How much does an insurance agent make?
a year · about $30 an hour
A typical insurance agent in the United States makes $62,280 a year, about $30 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $37,330 and $138,140How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($81,640), lowest in New Mexico ($45,180).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a insurance salesperson averages $36,039. Insurance agent salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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