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Insurance Sales Agents
SOC: 41-3021 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET
What They Do
Insurance Sales Agents typically perform the following tasks:
• Customize insurance programs to suit individual customers, often covering a variety of risks.
• Sell various types of insurance policies to businesses and individuals on behalf of insurance companies, including automobile, fire, life, property, medical and dental insurance, or specialized policies, such as marine, farm/crop, and medical malpractice.
• Explain features, advantages, and disadvantages of various policies to promote sale of insurance plans.
• Perform administrative tasks, such as maintaining records and handling policy renewals.
• Seek out new clients and develop clientele by networking to find new customers and generate lists of prospective clients.
• Call on policyholders to deliver and explain policy, to analyze insurance program and suggest additions or changes, or to change beneficiaries.
• Confer with clients to obtain and provide information when claims are made on a policy.
• Interview prospective clients to obtain data about their financial resources and needs, the physical condition of the person or property to be insured, and to discuss any existing coverage.
• Contact underwriter and submit forms to obtain binder coverage.
• Select company that offers type of coverage requested by client to underwrite policy.
• Ensure that policy requirements are fulfilled, including any necessary medical examinations and the completion of appropriate forms.
• Develop marketing strategies to compete with other individuals or companies who sell insurance.
• Calculate premiums and establish payment method.
• Attend meetings, seminars, and programs to learn about new products and services, learn new skills, and receive technical assistance in developing new accounts.
• Monitor insurance claims to ensure they are settled equitably for both the client and the insurer.
• Plan and oversee incorporation of insurance program into bookkeeping system of company.
• Inspect property, examining its general condition, type of construction, age, and other characteristics, to decide if it is a good insurance risk.
• Install bookkeeping systems and resolve system problems.
• Explain necessary bookkeeping requirements for customer to implement and provide group insurance program.
Career Video
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor
Key facts
Median: $60,370
Employment: 568,800
Growth (2024–2034):
+4.0%
Education:
High school diploma
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Intelligence Metrics
Automation Risk Assessment
Medium RiskWork-Life Balance Score
5.6/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
4.4
Realistic
5.0
Investigative
5.4
Artistic
8.0
Social
9.0
Enterprising
5.8
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Top Skills
Analytical skills
Communication skills
Initiative
Interpersonal skills
Self-confidence
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- Texas 44,670
- Florida 44,080
- California 41,150
- New York 20,990
- North Carolina 19,540
- Georgia 19,520
- Illinois 17,640
- Pennsylvania 17,600
- Ohio 15,750
- Virginia 14,090
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)
Regional Wage Variations
-
Texas -21%$47,530
-
Florida -1%$59,790
-
California +8%$64,990
-
New York +26%$75,860
-
North Carolina -5%$57,110
-
Georgia -17%$50,210
-
Illinois -2%$59,340
-
Pennsylvania 3%$62,230
-
Ohio -1%$59,990
-
Virginia -1%$59,570
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High
Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High
Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium
Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium
Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High
Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Direct health and medical insurance carriers
85%
Direct insurance (except life, health, and medical) carriers
70%
Insurance agencies and brokerages
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South