How Much Does an Insurance Agent Make? Breaking Down the Income Potential

If you’re considering a career in insurance sales, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is: how much does an insurance agent make? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of insurance you sell, where you work, and how much effort you put in. This post breaks down typical earnings and what to expect as a new or seasoned insurance agent.

Average Salary for Insurance Agents

According to Indeed, the average salary for an insurance agent in the U.S. is around $58,000 per year. However, this number can vary significantly. Many agents earn well over six figures, while others earn far less—especially in the first year.

Variables That Affect Agent Earnings

Type of insurance: Life, health, auto, and property insurance all pay differently. Life insurance and final expense often yield higher commissions.
Commission structure: Agents working on 100% commission can earn more—but it requires consistent effort.
Experience level: Experienced agents with established books of business typically earn more in renewals.
Sales platform: Remote agents using a phone-based model, like at North Star Insurance Advisors, often have higher efficiency and earnings potential.

How Much Does an Insurance Agent Make Per Policy?

Life and final expense insurance typically pay between $200–$900 per policy, depending on the carrier and policy size. At North Star, our agents can close multiple policies per day—earning $1,000+ in daily commission.

Additional Compensation Opportunities

In addition to new policy commissions, many agents earn:

Renewal commissions (residual income)
Bonuses and contests
Overrides if they manage other agents

Can Insurance Agents Work Remotely?

Absolutely. Remote telesales is booming—and our agents at North Star handle everything 100% over the phone. That means no commuting, no cold door-knocking, and more time spent closing deals. Top agents can consistently make $150K–$250K+ annually with full support, live leads, and daily coaching.

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