How much do insurance agents make?
Insurance sales agents earn a median of about $60,370 per year (roughly $29 per hour) according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Pay ranges widely, from under $36,390 for the lowest 10% to more than $135,660 for the top 10%, largely because of commissions.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage (BLS) | $60,370/yr | About $29 per hour; half earn more, half earn less |
| Lowest 10% | <$36,390/yr | Often newer agents or salary-only roles |
| Highest 10% | >$135,660/yr | Established agents with large commission books |
| Typical entry-level / early career | $36,000–$50,000/yr | Lower base while building a client base |
| Experienced producers | $75,000–$135,000+/yr | Commission and renewals drive top earnings |
The typical pay
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $60,370, which works out to roughly $29 per hour. The median means half of all agents earn more than this and half earn less, so it is a more representative figure than a simple average that can be skewed by very high earners.
The spread around that median is large. The lowest-paid 10% of agents earned under $36,390 a year, while the highest-paid 10% earned more than $135,660. That nearly $100,000 gap reflects how much an individual agent's earnings depend on sales performance rather than a fixed salary.
Why earnings vary so much
Compensation structure is the biggest driver of the range. Some agents are paid a straight salary, others salary plus commission or bonus, and many experienced agents work largely or entirely on commission. Captive agents who sell one company's products and independent agents who represent several insurers can have very different earning profiles.
Product line and renewals also matter. Agents selling life and certain commercial policies often earn larger up-front commissions, while property and casualty agents build steadier income from policy renewals over time. Geography, cost of living, and the size of an agent's book of business further widen the range.
Outlook and how to earn more
Employment of insurance sales agents is projected to grow about 4% from 2024 to 2034, roughly as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand is supported by ongoing needs for auto, home, health, and life coverage, though online sales and automation affect how policies are distributed.
Agents typically raise their income by building and retaining a larger client base, earning additional licenses and designations, specializing in higher-commission lines, and moving from captive to independent arrangements. Because much of the pay is performance-based, sustained sales activity is the main lever for moving toward the upper end of the range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for an insurance agent?
- The BLS reports a median annual wage of about $60,370, or roughly $29 per hour, for insurance sales agents.
- Can insurance agents make six figures?
- Yes. The top 10% of insurance sales agents earn more than $135,660 a year, mostly through commissions and renewals.
- Do insurance agents get paid salary or commission?
- It varies. Pay can be salary-only, salary plus commission or bonus, or largely commission-based, which is why earnings differ so widely.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.