Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, insurance agents continue to play a vital role in the American workforce. This profession remains widespread across the nation, not limited to specific regions like California or the South.
Recognizing the significance of insurance agents, we at Zippia have analyzed the current landscape to identify the best states for insurance agents to thrive. We focused on areas with abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries throughout their careers.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we determined which states offer the most promising prospects for insurance agents.
After thorough analysis, we present the top ten states for insurance agents in 2026:
These states represent the best opportunities for those pursuing a career as an insurance agent.
Curious about the factors that contributed to this ranking? Continue reading to discover how we conducted our research on the best states for insurance agents and insights into the top ten states.
If you’re interested in exploring more about the job market, check out these articles:
How We Determined the Best States for Insurance Agents
At Zippia, we engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking employment. Our research indicates that two primary factors are essential for job seekers:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Compensation
To identify the best states for insurance agents in 2026, we analyzed job availability and salary levels. We used the following criteria sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’s Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: Indicates how prevalent a job is in a given state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Entry-Level Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Experienced Professionals.
To standardize salary comparisons across states, we adjusted the figures relative to each state’s cost of living. For example, while California’s average insurance agent salary is $76,420, the same role in Illinois pays $69,520, but the Illinois salary offers greater purchasing power due to lower living costs.
We ranked each state based on the criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. The overall Job Score was computed by averaging each state’s rankings, with the lowest score denoting the best state for insurance agents in America.
Now, let’s explore what makes each state exceptional for insurance agents.
1. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 3,740
Average Annual Salary: $72,040
Average Entry Level Salary: $32,080
Average Experienced Salary: $128,310
Location Quotient: 1.4
2. Iowa
Total Jobs: 6,530
Average Annual Salary: $63,130
Average Entry Level Salary: $30,800
Average Experienced Salary: $108,370
Location Quotient: 1.56
3. Alabama
Total Jobs: 5,550
Average Annual Salary: $81,410
Average Entry Level Salary: $26,400
Average Experienced Salary: $180,910
Location Quotient: 1.05
4. Wisconsin
Total Jobs: 8,710
Average Annual Salary: $74,690
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,440
Average Experienced Salary: $126,330
Location Quotient: 1.12
5. Indiana
Total Jobs: 9,450
Average Annual Salary: $65,310
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,310
Average Experienced Salary: $122,480
Location Quotient: 1.14
6. Kansas
Total Jobs: 3,760
Average Annual Salary: $68,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $28,480
Average Experienced Salary: $123,640
Location Quotient: 1.0
7. Pennsylvania
Total Jobs: 14,270
Average Annual Salary: $80,970
Average Entry Level Salary: $31,980
Average Experienced Salary: $142,480
Location Quotient: 0.9
8. Michigan
Total Jobs: 11,130
Average Annual Salary: $66,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $27,670
Average Experienced Salary: $121,170
Location Quotient: 0.95
9. Oklahoma
Total Jobs: 4,540
Average Annual Salary: $60,010
Average Entry Level Salary: $29,870
Average Experienced Salary: $103,690
Location Quotient: 1.05
10. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 7,120
Average Annual Salary: $74,140
Average Entry Level Salary: $33,440
Average Experienced Salary: $131,410
Location Quotient: 0.91
Conclusion: The Best States for Insurance Agents
If you’re starting your career as an insurance agent, these states should be at the top of your list for high pay, job availability, and career advancement opportunities.
On the flip side, here are the states that rank lowest for insurance agents:
Detailed List of the Best States for Insurance Agents
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nebraska | $72,040 |
| 2 | Iowa | $63,130 |
| 3 | Alabama | $81,410 |
| 4 | Wisconsin | $74,690 |
| 5 | Indiana | $65,310 |
| 6 | Kansas | $68,100 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | $80,970 |
| 8 | Michigan | $66,910 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | $60,010 |
| 10 | Minnesota | $74,140 |
| 11 | North Carolina | $69,020 |
| 12 | Arkansas | $58,340 |
| 13 | Florida | $63,180 |
| 14 | North Dakota | $63,940 |
| 15 | Illinois | $69,520 |
| 16 | Colorado | $68,560 |
| 17 | Missouri | $59,420 |
| 18 | South Dakota | $63,180 |
| 19 | Mississippi | $61,650 |
| 20 | Connecticut | $80,120 |
| 21 | Georgia | $59,940 |
| 22 | Texas | $62,760 |
| 23 | Massachusetts | $89,100 |
| 24 | South Carolina | $58,600 |
| 25 | Montana | $63,620 |
| 26 | Delaware | $60,450 |
| 27 | Ohio | $60,500 |
| 28 | Nevada | $70,870 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $57,460 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $57,190 |
| 31 | New Jersey | $76,160 |
| 32 | Kentucky | $55,800 |
| 33 | New York | $84,540 |
| 34 | Idaho | $57,410 |
| 35 | Maine | $60,840 |
| 36 | Arizona | $59,160 |
| 37 | Utah | $54,370 |
| 38 | Virginia | $60,100 |
| 39 | Washington | $61,930 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $50,420 |
| 41 | Rhode Island | $67,880 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $52,240 |
| 43 | California | $76,420 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | $65,310 |
| 45 | Maryland | $66,590 |
| 46 | Oregon | $65,040 |
| 47 | New Mexico | $47,070 |
| 48 | Alaska | $71,150 |
| 49 | Hawaii | $66,150 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
