How Much Do Travel Agents Make in the UK? 2025 Breakdown

You’ve probably asked yourself, “How much do travel agents make in the UK?” Good question. The salary for a travel agent in the UK is somewhere around £22,000 to £27,000 a year. Travel’s booming again, and more people want to break into the industry—or level up what they already do. But the money side often gets brushed over. This guide gives you real numbers, not guesses. No jargon. No dodging the truth. Just what UK travel agents earn in 2025, how they earn it, and how to earn more.

What is the average travel agent salary in the UK?

Let’s start with the basics. The average salary for a travel agent in the UK is around £22,000 to £27,000 a year. This figure applies mostly to those working in high-street agencies or entry-level roles. If you’ve got a few years under your belt, that number can go up to £30,000 or more, especially in London or corporate travel. Managers and niche agents can earn closer to £35,000 to £40,000, depending on their clients and sales performance.

But that’s just the salary route. A growing number of travel agents now work independently—and they often earn more.

Employed travel agents vs independent travel agents

Working for a company means you get a set salary, regular hours, and benefits. You’ll likely work in an office or call centre. You earn a commission, too, but only a small cut. It’s stable, but there’s a cap.

Independent agents, on the other hand, run their own business. Most work under a host agency or travel franchise. They make money through commissions and service fees. There’s no limit to how much you can earn—but it depends on how well you sell and how you price your service.

If you’re self-motivated, want flexibility, and like building relationships, the independent route offers better-earning potential.

How much do independent travel agents make in the UK?

Most part-time self-employed agents make £500 to £2,000 per month once they get going. Full-time agents average £25,000 to £45,000 a year, with some earning £60,000 or more. The top 10%—those with strong client bases and niche offerings—can pull in £70,000 to £100,000+.

What makes the difference? Niche, service fees, repeat clients, and how well you market yourself. We’ll break that down next.

Commission: the main income stream for UK travel agents

Suppliers pay you a commission for each booking. This includes tour operators, airlines, cruise lines, and hotels. UK-based tour operators like Jet2holidays, TUI, and Riviera Travel typically offer 10% to 15% commission.

If you sell a £4,000 holiday at 12% commission, you’ll earn £480. Sell three of those a week, and you’re making £1,440 in gross commission. Multiply that by four weeks, and you’re looking at £5,760 a month before expenses.

Cruises, tailor-made trips, and luxury holidays offer higher commission. So do large group bookings and corporate packages.

Do travel agents in the UK charge service fees?

More and more UK agents now charge planning or consultation fees—and for good reason. It protects your time and shows your work has value. Fees also give you income upfront, even if the client doesn’t book.

Planning fees range from £50 to £300, depending on the trip. A short city break might carry a £50 fee. A custom honeymoon or group trip might be £200 to £500. Some agents charge a flat fee per booking, others offer tiered pricing.

Service fees are no longer taboo in the UK. Clients expect to pay for expert help—especially if they value time, trust, and quality.

How much do travel agents make from add-ons?

Smart agents never stop at just flights and hotels. They sell travel insurance, excursions, transfers, and upgrades. These extras boost your earnings with very little extra time.

Travel insurance pays 20% to 40% commission. Add that to most bookings, and your monthly income will go up fast. A £200 policy with a 30% commission earns you £60.

If you book five add-ons per week, that’s £300 a month extra—easy money.

Niche travel agents make more money.

The agents who earn the most often pick a niche. That could be luxury travel, ski holidays, cruises, wellness retreats, safaris, or Disney packages. Why? Clients will pay more for expert advice in these areas. You can also charge higher fees and get better supplier deals.

For example, a safari specialist may book trips worth £8,000 to £15,000 each. Even at a 10% commission, that’s £800 to £1,500 per booking. Do two of those a month, and your income starts to scale fast.

Group travel brings big results.

Group travel earns a high commission with less effort per person. Think destination weddings, student trips, corporate getaways, or extended families.

Let’s say you book a £20,000 group holiday. At 12% commission, you earn £2,400—in one go. Add service fees, travel insurance, and upgrades, and that figure grows.

Group travel also leads to referrals and repeat business. One successful trip often turns into five more the next year.

Corporate travel pays well.

Many agents avoid corporate travel because it’s fast-paced. But it pays better. Companies book frequently, often with tight deadlines. They value speed and precision—and they’re happy to pay for it.

Corporate clients usually pay monthly management fees, flat service charges, or higher commission rates. You also build stronger, long-term relationships.

If you’re organised, responsive, and good under pressure, this path can double your earnings.

Travel franchises and host agencies in the UK

Most UK self-employed travel agents work under a travel franchise or host agency. They offer back-end support, ATOL protection, supplier access, and admin tools. In return, they take a cut of your income.

Entry-level splits are usually 60/40 or 70/30—you keep the larger share. As your sales grow, you can negotiate better terms. Some switch to flat monthly fees once they have steady bookings.

Choosing the right host agency is key. Look at their training, supplier rates, tech, and marketing help. A good one makes the difference between struggling and scaling.

Certifications help boost income.

You don’t need formal qualifications to become a travel agent in the UK. But training and certifications help you stand out.

Complete online courses from ABTA, CLIA, or supplier brands like Virgin Holidays or Royal Caribbean. Specialise in a destination or type of travel and promote that. Clients trust pros who can show they know their stuff.

Suppliers also reward trained agents with better rates, bonus commissions, or exclusive offers.

What tools do successful travel agents use?

Time is money. The best agents use CRM tools, itinerary software, and booking platforms that cut admin time in half. The less time you spend on manual tasks, the more clients you can serve.

Most UK franchises provide access to these tools. If you’re independent, invest in simple systems that help with quotes, client records, and follow-ups.

Automation won’t replace your personal touch—but it frees up time to grow your income.

What do part-time travel agents in the UK earn?

Part-time agents usually earn £500 to £1,500 a month. That depends on how many bookings you do and what kind of holidays you sell. Many start part-time and switch to full-time once they build confidence, skills, and a client list.

If you plan five simple bookings a month, each earning you £100 to £300, that’s a nice side income. Over time, those bookings turn into referrals and repeat clients. That’s when things take off.

Quick example: income from a single booking

You plan a honeymoon worth £6,000. Your supplier pays 12% commission—that’s £720. You also charge a £150 planning fee, plus an add-on £60 in travel insurance commission. That’s £930 in total for one trip.

Do four trips like that a month, and you’re earning £3,720. That’s not including any future referrals or repeat bookings.

Final thoughts: how much travel agents make in the UK comes down to strategy

So, how much do travel agents make in the UK? There’s no single answer. Some earn pocket money. Others build six-figure incomes. The difference comes down to how you price your services, how you sell, and who your clients are.

If you treat it like a business, stay consistent, and focus on value—not just volume—you can turn travel into a serious income. Choose a niche. Charge your worth. Build strong client relationships. That’s how UK travel agents win in 2025.

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