Chicago Travel Jobs Overview
When you think about travel, you may imagine big airlines and cruise ships, learning about other cultures, and visiting new and exciting locations. While some travel jobs are like that, others are bit more local. Working in travel puts you in the middle of an industry vital to the U.S. economy. In fact, according to the U.S. Travel Association, travel is the largest economic supporter of small businesses in the U.S. Travel is also the seventh-largest civilian employer in the American economy, accounting for 9 million jobs.
Travel jobs can bring you close to home or far away to distant destinations. You can work at a travel agency helping people plan trips to exotic locations and visit those locations, so you are familiar with all they have to offer. Cruise ship jobs include everything from entertainers to ship captains. Tour guides get to know popular vacation spots so they can show people all the sights. You can find these and so many more jobs in the travel industry that fit your skills and interests.
You can expand your search for service jobs by checking out these similar positions:
About Working in Chicago, Illinois
If you're going to Chicago to experience "da Bears," deep-dish pizza, and windy streets, native Chicagoans say "fogetta 'bout it!" While these have made Chicago famous, you'll find many locals eating thin-crust, tavern-style pie. Plus, the city isn't on any list of the windiest cities in the U.S.—a local newspaper named it "The Windy City" after the Chicago elite's propensity toward boastfulness and self-promotion. And while the Chicago jobs list (hit jobs, that is) includes notorious mobsters from Chicago like Al Capone, John Dillinger, and Baby Face Nelson, linguists are noticing that the "Chicago accent" is disappearing.
However, there's a reason Condé Nast Traveler has named Chicago the "best big city in the U.S." Chicago is home to top universities, including Northwestern University, Wheaton College, and Valparaiso. And if you're looking for Chicago jobs, you can relocate to any one of the city's unique neighborhoods, such as North Center with its cozy Irish pubs and breweries or Uptown, the lively entertainment district. For those who want to live further out from the city, you can also find jobs in popular suburbs including Cicero, Oak Park, and Evanston.
Update Your Chicago Travel Resume
To make the best impression, you should submit a resume along with filling out an employer's application. If you need a resume or have one that could use a refresh, take a look at these resume templates you can follow and read through these articles that answer all your burning resume questions. You may also need a cover letter—and we're ready to help with cover letter samples and cover letter writing tips available on Monster.
How Much Do Travel Jobs Pay in Chicago, Illinois?
Got money on your mind? You should! Make sure you’re getting paid what you’re worth. Our Salary Tools can help you understand what you can expect to make in travel jobs in Chicago, Illinois, as well as the skills that can boost your value and what the next steps in your career might be. Right now, the median travel agent pay in Chicago is $44,696 per year, which is 8% higher than the national average.
Find Your Next Chicago Travel Job. Monster Can Help Get You Started
Are you prepared for a career in travel? If so, set up your profile on Monster for free and begin clicking on those travel jobs. When you sign up with us, you’ll receive custom job alerts and expert advice on how to negotiate your salary in Chicago, how to nail your job interview, and more.