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Job outlook for insurance representatives in the United States
Insurance representative job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected insurance representative job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 32,900 new jobs for insurance representatives are projected over the next decade.
Insurance representative salaries have increased 4% for insurance representatives in the last 5 years.
There are over 154,252 insurance representatives currently employed in the United States.
There are 87,843 active insurance representative job openings in the US.
The average insurance representative salary is $35,958.
Are insurance representative jobs in demand?
Insurance representative job and salary trends over time
Insurance representative jobs over time
Insurance representative job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 154,252 | 0.05% |
| 2020 | 149,635 | 0.04% |
| 2019 | 149,671 | 0.04% |
| 2018 | 143,751 | 0.04% |
| 2017 | 141,010 | 0.04% |
Average insurance representative salary over time
Insurance representative salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $35,958 | $17.29 | +2.4% |
| 2025 | $35,103 | $16.88 | +0.7% |
| 2024 | $34,869 | $16.76 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $34,255 | $16.47 | --0.6% |
| 2022 | $34,448 | $16.56 | +3.7% |
Insurance representative jobs by state
Most common states for insurance representatives
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 215 | 20% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 127 | 20% |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,384 | 19% |
| 4 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,711 | 19% |
| 5 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 570 | 18% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 171 | 18% |
| 7 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 126 | 18% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,187 | 17% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 176 | 17% |
| 10 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 307 | 16% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 138 | 16% |
| 12 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 258 | 15% |
| 13 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,605 | 14% |
| 14 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 828 | 14% |
| 15 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 766 | 14% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 193 | 14% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,644 | 13% |
| 18 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 625 | 13% |
| 19 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 484 | 13% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 90 | 12% |
Most common cities for insurance representatives
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fargo | 6 | 5% | $33,681 |
| 2 | Alpharetta | 2 | 3% | $29,972 |
| 3 | Beaumont | 2 | 2% | $35,569 |
| 4 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $30,785 |
| 5 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $36,608 |
| 6 | Las Vegas | 4 | 1% | $29,585 |
| 7 | Mesa | 3 | 1% | $33,148 |
| 8 | Alexandria | 2 | 1% | $29,641 |
| 9 | Dallas | 4 | 0% | $33,291 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $32,315 |
| 11 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $33,153 |
| 12 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $33,456 |
| 13 | Denver | 3 | 0% | $35,211 |
| 14 | Houston | 3 | 0% | $36,115 |
| 15 | Jacksonville | 3 | 0% | $33,686 |
| 16 | San Jose | 3 | 0% | $36,006 |
| 17 | Albuquerque | 2 | 0% | $27,818 |
| 18 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $30,029 |
| 19 | Austin | 2 | 0% | $35,898 |
Insurance Representative job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of insurance representative experts
University of Maryland - College Park
Butler University
St. Cloud State University
Denison University
Brigham Young University-Idaho
William & Mary
What Insurance Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hank Boyd: With the looming prospects of AI, soft skills will reign supreme in sales. While at
first blush it might seem counterintuitive in that product knowledge used to be cardinal
skill, today's salesforce relies heavily on networking. Numerous academic papers lend
credence to this idea. Great people skills often trump wonkish knowledge about the
product line.
As we wade further into the 21st Century, environmental scanning (or better yet
the innate ability to read prospects) will remain pivotal. Exceptional salespeople
instinctively scan a prospective client's office noticing all the trappings. They are trying to find something they can comment upon, by doing so they can establish common
ground. Once a connection is forged, salespeople move out of the box of being pesky
interlopers into becoming valued associates.
Lastly, if you decide to embark on a career in sales never forget the tried-and-
true axiom of ABC - always be closing. This phrase means having the gumption to ask
for the business. While sales recruits might have congenial and bubbly personalities, if
they cannot look the prospect in the eye and ask for the business, they ought to find
another profession.
Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r)
Clinical ProfessorButler University
Insurance
What general advice would you give to an Insurance Representative?
Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r): That depends on the type of agent the person is. Most of us deal with agents who sell personal lines, such as auto and home and life insurance. Their day is filled with prospecting for new clients, appointments to review current insurance with current clients, service work such as adding autos and changing addresses, and, helping take and resolve claims. Some agents specialize in commercial lines. They spend their days prospecting as well, but also work very closely with their clients on a regular basis to assure their insurance program is appropriate. This is because commercial clients usually have very large insurance policies, make frequent changes, and have lots of service work. Plus, the relationship is the key in commercial lines.
What Insurance Representative skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r): Being an agent provides freedom. Most agents set their own hours meaning there is time for family and other activities. Of course, since it is a commission-based position, the harder you work, the more you make! Plus, property and casualty agents (home, auto and commercial lines) can build up their client list to the point where they make a very good living just off renewal commissions. At that point, an agent can truly work whenever they want and still get paid. (That takes a few years to get to, though.)
As to dislikes, being a commissioned salesperson is difficult for some people. And the freedom that comes with being an agent is a double-edged sword. If someone takes advantage and doesn't work very hard, they won't last very long! And, depending on the company, etc., paperwork can be pretty extensive!
