What does a travel agent, ticket seller do? – Tasks and work environment
A travel agent, ticket seller works with selling trips, tickets, and related services to customers via phone, internet, or face-to-face at the counter. Responsibilities include providing advice on destinations, booking and rebooking tickets, handling payments, and informing about terms and additional services. The profession often requires working in a high-paced environment where customer contact and administration are central parts of daily work. Common workplaces include travel agencies, public transport customer centers, airports, and train stations, which involve varying working hours including evenings and weekends.
Salary development over time
Over the past three years, salaries for travel agents, ticket sellers have shown steady but moderate growth. In 2022, the average salary was 27,900 SEK per month, rising to 29 300 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 100 SEK in 2024. The total increase during this period is approximately 7.9%. Salaries have followed a relatively stable upward trend, which can be linked to increased experience and some demand for service-oriented staff, although digitalization has impacted the need for traditional ticket agents. Gender differences are small, but women earn on average 99% of men's salaries. The market is characterized by an oversupply of labor, which may dampen future salary increases.
Travel agent, ticket seller salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 100 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (men), 29,100 SEK/month (women)
- Highest salary: 32,200 SEK/month (men), 30,800 SEK/month (women)
- Hourly wage (average): 181 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are found within regional sectors for men, with variations depending on employer and location
Education and qualifications
To work as a travel agent, ticket seller, a high school education is usually required, preferably with a focus on commerce, tourism, or administration. Employers often view experience from service roles and good language skills, especially in English, positively. Practical experience and knowledge of booking systems are advantageous and can sometimes be decisive in recruitment.
- High school education: Commerce, tourism, or administration (3 years)
- Courses and certifications: Booking systems, customer service
- Internship: Experience from service roles or the travel industry is meritorious
- Language skills: English and sometimes additional languages
- Prerequisites: Good computer skills and social competence
Travel agents and ticket sellers often have a unique opportunity to help people in stressful situations, such as canceled trips or lost tickets. The ability to quickly solve problems and stay calm can make a big difference for the customer experience—and for the variety of the workday.
Common benefits and compensations
People working as travel agents, ticket sellers are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, employee discounts on travel, and the possibility of flexible hours or schedule adjustments. Other common benefits may include pension contributions, collective insurance schemes, and sometimes bonuses for meeting sales targets.
Competition and challenges
The job market for travel agents, ticket sellers is characterized by high competition and an oversupply of applicants. Digitalization has reduced the need for traditional ticket sellers, especially within public transport and airlines, where self-service options are increasingly common. At the same time, increased demands for service and customer adaptation can lead to new tasks and the need for further training. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to rapid changes are important qualities. Despite these challenges, opportunities still exist, especially for those who are service-minded and technologically skilled.
Tips for those wanting to become a travel agent, ticket seller
To succeed as a travel agent, ticket seller, it is good to be communicative and genuinely interested in helping people. It helps to be stress-resistant, as the work environment is often fast-paced and requires quick decisions. Good organizational skills assist in handling multiple bookings and customer inquiries simultaneously, while technical curiosity makes it easier to learn new booking systems. Service orientation and patience are crucial when meeting customers who may be frustrated or in a hurry. Staying updated on destinations and regulations, as well as practicing language skills to serve a broader customer base, gives an advantage.
Key facts about travel agents, ticket sellers
- Salary range: 27,000–32,200 SEK/month
- Education level: High school, preferably with a focus on commerce or tourism
- Work environment: Customer-oriented, often high-paced with varying working hours
- Demand: Limited opportunities, oversupply of applicants
- Job openings: Approximately 550 advertised positions within the profession
Career paths and outlook
After several years of experience, a travel agent, ticket seller can advance to roles such as team leader, supervisor, or specialized salesperson within the travel industry. There are also opportunities for further education to become a travel manager or to work with corporate travel and events. According to the Employment Service's forecast, the demand for cash register personnel, which includes this profession, is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. However, an oversupply of labor persists, meaning competition for jobs remains high. Adaptability, language skills, and technical competence can therefore increase chances of employment and career development.
Frequently asked questions about travel agents, ticket sellers
- What is the salary of a travel agent, ticket seller?
- The average salary is 30 100 SEK per month, ranging from 27,000 SEK to 32,200 SEK depending on experience and employer.
- What education is required?
- High school education, preferably with a focus on commerce, administration, or tourism.
- Are there differences between men's and women's salaries?
- Yes, women earn on average 99% of men's salaries in the profession.
- What is the job market like?
- There is an oversupply of applicants and limited job opportunities, according to the Employment Service.
- What personal qualities are important?
- Service orientation, stress tolerance, communication skills, and technical curiosity are valuable qualities.
- What are the most common workplaces?
- Travel agencies, public transport customer centers, airports, and train stations.
- Are there career opportunities?
- Yes, for example as team leaders, specialized salespersons, or within corporate travel.
