What does an insurance sales agent do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Insurance sales agents contact potential customers, explain policies and sell one or more types of insurance. A high school diploma is typical, and agents need a license in each state where they work. BLS reports a median pay of $62,280 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 41-3021 |
| O*NET code | 41-3021.00 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Median annual wage | $62,280 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 3 percent (as fast as average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 572,600 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an insurance sales agent do?
BLS says insurance sales agents contact potential clients to grow their customer base, interview prospects about their finances and existing coverage, explain policy features, review current policies and suggest changes, customize insurance programs, handle sales and renewals, help clients with claims and maintain client records.
Work environment
Most work in offices, though some travel often to meet clients. Insurance agencies and brokerages employ 63 percent, self-employed workers account for 12 percent and direct insurance carriers (except life, health and medical) employ 8 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says a high school diploma is typically required, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree, often in business. Licensing is required in each state where agents work. Life and health and property and casualty licenses are separate, and most states require exams and continuing education. Agents who sell securities need FINRA licensing.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical skills, communication, initiative, interpersonal skills and self-confidence as important qualities for this work.
How much does an insurance sales agent make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $62,280 for insurance sales agents (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of insurance sales agents to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels as fast as average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 43,100 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Find out which license type fits the product you want to sell, and check your state insurance department.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Sales managers, Personal financial advisors, Loan officers, Sales representatives.
Frequently asked questions
Do insurance sales agents need a license? BLS says licensing is required in each state where they work. Life and health and property and casualty licenses are separate, and most states require exams.
What education do insurance agents need? BLS says a high school diploma is typically required, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree.
How much do insurance sales agents make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $62,280 for insurance sales agents (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is insurance sales agent a good career? BLS projects 3 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average). About 43,100 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- What Does a Sales Manager Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Personal Financial Advisor Do? Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Loan Officer Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Sales Representative Do? Pay, Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Insurance sales agents: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 41-3021.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-3021.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.