What will help Insurance Representatives increase their earning potential?
Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r): Being an agent provides freedom. Most agents set their own hours meaning there is time for family and other activities. Of course, since it is a commission-based position, the harder you work, the more you make! Plus, property and casualty agents (home, auto and commercial lines) can build up their client list to the point where they make a very good living just off renewal commissions. At that point, an agent can truly work whenever they want and still get paid. (That takes a few years to get to, though.) As to dislikes, being a commissioned salesperson is difficult for some people. And the freedom that comes with being an agent is a double-edged sword. If someone takes advantage and doesn't work very hard, they won't last very long! And, depending on the company, etc., paperwork can be pretty extensive!
Li Zhang Ph.D.
ProfessorSt. Cloud State University
Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
What skills stand out on Insurance Representative resumes?
Li Zhang Ph.D.: There aren't many universities/colleges that offer a degree in insurance. Having some insurance education, such as a degree, or a certificate, or just taking a few insurance classes, will be sure to make applicants stand out. For those with no insurance background, demonstrating strong transferable skills from previously studied areas to the insurance industry (such as communication skills, analytical skills), strong commitment, ethical and professional attitude will make the applicants very competitive.
What soft skills should all Insurance Representatives possess?
Li Zhang Ph.D.: I'd say communication skills. Many positions in insurance need to interact with others. The ability to listen carefully and responding effectively, conveying thoughts/ideas fluently is very important. Also, communicating throng writing is also important (it could range from simply completing the paperwork accurately to preparing annual reports for supervisors)
What hard/technical skills are most important for Insurance Representatives?
Li Zhang Ph.D.: It would be analytical skills and numerical skills, no matter if it's in underwriting, claims, actuarial, investment, sales, or other positions. For example, a successful salesperson should be able to efficiently analyze the client's information, assess the client's need, recommend the appropriate products, and convey product advantages and disadvantages clearly. Also, competent employees should be comfortable with working with numbers/graphs to communicate with clients or coworkers.
What skills will help Insurance Representatives earn the most?
Li Zhang Ph.D.: This will depend on the position. For example, for sales and marketing, it should be the ability to build and maintain good and professional client relationships. For actuaries, it should be analytical and numerical skills. Being a good team player and, at the same time, being able to work independently and take on a leadership role will definitely help the employee get promoted.
Other important skills include good time management and organization skills, proficiency in basic computer skills, willingness to learn, such as attending industry-related seminars, training, etc.
What's a day at work look like for an Insurance Representative?
Ashley Strausser: As we continue to live and work through a global pandemic, many new graduates will be working remotely or in some sort of hybrid variation. Working remotely necessitates discipline and being a self-starter. Graduates will need to develop strong professional work habits that will serve them well and lay a strong foundation as they begin their career. Many of us are challenged by a lack of social interaction beyond meetings with colleagues or clients via Zoom or Teams. Working from home for the last year, I can personally attest that attending to our physical and mental health is more important than ever. Take time to go for a walk or run on your lunch break. Set your alarm early to spend time meditating before you begin your work day. Don't get into the habit of rolling out of bed at 7:55am to start work at 8:00am. Consider doing yoga after work to help relieve stress. Make it a point to set up regular Zoom lunch dates to connect with or get to know your new colleagues. With our laptop and work space set up at home it's easy to get into the habit of working much more than we normally would if we were commuting to and from the office. It's important to set boundaries related to when and how much we work. Employ a strong work ethic, but don't neglect important aspects of your well-being.
Chad Newswander Ph.D.
Professor of Political ScienceBrigham Young University-Idaho
Department of Political Science
What technical skills for an Insurance Representative stand out to employers?
Chad Newswander Ph.D.: It is a combination of soft and hard skills. Young professionals need to be reliable, conscientious, hardworking, and be able to work well with others. They also need to show early signs of leadership, allowing them to grow within the organization. Above all, they need to be trusted to get the work done and be likeable. They also need to have a concrete skillset that allows them to contribute. Each young professional needs to think how they can add value to their organization (not just what the organization will do for them). Those skills can range from data/statistical analysis, writing, speaking, research, etc. In order to show that they have these skills, students should do multiple internships while in school from credible organizations.
Dr. Matteo Cantarello Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of Hispanic StudiesWilliam & Mary
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures
How have salaries changed over time for Insurance Representatives?
Dr. Matteo Cantarello Ph.D.: I don't have data and I am sure it varies a lot depending on the institution, the position, the field, etcetera. There is a close relationship between "prestige" of a position (tenure-eligible or a renown postdoctoral fellowship vs. visiting, more teaching-oriented positions) and compensation. A prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with 1 or less courses per semester to teach and/or TE positions with a 2-2 or a 3-3 pay up to 100% more than the average NTE position, that typically dictates a 3-3, 4-4, or 5-5 teaching load. In general, however, the more secure your position is the easier it is to secure funding and other resources that complement the base salary.