What does a travel agent, ticket seller do? – Tasks and work environment
A travel agent, ticket seller works with providing service and selling tickets for travel within areas such as trains, buses, flights, or ferries. Tasks include advising on destinations, schedules, and prices, booking trips, handling payments, and managing administrative tasks related to customer bookings. The role often involves solving problems for travelers, informing about terms, and managing rebookings or cancellations. The work environment is typically office- or reception-based, often in direct contact with customers, where the pace can be fast and demands for service and accuracy are high.
Salary development over time
The salary for a travel agent, ticket seller has increased steadily over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,900 SEK per month, rising to 29 300 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary is 30 100 SEK, representing a total increase of approximately 8% over three years. This positive trend reflects general wage pressures within service occupations, as well as adjustments for inflation and rising living costs. Competition for jobs remains high, which influences salary development and may explain the moderate increase compared to other professions. The gender pay gap is small, with women earning 99% of what men do, indicating a relatively equal pay structure within the profession.
Travel agent, ticket seller salary – complete 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: 181 SEK
- Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do
- Regional differences: Highest salaries are found in the regional sector
Education and qualifications
The path to working as a travel agent, ticket seller often involves completing high school education, preferably with a focus on trade, tourism, or administration. Many employers value experience from service roles and good language skills, especially in English. Practical experience through internships or trainee programs can be advantageous, and some companies offer internal training to strengthen specific skills required for the role.
- High school education: Trade or tourism programs, 3 years
- Courses: Sales, customer service, booking systems
- Internships: Meritorious in service or travel industries
- Language skills: English and preferably additional languages
- Certifications: Sometimes available from larger travel companies
Many travel agents and ticket sellers become experts at handling unexpected situations, such as canceled departures or technical issues. The ability to quickly find solutions and stay calm can make a big difference for the customer experience – and often leads to repeat business.
Common benefits and compensations
Benefits for travel agents, ticket sellers can include employee discounts on travel, wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and sometimes sales-based bonuses. Some employers also offer internal training and development opportunities.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a travel agent, ticket seller is relatively high, mainly because there are more applicants than job openings in the profession. Digitalization has streamlined many booking processes, reducing the need for manual ticket sales. At the same time, high demands are placed on service, language skills, and the ability to handle stressful situations. The profession requires great flexibility, as working hours often vary with evening and weekend shifts. For newcomers to the labor market, establishing oneself and gaining the experience sought by larger employers can be challenging.
Tips for those wanting to become a travel agent, ticket seller
To succeed as a travel agent, ticket seller, it is important to combine a strong customer focus with the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations. Developing good communication skills is crucial, as clear and friendly information often leads to more satisfied customers. An interest in travel and geography helps when inspiring and guiding customers to the right choices. Precision is necessary when working with booking systems and payments to avoid errors. Additionally, stress resilience is important, as the pace can be high, especially during disruptions or delays. Showing engagement and curiosity about new digital tools increases the chances of staying ahead in the profession. Finally, networking within the industry can help discover job opportunities and build valuable contacts.
Key facts about travel agents, ticket sellers
- Education level: High school diploma, preferably with a focus on trade or tourism
- Work environment: Office or reception, often with a high pace and customer contact
- Typical employment: Full-time, but part-time and hourly positions also exist
- Demand: Limited opportunities, surplus of labor
- Special skills: Experience with booking systems and good language skills
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a travel agent, ticket seller can advance to more specialized roles such as group travel coordinator, team leader, or customer service trainer. Some choose to further their education in tourism or sales to work in business development or marketing within the travel industry. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s forecasts indicate limited job opportunities and an oversupply of labor, meaning competition will remain high in the coming years. Demand is expected to stay unchanged over five years, but those combining experience with digital skills and language proficiency may have an advantage in recruitment. Currently, there are 550 job openings in the profession, but availability varies by region and season.
Frequently asked questions about travel agents, ticket sellers
- What does a travel agent, ticket seller earn?
- The average salary for a travel agent, ticket seller is 30 100 SEK per month.
- What are the gender differences in salary?
- Women earn 99% of men's salaries within the profession.
- What is the highest and lowest salary?
- The highest salary is 32,200 SEK (men), 30,800 SEK (women). The lowest salary is 27,000 SEK (men), 29,100 SEK (women).
- What education is required?
- High school education with a focus on trade or tourism is recommended, often supplemented with practical experience.
- What are the future prospects?
- Job opportunities are limited according to the Swedish Public Employment Service, with a surplus of labor.
- What benefits are common?
- Employee discounts on travel, wellness allowances, and bonuses are common.
- Are there many job openings?
- Currently, there are 550 job openings in the profession.
