Insurance Agent Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$56,000
national median salary
$42,000 to $76,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$79,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$59,000
San Francisco, CA
Lowest Paying
$45,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Insurance Agent salary in the United States is $56,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $42,000 at the 25th percentile to $76,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $79,000, while San Francisco offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Line of business and whether the agent is captive or independent create the biggest pay differences.
Insurance Agent salary by city
Skills that increase Insurance Agent pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Insurance Agents based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,840 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,840 per year
≈ +$7,280 per year
≈ +$6,720 per year
≈ +$6,160 per year
≈ +$6,160 per year
≈ +$5,600 per year
≈ +$5,600 per year
≈ +$5,040 per year
What you should know
Line of business and whether the agent is captive or independent create the biggest pay differences. Commercial lines agents earn 15 to 25% more than personal lines agents. Independent agents with diversified carrier access often outearn captive agents long-term, though captive agents benefit from higher initial base salaries.
Junior insurance agents start at $38,000 to $48,000, often with salary subsidies during the ramp period. Experienced agents earn $55,000 to $80,000. Senior agents with large books of business reach $80,000 to $120,000. Agency owners and top producers can exceed $150,000 to $250,000.
Commission income varies dramatically. New business commissions range from 10 to 20% of first-year premium, with renewal commissions of 3 to 8%. Captive agents receive base salary plus reduced commissions, while independent agents earn higher commissions but cover their own overhead.