Compensation levels for corporate travel managers — including meeting managers — grew by 5 percent this year to an average of $101,736, according to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation, which yesterday released the results of its annual compensation and benefits survey.
A survey of 255 corporate travel and meetings managers working in the United States and Canada, the "2011 Travel Management Compensation and Benefits Survey" found that 62 percent of respondents were satisfied with their salaries and that 70 percent said their department hasn't seen economy-related job cuts.
"Despite global economic challenges, job security and compensation remain strong for travel buyers," said GBTA Chairman Craig Banikowski. "Employers increasingly recognize that business travel is a strategic investment in growth and rely on their travel management teams to ensure a good return on that investment."
In 2011, "directors" reported a 1 percent increase in compensation, to $133,965; "managers/supervisors" an 11 percent increase, to $101,250; and "coordinators/specialists" and "administrative assistants" a 5 percent increase, to $62,514.
When it comes to benefits, the meeting industry will be glad to know: Nearly 90 percent of travel buyers said their employer pays their convention attendance and professional association dues in full, while 78 percent said their employers also cover continuing education.
"Companies recognize that travel managers are the key to developing and implementing strategic travel management programs and are investing in their continued education," Banikowski said. "Through professional development, business travelers will continue to improve their knowledge and skills, expanding their ability to support corporate travelers and help maximize the value of their companies' travel programs."