If you’re passionate about Oklahoma’s beauty and would love to help others discover the best this state has to offer, then working as a travel agent may be the ideal occupation for you.
As a travel agent, you get to help clients find the best lodging, transportation, and entertaining activities.
If you’re curious to learn how to become a travel agent in Oklahoma, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties
As a travel agent, you will meet with clients to discuss their travel destination, preferences, need, and budget.
Are they traveling for business or for pleasure?
Are they going alone or with their family?
Questions like these can help you understand what your client is looking for and how you can serve them best.
You will assist them with finding lodging that suits their needs and affordable transportation to their destination and back home, and inform them of the entertaining activities that fit their desire and budget.
For example, you may tell them about the guided Route 66 bus tour, which is a must-see for those who visit Oklahoma.
Additionally, you will manage travel issues – like flight cancelations or refunds – and negotiate with businesses to find the best deals on behalf of the client.
In doing so, you should strive to create your own network of trusted vendors.
After all, networking is a travel agent’s best friend.
Additionally, travel agents perform administrative duties like answering the phone, creating and maintaining client logs, and booking new clients.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Travel Agent in Oklahoma
One thing to say about becoming a travel agent in this state is that Oklahoma does not specifically require a college degree.
Rather, shorter – and more affordable – course certifications can also help you become a travel agent in less time.
Resources such as these allow you to pursue the necessary education to become a travel agent without following the traditional 4-year college path.
Preferred Qualifications
Though a college degree is not mandatory, these qualifications can distinguish you from other applicants, who may have a degree:
- Great communication and time management skills
- Speaking more than one language
- Technological literacy and experience with certain software used by travel agents
Travel Agent Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
The school provides an undergraduate degree in Travel and Tourism Management.
Offered through the Hospitality and Tourism Management department at the main campus in Stillwater, this program is comprised of sixteen credit hours – nine required courses, and seven elective courses.
Upon finalizing the program, graduates are eligible to become official travel agents in Oklahoma.
Other career paths that students can pursue after graduation are travel media, entertainment and events, and gaming and casinos.
Oklahoma City Community College
The Travel Agent Training course offered through Oklahoma City Community College is 6 months long, is comprised of 100-course hours, and costs $2245.
According to the Oklahoma City Community College’s official website, the college offers some monthly payment plans.
The Travel Agent Training course focuses on national and international geography, transportation, a general introduction to the travel industry, and more.
There are no prerequisites for this course.
However, students must meet basic software requirements.
Pioneer Technology Center
The school’s Travel Agent Program is 100-course hours long, and it equips students with knowledge of national and international geography, selling techniques, and the products that travel agents sell.
Upon finalizing the program, students are ready to take the Travel Agent Proficiency Exam (TAP).
The Pioneer Technology Center offers various payment options, such as installment payment plans, and financial assistance through TuitionFlex; the school also accepts some military grants.
Northeastern State University
At NSU, students can pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism.
This program focuses on elements that distinguish good travel agents from great ones.
Upon graduation, students will understand how tourism develops over time, and how to market specific travel destinations to their clients.
Students will also gain an understanding of the various elements that make up the hospitality industry and how they are interconnected.
Courses
General Education: 42 hours
HTM Business Core: 42 hours
Required Courses: 27 hours
Electives: 3 hours
Travel Agent Representative Schools in Oklahoma – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK, United States |
| Oklahoma City Community College | 7777 S May AveOklahoma City, OK 73159, United States |
| Pioneer Technology Center | 2101 N Ash St, Ponca City, OK 74601, United States |
| Northeastern State University | 600 N Grand Ave, Tahlequah, OK 74464, United States |
Salary
According to salary.com, as of July 2023, the average annual salary for a travel agent in Tulsa is $38,369.
However, an agent’s salary can range between $34,936 and $44,686 based on their level of education and experience in this field.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $33,535 |
| Tulsa | $34,963 |
| Norman | $33,314 |
| Lawton | $31,240 |
| Broken Arrow | $34,853 |
| Edmond | $33,425 |
| Muskogee | $34,632 |
| Enid | $33,204 |
| Bartlesville | $34,632 |
| Stillwater | $33,204 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | 90 | $37,350 | $17.96 | $65,380 | $23,960 |
| Tulsa, OK | 110 | $36,690 | $17.64 | $58,170 | $24,300 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pursue an online course?
Yes!
Many institutions offer remote training programs.
Some universities also offer fully remote degree programs, which you can take at your leisure.
How do I find clients?
One quick way is through word of mouth!
However, before enrolling in a program, make sure your course curriculum offers answers to questions like this.
How do I make money?
As an independent agent, you can set your own rates.
However, if you work for a company, you will receive a commission for each sale.
Travel Agent Info by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
