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Only a few states require licensing to become a travel agent.
South Dakota is one that does not.
You could just say you are a travel agent and start making arrangements for people to travel.
You would not likely get much business.
While licensing is not a legal requirement in South Dakota, in practice it is necessary to have a lot of success.
South Dakota is attracting more tourists, so it is a growing industry in the state.
Article Table of Contents
Travel Agent Duties in South Dakota
Travel agents arrange trips for people, organizations, or companies.
They sell transportation, lodging, and admission to various events and sites.
They do all the planning and make all the needed arrangements for your vacation.
Anyone can do this for themselves, of course, but the travel agent is expected to know more than the average person, and to be able to do it better and more efficiently.
The travel agent’s fee is included in the travel package they sell.
Travel agents take a lot of worry out of traveling.
People may pay a little more by using a travel agent, but they will save a lot of work and anxiety.
The basic duty of a travel agent is to take care of the details about transportation, accommodations, and entertainment – or sights to see if sightseeing.
You may also help with information regarding visas, vaccinations, and other travel needs.
Travel agents are expected to know a lot about many destinations, and how to best enjoy them.
They give advice when planning trips, and help people plan their perfect vacation.
Licensing Requirements in South Dakota
The State of South Dakota does not require a person to have a license to be a travel agent.
A person can still take a study program and get a certificate of having completed the training.
When you have that, you have more credibility when looking for a job, or when trying to win clients.
You can become a travel agent by just claiming to be one.
As a practical matter, you will have a lot more success if you have some kind of certificate.
Travel Agent Programs
There are a few programs available at some schools in South Dakota.
Many travel agent courses are available online.
You do not have to get your education or certificate in South Dakota to work in South Dakota.
You can work for an existing agency or start your own.
Some of the top programs in the state:
- Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. Offers degrees in Tourism Hospitality Management, and Hospitality for Business. In-state cost for tuition after financial aid is about $16,000 per year. This four-year degree would qualify a person for other jobs.
- National American University in Rapid City, SD, offers a certificate that can be completed in person, or online, for about $2,000. The online version can be started at any time. It will qualify a person to take the test to be certified by the national travel organization. This is a six-month program but can be completed at your own pace.
- South Dakota State in Brookings, SD, offers a four-year program in hospitality, tourism, and event management. This would qualify a person to be in travel management. The cost for full-time students with financial aid is about $19,000.
Salary and Job Prospects
In South Dakota, the median starting salary for a travel agent is $30,000 – $38,000.
There are not a lot of travel agents in the state.
In 2018 there were 100 and the next year there were 120 people working as travel agents.
This is well below the national average of 600.
Tourism is growing in South Dakota, which could mean there will be more jobs like this in the future.
There is also the option of starting your own travel agent business, and your salary would depend on how well you do.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $34,726 |
| Rapid City | $33,573 |
| Aberdeen | $31,527 |
| Watertown | $34,145 |
| Brookings | $34,145 |
| Mitchell | $34,145 |
| Pierre | $32,107 |
| Yankton | $33,360 |
| Huron | $32,836 |
| Vermillion | $32,575 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 30 | $50,230 | $24.15 | $66,960 | $39,160 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 50 | $47,940 | $23.05 | $64,180 | $36,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Sources
https://tradecollege.org/careers/travel-agents/south-dakota-us/
https://www.travelsafe-abroad.com/travel-agent/south-dakota/
Frequently Asked Questions
If there is no license requirement, why do I need training?
In theory, you do not need training.
With training, you will have credibility with agencies looking for agents.
Training will help you open doors for your career, and it will help you develop your own business if you go that route.
What skills are needed as a travel agent?
Good communication and customer service skills are the most important things you need.
You will need good administrative and organizational skills, as well as attentiveness to detail.
The ability to understand the needs of people, and a willingness to help them, are also good skills to have.
Some sales skills will also be needed.
What are specialized areas in the travel business?
It is possible to be a general travel agent, but if you have an interest in a specific area, you can choose a specialization.
The more skills or training you have in each of these areas gives you more opportunities.
You can even create your own specialty if you start your own business.
If you start your own agency, you may be the only employee.
You can study each specialization to become more knowledgeable about as many specific areas as you like.
Specializations include:
- Honeymoons and weddings
- Family vacations
- Cruises and luxury travel
- Budget travel.
- Adventure travel.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Travel Agent
Travel Agent License by State