HospitalityUpdated Q1 2025

Travel Agent Salary
in Chicago, IL

Plan and book travel arrangements for individuals and groups including flights, hotels, and tours. Median salary in Chicago: $48K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$48K
per year
Take-home: $31K

Salary range in Chicago

Entry level (25th)$37,000
Median (50th)$48,000
Senior (75th)$65,000
Top earner (90th)$89,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Chicago, Illinois.

Key facts for Chicago

Median salary
$48K
annual
Take-home pay
$31K
after fed/state tax
COL index
107
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,650
per month
YoY growth
+3%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Chicago Travel Agent to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $48K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Chicago

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Travel Agent salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$40K$44K$47K$51K$54K201920212023202520272029
2026
$49K
projected
2027
$50K
projected
2028
$52K
projected
2029
$53K
projected
2030
$54K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$48,000+$0
2028 projected$48,000+$0
2029 projected$48,000+$0
2030 projected$48,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Travel Agent Salary in Chicago, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Travel Agent salary in Chicago, IL is $48,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Chicago–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Travel Agent in Chicago

Entry-level Travel Agents in Chicago with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $37,000 and $48,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $48,000 to $65,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $65,000 to $89,000 or more.

Cost of living in Chicago for Travel Agents

Chicago has a cost of living index of 107 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Chicago are close to the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Travel Agent

Associate's or Bachelor's; ASTA certification. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Chicago-based professionals.

Travel Agent salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Chicago (current)$48K107
Aurora95
Joliet90
Naperville118
Rockford80