Travel Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level agents earn $35k‑$55k; mid‑level tour operators $50k‑$70k; senior airline ops managers $70k‑$110k; travel tech developers $80k‑$140k; and sustainable tourism coordinators $50k‑$90k, all varying by region and company size.

Key skills include GDS proficiency (Sabre, Amadeus, Galileo), CRS and CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot), aviation safety knowledge (FAA or EASA), and data analytics (Python, SQL). Certifications such as Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE), ISO 14001 for ESG, and hospitality management credentials boost credibility.

Remote roles exist in travel tech development, data analysis, virtual tour design, and customer support. Airline ops and hospitality positions often require on‑site presence, but many agencies now allow hybrid arrangements for agents and coordinators.

A travel agent can advance to senior consultant, then to sales manager or regional director. Airline ops staff may move from crew to flight operations supervisor to director of operations. Tech roles progress from junior developer to product manager, then to CTO or head