How Does a Travel Agent Get Paid?

If you’re considering a career in travel, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is:

“How does a travel agent get paid – and how much could I actually earn?”

It’s a fair question, and one we hear all the time from people exploring the idea of joining a travel agency franchise or stepping away from a traditional high street role.

The short answer? Travel agents can earn very well, but how much you make depends on how you choose to work, the support you have around you, and how far you want to take it.

Let’s break it down properly.

How Does a Travel Agent Get Paid?

Most travel agents earn money through commission paid by travel suppliers. These suppliers include tour operators, cruise lines, hotels, villa providers and airline consolidators.

When an agent books a holiday for a client, the supplier pays a percentage of that booking value once the customer has travelled. Importantly, the client doesn’t pay extra for using a travel agent, commission is built into the price.

On average, blended commission across most bookings sits at around 10%.

So, for example:

• A £4,000 holiday would typically generate around £400 in commission

There may be other considerations such as franchise fees or commission splits, but this gives a clear and realistic starting point.

What Does That Look Like Over a Year?

This is where it starts to get interesting.

If you were to complete:

• 2 bookings per week, that’s roughly £800 per week

• 3 bookings per week, that’s around £1,200 per week

Over the course of a year, that could equate to:

• £40,000–£60,000+ in gross commission

And that’s not a ceiling, it’s a foundation.

As confidence grows, systems improve and your client base builds, many travel agents increase both their booking values and their volume. Repeat customers, referrals and niche expertise all contribute to long-term growth.

With consistency, dedication and year-on-year momentum, it’s entirely realistic for experienced agents to move beyond £60,000 and into £80,000–£100,000+ per year.

That’s one of the biggest differences between working for yourself and working to a fixed salary.

How Does This Compare to a High Street Travel Agent Salary?

A full-time employed travel agent working in a high street store in the UK typically earns:

• £18,000–£23,000 per year, sometimes slightly more with commission or bonuses

While employed roles offer structure and stability, earnings are usually capped. No matter how many holidays you sell, your income often stays within a fixed band.

In contrast, running your own business through a travel agency franchise allows your income to grow in line with your effort, experience and ambition.

You’re not limited by store hours, footfall or rigid targets, and you’re building something that belongs to you.

The Role of a Travel Franchise

A travel franchise bridges the gap between employment and complete independence.

You get:

• Access to trusted suppliers and strong commission structures

• Proven systems and training

• Brand credibility and customer trust

• Ongoing support from people who want you to succeed

At The Good Travel Agent, we focus on helping people build sustainable, long-term businesses, not quick wins. Our franchise partners grow at their own pace, with the backing of a supportive community and a business model designed for longevity.

So, How Much Can a Travel Agent Really Make?

The honest answer is: there’s no ceiling.

Some people choose to work part-time and earn a healthy secondary income. Others build full-time businesses that grow year after year.

With the right mindset, support and consistency, earning £60,000+ is achievable and for many, £100,000+ becomes a realistic long-term goal rather than a pipe dream.

That’s the difference between having a job and building a business.

Thinking About Becoming a Travel Agent?

If you’re curious about whether a travel agency franchise could be the right move for you, we’d love to talk.

At The Good Travel Agent, we help people create rewarding, flexible careers in travel backed by support, structure and a community that genuinely cares.

👉 Get that good feeling and explore what your future in travel could look like.