How much does a life insurance agent make?

Asked by: Kolby Graham  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (31 votes)

The estimated total pay for a Life Insurance Agent is $121,715 per year, with an average salary of $73,110 per year. These numbers represent the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.

Is it hard to make money as a life insurance agent?

Comments Section It can be a good gig. But in this day and age, it's a highly competitive field. Traditionall, to make good money, you would have to sell expensive whole life policies, which are very hard to sell without a natural network especially as a young person.

Do life insurance agents get paid good?

Life insurance agents are typically paid on commission. The more business they write, the more money they make. A life insurance agent who doesn't sell any policies is going to make zero. A successful life insurance agent can make $500000 or more per year. These commissions often pile up.

What is the commission for a life insurance agent?

Typically, a life insurance agent receives anywhere from 30% to 90% of the amount paid for a policy (also known as the premium) by the client in the first year. In later years, the agent may receive anywhere from 3% to 10% of each year's premium, also known as "renewals" or "trailing commissions."

How much do insurance agents make in TX?

As of Jan 18, 2025, the average annual pay for an Insurance Agent in Texas is $60,578 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $29.12 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,164/week or $5,048/month.

If I Wanted to Become a Millionaire In 2025, I'd Do This

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Is Insurance Agent a stressful job?

Insurance agents often face pressure to achieve their goals while simultaneously providing exceptional customer service, meeting sales quotas, and staying abreast of industry regulations. This, combined with the responsibility of safeguarding clients' financial well-being, can make for a stressful work environment.

What kind of Insurance Agent gets paid the most?

High Paying Insurance Jobs
  • Reinsurance Accountant. ...
  • Health Insurance Specialist. ...
  • Insurance Broker. ...
  • Liability Claims Representative. ...
  • Insurance Adjuster. ...
  • Insurance Manager. ...
  • Final Expense Agent. Salary range: $62,500-$98,500 per year. ...
  • Life Insurance Actuary. Salary range: $79,500-$98,500 per year.

Is life insurance hard to sell?

It's hard to sell because it deals with the topic of death. That's something many people find difficult to consider or discuss.

Why do insurance agents earn so much?

Most professionals who sell insurance are paid largely on a commission basis. In fact, most agents aren't even employees of the carrier. More often than not, they're independent contractors who are compensated based on how much they sell, with higher commissions for certain types of products.

Which insurance company pays the highest commissions?

Some of the companies that offer high commission rates to their agents are HDFC Life, Max Life, ICICI Prudential, and Kotak Mahindra. These companies also have attractive incentive schemes and bonus programs for their top-performing agents.

Can you become a millionaire being a life insurance agent?

If you have a great work ethic and are willing to place yourself out there to establish relationships with clients, you will get more opportunities to earn a higher income. Selling insurance may even make you a millionaire.

Why did I quit being an insurance agent?

There's two big reasons why insurance agents quit: they don't feel valued, and they aren't given the technology they need to do their jobs well. In addition, managing commissions while hitting performance goals is a stressful part of the job for many insurance agents.

How many policies does an insurance agent sell per month?

How many policies does an insurance agent sell? According to the financial reports, the Official Number is 2.5 policies per month. However, many people just do it part-time.

Why do most life insurance agents fail?

The most commonly cited reason insurance agents fail is that they fail to listen to their customers and take the time to find the best product to suit their needs. Agents who bring the right solutions to customers build trust, and that helps them build a book of loyal customers.

Is it worth it to become a life insurance agent?

Insurance is a stable industry with lots of income potential, especially if you earn commissions. It's also a good career choice for people who like flexibility and a certain degree of autonomy.

Do insurance agents get a base salary?

Insurance agents usually make money through commissions, with the commission amount often depending on the type and number of insurance policies they have sold and whether these policies are new or renewals.

What are the cons of being an insurance agent?

Cons of working in insurance sales

For some people, the thought of earning commissions is appealing. For others, it can cause stress and worry about their future financial situation. New insurance agents often work long hours to build and strengthen relationships and get their names out in the industry.

How do life insurance agents get paid?

Commission structures vary by policy and company. But typically, life insurance agents receive as commission 60% to 80% of the premiums you pay in the first year. They collect smaller commissions in subsequent years. Added up, 5% to 10% of all the premiums you pay over the life of the policy could go to commissions.

Can you sell life insurance at home?

Yes, you can sell life insurance from home. You'll need a state license to sell life insurance, and you may need a business license from your state or municipality as well. 51 A computer, high-speed internet connection, printer, and phone will allow you to work productively and meet virtually with clients.

Which is the hardest insurance to sell?

Life insurance is the most profitable—and the hardest—type of insurance to sell.

Is insurance sales a good career in 2024?

2024 Insurance Agent Trends and Statistics

Insurance sales continue to be solid option for stable employment and opportunity. With strong and growing demand, income potential, and a variety of specialization options, insurance sales is an attractive career choice.

What is the hardest part of being an insurance agent?

What is the hardest part of being an insurance agent? The hardest part of being an insurance agent often revolves around the constant need for lead generation and sales. Many agents struggle with the cold calling aspect, where rejection is frequent, and maintaining a steady stream of new clients can be challenging.

Which state pays insurance agents the most?

Best-Paying States for Insurance Sales Agents

The states and districts that pay Insurance Sales Agents the highest mean salary are New York ($108,960), New Jersey ($106,910), Illinois ($105,150), Minnesota ($100,750), and Massachusetts ($100,590).

What is the best insurance company to work for as an agent?

Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance Group is another American insurance company that sales agents and employees find best to work for. It offers a comprehensive range of insurance products and financial services, including auto, home, renters, life, and business insurance among others.