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Insurance sales agent: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$62,280median pay per year, or $29.94 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $37,330lowest 10% earn less
  2. $46,87025th percentile
  3. $62,280median
  4. $96,95075th percentile
  5. $138,140top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

The median insurance sales agent earned $62,280 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 3.3% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+3.3%[2]
Openings per year
43,100[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do insurance sales agents make?

The median pay for Insurance Sales Agents was $62,280 a year, or $29.94 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The mean (average) wage was $81,480 a year, or $39.18 an hour[7]. For all occupations in the US, the median annual wage was $50,980[4].

Pay varies a lot in this job. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $37,330 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $138,140[3]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

Measure Annual Hourly
10th percentile[3][9] $37,330 $17.95
25th percentile[3][9] $46,870 $22.53
Median[1] $62,280 $29.94
75th percentile[3][9] $96,950 $46.61
90th percentile[3][9] $138,140 $66.41

These figures cover workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits[10]. About 11.8% of insurance sales agents were self-employed in 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

The District of Columbia had the highest median annual wage[12] at $84,530[12]. New Jersey followed at $81,640[12], then Rhode Island at $79,930[12]. Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs[13], San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA had the highest median at $95,640[13], followed by Fond du Lac, WI at $95,110[13] and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI at $84,670[13].

The most jobs were in Florida (47,560), Texas (47,060) and California (41,160)[14]. Medians in those three states were $59,790, $51,180 and $76,120[12]. The metro areas with the most jobs were New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ with 21,280 jobs and Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX with 15,800 jobs[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[12]$84,530n/a
New Jersey$81,64011,370
Rhode Island$79,9301,700
Wisconsin$79,4507,860
Massachusetts$79,3009,940
Minnesota$78,64010,010
New York$78,11022,420
California$76,12041,160
Connecticut$74,8405,230
New Hampshire$74,3702,320
Pennsylvania$73,37019,390
South Dakota$71,9901,870
Wyoming$71,830850
North Dakota$71,2201,460
Vermont$70,720730
Colorado$68,7309,530
Alabama$65,5107,430
Illinois$64,28016,360
Hawaii$64,1701,070
Maine$62,9202,240
Montana$62,0402,090
Michigan$61,90012,160
Georgia$61,85018,030
Oregon$61,6805,370
Nebraska$61,5906,160
Arizona$61,56011,870
Indiana$61,36010,440
South Carolina$61,3508,220
Ohio$61,26016,250
Utah$61,2304,620
Washington$61,04010,500
Kentucky$60,8806,210
Virginia$60,5209,480
Kansas$60,3706,360
Iowa$60,1406,840
Florida$59,79047,560
Missouri$58,99010,030
North Carolina$58,71020,540
Idaho$58,5103,200
Maryland$58,3005,700
Tennessee$57,1207,610
Arkansas$56,7204,580
Louisiana$55,4407,100
Texas$51,18047,060
Alaska$50,500540
Nevada$49,1004,200
Mississippi$47,9303,210
Oklahoma$47,9205,310
Delaware$46,7101,220
West Virginia$45,4801,430
New Mexico$45,1802,200

How to become an insurance sales agent

1) Finish high school[6]. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent, and no work experience in a related occupation is needed[6]. Some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree, for example in business[16][17]. 2) Get licensed[16]. Agents must hold a license in each state where they work[16]. Selling life and health insurance takes a different license than selling property and casualty insurance[18]. In most states, applicants complete required courses and pass state exams on insurance basics and state insurance law[18]. 3) Learn on the job[6]. The typical training is moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. New agents often shadow an experienced agent and learn about insurance products, selling and working with clients[19]. 4) Keep learning[18]. Most state licensing authorities also require continuing education courses[18]. Employers may also expect agents to keep up with changes in regulations that affect clients[20].

Agents who also want to sell securities and other financial products need a license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)[21]. Certifications in insurance specialties are not required for employment, but they may help a candidate stand out[22].

BLS does not say how long the training takes beyond calling it moderate-term[6].

What insurance sales agents do

Insurance sales agents sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive and other types of insurance[23]. Typical tasks listed by O*NET include:

BLS names several qualities that matter, including analytical, communication, interpersonal and self-confidence skills, plus the initiative to seek out new clients[25][26][27][28][29]. Common job titles include insurance agent, insurance broker and sales representative[30].

Where they work

Insurance agencies and brokerages were the largest employer, at 63% of jobs in 2025[31]. Agents mostly work in offices, and they may travel to meet clients[32]. Most insurance sales agents work full time[33].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of insurance sales agents to grow 3.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 572,600 to 591,400 jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[34]. That puts this job close to the average pace.

About 43,100 openings are projected each year, on average[5]. Openings include jobs that appear when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 3.2% of workers leave the labor force and 3.8% move to a different occupation[35].

BLS lists one factor that affects employment. As AI tools are increasingly integrated into workflows, a share decreases, which allows agents to focus on direct sales activity[36].

The jobs count here is higher than the OEWS count of about 479,100[37]. The projection count includes self-employed workers[2]. OEWS counts only wage and salary jobs[37].

Is it a good fit?

The entry path is open. A high school diploma is the typical requirement, no related experience is needed, and training happens on the job[6]. A state license is required[16]. Pay is wide, with a median above the all-occupations median[1][4] and a 90th percentile of $138,140[3]. The work involves finding new clients and staying composed if they say no[27][29]. Growth is projected to be close to the all-occupations rate[2][34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[38].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an insurance sales agent make an hour?
The median was $29.94 an hour in May 2025, and the mean was $39.18 an hour[1][7].
What degree do you need to be an insurance sales agent?
The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent[6]. Some employers prefer a bachelor's degree[16]. Agents must be licensed in the states where they work[16].
Is insurance sales in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 3.3% from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[2][34]. About 43,100 openings are projected each year[5].
What is the highest paying state for insurance sales agents?
The District of Columbia had the highest median at $84,530[12]. New Jersey was next at $81,640[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Insurance Sales Agents in the US was $62,280 per year and $29.94 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Insurance Sales Agents is projected to grow 3.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 572,600 to 591,400 jobs (a change of +18,800). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Insurance Sales Agents: 10th percentile $37,330, 25th percentile $46,870, 75th percentile $96,950, 90th percentile $138,140. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 43,100 openings for Insurance Sales Agents are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Insurance Sales Agents: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Insurance Sales Agents was $81,480 per year and $39.18 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Insurance Sales Agents: 10th percentile $17.95, 25th percentile $22.53, 75th percentile $46.61, 90th percentile $66.41. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS Employment Projections: 11.8% of Insurance Sales Agents were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  12. Median annual wage for Insurance Sales Agents in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Insurance Sales Agents (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $95,640; Fond du Lac, WI $95,110; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $84,670; Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $83,990; Bloomington, IL $82,040; Sheboygan, WI $81,550; Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $81,540; Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI $81,080. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Insurance Sales Agents jobs: Florida 47,560; Texas 47,060; California 41,160; New York 22,420; North Carolina 20,540. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Insurance Sales Agents jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 21,280 (median $80,620); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 15,800 (median $59,510); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 14,680 (median $76,870); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 14,160 (median $60,260); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 11,870 (median $69,240); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 9,660 (median $75,990). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET description of Insurance Sales Agents. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET task list for Insurance Sales Agents. O*NET OnLine
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. O*NET 41-3021.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Insurance Agent, Insurance Broker, Insurance Sales Agent, Sales Agent, Sales Associate, Sales Representative, Underwriting Sales Representative. O*NET OnLine
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of insurance sales agents in 2025: Insurance agencies and brokerages 63%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Insurance Sales Agents: 3.2% of workers leave the labor force each year and 3.8% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Insurance Sales Agents: Productivity change - share decreases as artificial intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly integrated into workflows, allowing insurance sales agents to focus on direct sales activity. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 479,100 people were employed as Insurance Sales Agents in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  38. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.