Life insurance agents: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Education Required

A high school diploma is the typical requirement for insurance sales agents, although a bachelors degree can improve ones job prospects. Public-speaking classes can be useful in improving sales techniques, and often agents will have taken courses in business, finance, or economics. Business knowledge is also helpful for sales agents hoping to advance to a managerial position.

Training Required

Insurance sales agents learn many of their job duties on the job from other agents. Many employers have new agents shadow an experienced agent. This practice allows the new agent to learn how to conduct the companys business and to understand how the agency interacts with clients.

Job Outlook

The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)

Licenses/Certifications

Insurance sales agents must have a license in the states where they work. Separate licenses are required for agents to sell life and health insurance and property and casualty insurance. In most states, licenses are issued only to applicants who complete specified courses and who pass state exams covering insurance fundamentals and state insurance laws. Most state licensing authorities also require agents to take continuing education courses focusing on insurance laws, consumer protection, ethics, and the technical details of various insurance policies.

Median pay: How much do Insurance Sales Agents make?

$49,990 Annual Salary

$24.03 per hour

Careers for Insurance Sales Agents

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