Insurance Sales Agents
Insurance sales agents sell various types of insurance coverage—life, health, property, casualty, automotive—to individuals and businesses. They work for insurance companies, operate as independent agents or brokers, and sometimes refer clients to other brokers. Employment spans large urban insurance offices, small local agencies, and remote settings.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against insurance sales agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with clients to assess their insurance needs and explain policy options. Agents prepare quotes, complete applications, and handle paperwork for new policies or renewals. They spend time prospecting for new clients through phone calls, emails, or in-person meetings, reviewing client accounts to identify additional coverage opportunities, and processing policy changes. Administrative tasks include maintaining client records and staying current on product changes and regulations.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're enterprising and conventional—comfortable with sales, structured processes, and meeting targets. You enjoy building client relationships, explaining complex information clearly, and organizing details. Success requires persistence in prospecting and comfort with both face-to-face and digital client interactions.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Life and Annuity Insurance Sales Agent · Taubman Financial Management · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $60,460 | $84,530 | $126,750 | — |
| New Jersey | $60,060 | $81,640 | $124,460 | 11,370 |
| Rhode Island | $61,210 | $79,930 | $123,080 | 1,700 |
| Wisconsin | $57,080 | $79,450 | $107,990 | 7,860 |
| Massachusetts | $72,850 | $79,300 | $109,390 | 9,940 |
| Minnesota | $59,940 | $78,640 | $104,170 | 10,010 |
| New York | $55,810 | $78,110 | $125,350 | 22,420 |
| California | $49,370 | $76,120 | $104,860 | 41,160 |
| Connecticut | $53,600 | $74,840 | $103,320 | 5,230 |
| New Hampshire | $54,330 | $74,370 | $102,310 | 2,320 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,870 | $73,370 | $100,350 | 19,390 |
| South Dakota | $57,870 | $71,990 | $99,600 | 1,870 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Associate, Insurance Regulatory Compliance (AIRC) — LOMA
- Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) — The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research
- Associate in National Flood Insurance (ANFI) — The Institutes
- Associate in Insurance Accounting and Finance (AIAF) — The Institutes
- Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) — The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research
- Associate in General Insurance (AINS) — The Institutes
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against insurance sales agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-3021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.