How much does a reservation agent make?
a year · about $21 an hour
A typical reservation agent in the United States makes $44,390 a year, about $21 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They check schedules and open seats on a computer, answer travelers’ questions, and book, change, or confirm trips and lodging. At an airport, they may check documents and bags, issue boarding passes, and guide passengers who need help.
Did you know? Some reservation agents may announce arrivals and departures over a public-address system—not just book trips.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $32,140 and $78,150How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma or GED is the usual starting point; extra college is not usually needed. Apply to an airline or travel company, then learn booking software, ticket rules, and safety steps on the job.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and helping and teaching
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience and computer or customer-service skills, the employer and setting (such as an airline or booking office), and location. Working full-time or part-time changes total earnings, and shifts may include evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Michigan ($60,220), lowest in Wisconsin ($35,950).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $32,140 | $44,390 | $78,150 | about 119,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $60,220 | about 2,000 |
| Minnesota | $60,090 | about 2,000 |
| California | $49,420 | about 11,000 |
| Washington | $48,520 | about 3,000 |
| Georgia | $47,860 | about 6,000 |
Official definition: Make and confirm reservations for transportation or lodging, or sell transportation tickets. May check baggage and direct passengers to designated concourse, pier, or track; deliver tickets and contact individuals and groups to inform them of package tours; or provide tourists with travel or transportation information. Excludes "Cashiers” (41-2011), "Travel Agents” (41-3041), and "Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks” (43-4081) who sell tickets for local transportation.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4181.00
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100435?parentId=110800&s
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/clusters/OccupationDetails/100435?parentId=110900&s
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes434181.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY