How much does a insurance agent make?
Answer: A typical insurance agent in the United States makes $62,280 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 479,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Insurance agent pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $37,330 | $62,280 | $138,140 | about 479,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $81,640 | about 11,000 |
| Rhode Island | $79,930 | about 2,000 |
| Wisconsin | $79,450 | about 8,000 |
| Massachusetts | $79,300 | about 10,000 |
| Minnesota | $78,640 | about 10,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can depend on experience and sales: commissions change with the type and amount of insurance sold and whether a policy is new or renewed. Employers may offer salary, commission, or bonuses, and industry and location also matter.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a insurance agent do?
Sell life, property, casualty, health, automotive, or other types of insurance. May refer clients to independent brokers, work as an independent broker, or be employed by an insurance company.
What's a typical day like?
They call or meet people, ask what they need to protect, and explain insurance choices before preparing applications. They also help with renewals or claims and update client records.
How to get this job
In the US, a high school diploma is usually enough; then complete any state-required courses, pass an exam, and get licensed, often at 18 or older. Employers train new agents; life/health and property/casualty sales may need separate licenses.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
In the US, some agents sell only one insurer’s policies, while independent agents can offer policies from several companies to match a client’s needs.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Sales jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-3021.00
- www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0050-renew-license/0200-requirements/life-onl
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY