets, arrange for visas, contact individuals and groups to inform them of package tours, or provide tourists with travel information, such as points of interest, restaurants, rates, and emergency service.
Select a State
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U.S.
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$23,160
($11.14)
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$40,490
($19.47)
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$32,060
($15.41)
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Annual figures are on top. Hourly figures are below in parentheses.
N/A = Information not available
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Employment of reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks is expected to show little or no growth during the projection period. Additionally, applicants for these jobs are likely to encounter keen competition.
Employment change. Employment of reservation and transportation ticket agents is expected grow only 1 percent from 2006 to 2016, reflecting little or no change to employment. Despite a growing and more mobile population who will likely travel more frequently, newer automated reservations and ticketing operations will speed transaction time and reduce the need for more workers to handle the expected higher volume of business. Most train stations and airports now have self-service ticket printing machines, or kiosks, which enable passengers to make reservations, purchase tickets, and check-in for train rides and flights themselves. Many passengers also are able to check travel times and fares, make reservations, purchase tickets, and check-in for most domestic flights on the Internet. Nevertheless, not all travel-related passenger services can be fully automated, primarily for safety and security reasons, and not all passengers use these automated services. As a result, job openings will continue to become available as increasing numbers of people travel more frequently. Additional growth will result to meet the travel needs of the growing retirement population, particularly in less traditional transportation centers, such as with boat or cruise operators or with companies who rent recreational vehicles.
Job prospects. Job applicants often face competition for these jobs, because entry requirements are relatively low and benefits for those who like to travel, particularly on the airlines, are high. Applicants who have previous experience in the travel industry, in sales, or in customer service should have the best job prospects. Those who possess a pleasant personality and strong customer service skills also should have good job opportunities. Additional job opportunities will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force altogether.
Employment in these occupations may fluctuate with the economy. During recessions, discretionary passenger travel often declines, and transportation service companies are less likely to hire new workers and may institute layoffs.
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks held about 165,000 jobs in 2006. About six out of ten agents and clerks are employed by airlines. Others work for tour operators and reservation services, hotels and other lodging places, and other companies that provide transportation services.
Although agents and clerks are found throughout the country, most work in large metropolitan airports, reservation call centers, and train or bus stations. The remainder work in small, regional airports, or in small communities served only by intercity bus or railroad lines.
Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Examples
Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
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For information about job opportunities as reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks, write to the personnel manager of individual transportation companies. Addresses of airlines are available from:
- Air Transport Association of America, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20004. Internet: http://www.airlines.org
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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