I have an administrative position with a large agency in Michigan. I've worked in various travel positions (meetings and incentives, groups, corporate, leisure, management) for the past 16 years. Starting pay is very low in this area - around 8.00 an hour plus incentives. Experienced agents with a client following can expect to make 15-18.00 and hour. Because of all of the commission cuts lately from the airlines, I would suggest focusing on leisure travel (tours and cruises). Most agencies still make 10-16% on leisure packages with their preferred vendors. Outside sales is an excellent option if you don't need benefits and can handle an unpredictable paycheck. Outside agents usually make 45-50% of the commission earned on each booking if they do all of the work themselves. You would have to build up your own clientelle and could do most of your work from home. As someone said earlier, it's a good second income with lots of travel perks, but I wouldn't want to try to support a family as a travel agent!