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What is a travel manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

If you want to see that a company's travel operations run smoothly, consider becoming a travel manager. A corporate travel manager is responsible for developing and overseeing the travel policies and activities for a business. The travel manager doesn't necessarily handle travel arrangements; instead, they are strategic thinkers who set travel guidelines and budgets that ensure that the company has smooth and efficient travel operations.

Travel managers may also develop strategic policies and programs, manage relationships with travel agencies and vendors, negotiate contracts or rates with travel vendors, and drive continuous improvement for the travel program. Travel managers also organize expenses, analyze data, and implement new technology solutions related to travel.

If you want to be a travel manager, you'll also need to be up to date on the latest travel industry trends to determine potential future programs and cost savings. Corporate travel managers are usually expected to have a bachelor's degree in tourism, travel, hospitality, or other related industry.

ScoreTravel ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.2

Avg. Salary $66,782

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.0

Growth Rate 20%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 8.56%

Black or African American 7.13%

Hispanic or Latino 13.08%

Unknown 4.44%

White 66.69%

Gender

female 67.47%

male 32.53%

Age - 52
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52
Stress Level
7.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
6.6

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
7.4

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

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Travel Manager career paths

Key steps to become a travel manager

  1. Explore travel manager education requirements

    Most common travel manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    56.5 %

    Associate

    22.8 %

    High School Diploma

    7.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific travel manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Booking11.19%
    Reservations7.35%
    Customer Service6.37%
    Travel Industry4.76%
    Card Program4.51%
  3. Complete relevant travel manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New travel managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a travel manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real travel manager resumes.
  4. Gain additional travel manager certifications

    Travel manager certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific travel manager certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for travel managers include Travel and Tourism Professional (TTP) and Certified Travel Associate (CTA).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research travel manager duties and responsibilities

    • Negotiate fares and manage reservations for group participants using a limit budget and contract agreements with airlines
    • Arrange VIP travel on corporate jet and communicate with pilot to ensure efficient scheduling.
    • Handle VIP travel on corporate jet and work closely with pilot to ensure efficient time schedules.
    • Help with converting browser base implementation to a completely WPF implementation, resulting in thrice the speed and performance gain.
  6. Prepare your travel manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your travel manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a travel manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Travel Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Travel Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Travel Manager resume.
    Travel Manager Resume
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    Travel Manager Resume
    Travel Manager Resume
    Travel Manager Resume
  7. Apply for travel manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a travel manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

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Average travel manager salary

The average Travel Manager salary in the United States is $66,782 per year or $32 per hour. Travel manager salaries range between $45,000 and $98,000 per year.

Average Travel Manager Salary
$66,782 Yearly
$32.11 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.