How to Become a Travel Agent in Tennessee

Updated On February 16, 2026

Getting Your Tennessee Travel Agent License

Tennessee Seal

Are you looking for a new and rewarding career in tourism?

You can easily start a career as a travel agent, as this job has many advantages.

However, you will first need to learn more about the training and certification required in Tennessee.

Check out the article below.

Travel Agent Job Description and Duties in Tennessee

Find Your Travel Agent Training Program

Search for Travel Agent training programs near you or online. Enter your zip code to get started.

Sponsored Listings

Travel agents provide assistance to clients and help them choose the best vacation packages.

For that to happen, you need to go to several locations and learn more about them.

This will help your clients make the best decision regarding their vacation packages.

In addition to offering recommendations, you will also help with:

  • Transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Entertainment

Furthermore, you will have the following responsibilities:

  • Reviewing visas, vaccinations, and other travel necessities
  • Keeping accurate records
  • Finding solutions to issues and emergencies
  • Handling payments and deposits
  • Promoting the various packages resorts, hotels, and cruise companies offer
  • Negotiating with hotels, resorts, cruise companies, and more

You can decide to get specialization, such as:

  • Honeymoon
  • Have some more family time together
  • For business
  • Go on a cruise
  • Luxury
  • Budget
  • Relaxation

Travel Agent Job Requirements in Tennessee

Travel agents need to have some skills in order to do their job.

These include the following:

  • Good communication skills
  • Good management skills
  • Able to use various computer programs
  • Good problem-solving skills
  • Great marketing skills
  • Able to work full-time
  • Detail-oriented
  • Being confident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Having a clean criminal record
  • Being honest
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Speaking a foreign language
  • Liking and having the ability to travel

In Tennessee, you can work without having any certification or education.

But, if you choose to get hired in an office, some companies might require credentials.

Many future travel agents opt for a bachelor’s degree that provides better career opportunities.

Education and Certification for a Travel Agent in Tennessee

Once you decide to get a certification, there are a few steps to take.

The first one is finding a school where you can train, that offers the program you need.

Then, you can choose between an online program or a physical one.

The online programs are more suitable for those who have a job already.

Currently, you can find the following programs in this state:

Find Your Travel Agent Training Program

Search for Travel Agent training programs near you or online. Enter your zip code to get started.

Sponsored Listings

Top 9 Travel Agent Schools in Tennessee

School Name Address
Chattanooga State Community College 4501 AMNICOLA HWY CHATTANOOGA, TN 37406
Christian Brothers University 650 EAST PARKWAY SOUTH MEMPHIS, TN 38104
Columbia State Community College 1665 HAMPSHIRE PIKE COLUMBIA, TN 38401
Nashville State Community College 120 WHITE BRIDGE RD NASHVILLE, TN 37209
Pellissippi State Community College 10915 HARDIN VALLEY ROAD KNOXVILLE, TN 37933
Southwest Tennessee Community College 737 UNION AVENUE MEMPHIS, TN 38103
Tennessee College of Applied Technology 2468 TECHNOLOGY CENTER DRIVE JACKSON, TN 38301
University of Memphis SOUTHERN AVENUE MEMPHIS, TN 38152
University of Tennessee 527 ANDY HOLT TOWER KNOXVILLE, TN 37996

To join one, you should have a high school diploma or a GED.

Some of the schools have additional requirements.

The subjects you will take in class include:

  • Introduction to the travel industry
  • Professional Skills
  • Basic/International geography
  • Destination geography
  • Introduction to international travel
  • Introduction to air travel
  • Transportation
  • Career development
  • Sales and marketing for travel

Travel Agent Salary and Employment in Tennessee

In Tennessee, you have many employment options.

For example, you can start your own business and work independently.

This requires additional certifications.

You can also decide to get a job for a travel company.

This involves office work, which can be suitable if you want a stable job.

Salaries for travel agents in Tennessee vary depending on how much experience and credentials you have.

It is also important that you live in a big city that offers many job opportunities.

This way, you will get more chances to get hired fast compared to those living in a less populated region.

Annual Salary Range:
Item Percent
$31K
$34K
$41K

Average Salary of Travel Agents in Tennessee

City Name Salary
Nashville $35,673
Memphis $35,572
Knoxville $35,219
Chattanooga $34,608
Clarksville $34,866
Murfreesboro $35,405
Franklin $35,548
Jackson $35,303
Johnson City $33,409
Hendersonville $35,620

Salary by Metro Area

Metro Area Employed Avg. Annual Avg. Hourly Top 10% Bottom 10%
Knoxville, TN50$54,600$26.25$79,030$35,520
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN260$53,330$25.64$63,580$36,240
* Salary information based on the May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Travel Agents in Tennessee

Travel agent certifications have to be kept up to date and renewed before expiring.

In this state, there are a few requirements in order to renew it.

First of all, you need to attend some additional hours of education.

But, you should consider contacting your licensing agency to get all the info you need.

You will also learn more about the industry updates and changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can agents specialize in music and cultural tours in Tennessee?

Yes, Nashville, Memphis, and music festivals attract many travelers.

Are adventure tourism packages in demand?

Yes, hiking in the Smoky Mountains, rafting, and ziplining are popular.

Are beach vacation packages relevant in Tennessee?

No, the state is landlocked; lake trips are more common.

Can agents plan corporate travel in Tennessee?

Yes, cities like Nashville and Knoxville have conferences and business travel needs.

Is travel agent certification required in Tennessee?

No, it is optional, but certified agents often earn higher commissions.

Can agents focus on historical and Civil War tours?

Yes, many clients visit battlefields, museums, and historical towns.

Can agents work remotely or freelance in Tennessee?

Yes, many manage clients and bookings online.

Is luxury travel a strong niche in Tennessee?

Yes, some cliets seek high-end resort stays and private tours.

Can agents specialize in family-friendly vacation packages?

Yes, theme parks, museums, and outdoor attractions are popular for families.

What skills help Tennessee travel agents advance their careers?

Destination expertise, client relations, marketing, and problem-solving skills.

Travel Agent State-specific Information:

7 Comments on Tennessee

  1. G
    George Bailey says:

    Might as well consider being a musician here too! Lots of musicians in the area and lots of travel agents too.

  2. L
    Lauren Hughes says:

    My sister is a travel agent and her salary is getting higher over the years! The only con is that there are lots of competitions in Tennessee nowadays.

  3. A
    Adrian Briggs says:

    I’ve been thinking about shifting my weekend hustle into travel planning, and what I read here made Tennessee actually feel like a real starting point. The way it broke down local perks and practical challenges was the kind of honest insight I needed.

  4. W
    William says:

    Didn’t realize you could dive into travel without a ton of certifications! Sounds like a great way to explore new places while helping others plan their adventures. Who knew becoming a travel agent could be so accessible?

  5. This sounds like such an exciting opportunity! I can only imagine the fun of exploring different travel destinations to help others with their dream vacations. Do you think there are certain spots in Tennessee that every budding travel agent should definitely visit first?

  6. So basically, if you love planning trips and dealing with people’s vacation drama while also becoming a semi-professional travel therapist, this might be the gig for you! Who wouldn’t want to juggle visas and hotel negotiations while trying to remember where they left their own sunscreen?

  7. V
    Valentina says:

    What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about becoming a travel agent?

Leave a Comment

Share
Facebook Pinterest Comment Comment
7