Travel Agents vs. Retail Salespersons: Who Earns More?
Travel Agents out-earn Retail Salespersons by $15K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Travel Agents land at $50,160 and Retail Salespersons at $35,410. The education gap is real: travel agent programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while retail salesperson programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Travel Agents is Nevada ($63,400); for Retail Salespersons it's Washington ($39,560).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Travel Agents median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Travel Agents or Retail Salespersons?
Travel Agents earn more nationally. The median is $50,160 for Travel Agents versus $35,410 for Retail Salespersons, a difference of $15K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Travel Agents or Retail Salespersons?
Travel Agents has the better 10-year outlook at 2.2% projected growth, compared to -0.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Travel Agents or Retail Salespersons?
Travel Agents typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Retail Salespersons requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Travel Agents get paid the most?
Nevada is the top-paying state for Travel Agents at $63,400/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Travel Agents vs. Retail Salespersons pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Travel Agents earn $61,560 vs. $38,500 for Retail Salespersons. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.