Insurance Agent

Print

Work Tasks

INSURANCE AGENTS sell policies that provide individuals, families, businesses and other groups with financial protection against loss from injury, illness, death, storms, property damage, or theft. Insurance agents sell several types of insurance, such as life, property-liability, health, disability, and long-term care policies. Some also provide financial planning services to their clients. They help individuals, families, and businesses select the policy that provides the best protection for them. Agents prepare reports, maintain records, and in the event of a loss, help policyholders settle insurance claims.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $48,500 average per year ($23.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (318,800 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

Employers prefer to hire INSURANCE AGENTS who are college graduates, particularly those who have majored in business or economics. Some hire high school graduates with potential or proven sales ability, or who have been successful in other types of work. All insurance agents must obtain a license in the state in which they plan to sell insurance. Licenses are issued only to applicants who complete specified courses and then pass written examinations and specific state insurance laws. Separate licenses are required for agents to sell health and life insurance, property and casualty insurance, and mutual funds and other securities.