Life Insurance Sales Salary: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re considering a career in life insurance sales, you’re probably wondering what kind of salary you can expect. The good news is that life insurance sales can be a lucrative career with the potential for high earnings. However, the actual amount you’ll make will depend on a variety of factors, including your experience level, location, and the type of insurance products you sell.

What is the Average Life Insurance Sales Salary?

The average salary for a life insurance sales agent in the United States is $50,000 per year.

Experience Level
Average Salary
Entry-level (less than 1 year)
$34,000 per year
Mid-level (1-4 years)
$45,000 per year
Experienced (5+ years)
$70,000 per year

Keep in mind that these figures are just averages and your actual salary may be higher or lower depending on a variety of factors.

Factors Influencing Life Insurance Sales Salary

There are a few key factors that can influence how much money you make as a life insurance sales agent:

Experience Level

As with many professions, the more experience you have, the higher your earning potential. If you’re just starting out in life insurance sales, you’ll likely earn a lower salary than someone who has been in the industry for several years.

Type of Insurance Products Sold

The type of life insurance products you sell can also impact your salary. Some insurance products, like term life insurance, are easier to sell and may require less knowledge and expertise, resulting in lower commissions. Other products, like whole life insurance, may require more knowledge and expertise, resulting in higher commissions.

Location

The location in which you work can also affect your salary. Life insurance sales agents in larger cities or more affluent areas may earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns or less affluent areas.

How are Life Insurance Sales Agents Paid?

Life insurance sales agents are typically paid through a combination of salary and commission.

Salary

Many life insurance sales agents receive a base salary in addition to commissions. This salary may be low, especially for entry-level agents, but it provides a consistent income stream regardless of sales performance.

Commission

Life insurance sales agents also receive commissions on the policies they sell. Commissions can range anywhere from 10% to 100% of the first year’s premium, depending on the type of policy and the insurance company. Some policies, like term life insurance, may have lower commissions, while other policies, like whole life insurance, may have higher commissions.

How Often are Commissions Paid?

Commissions are typically paid on a monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the insurance company. Some companies may offer advances on commissions, allowing agents to receive a portion of their earnings upfront.

FAQ

What is the highest paying job in life insurance?

The highest paying jobs in life insurance are typically reserved for executives and upper management positions. These positions can include Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), and Chief Operating Officers (COOs). These positions can earn salaries well into the six figures and even into the seven figures.

What is the hardest insurance to sell?

Many insurance agents find that long-term care insurance is one of the hardest types of insurance to sell. This is because it can be expensive and requires a lot of time and effort to explain the policy and its benefits to potential customers.

Can you make a lot of money selling life insurance?

Yes, you can make a lot of money selling life insurance. However, your earning potential will depend on a variety of factors, including your experience level, location, and the type of insurance products you sell. With hard work and dedication, many life insurance sales agents are able to earn a six-figure income.

Do life insurance sales agents receive benefits?

Life insurance sales agents may receive benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, depending on the insurance company they work for. However, these benefits may vary from company to company and may only be available to full-time employees.

What is the average commission for a life insurance policy?

The average commission for a life insurance policy can range anywhere from 10% to 100% of the first year’s premium, depending on the type of policy and the insurance company.

How many policies do life insurance sales agents sell per year?

The number of policies a life insurance sales agent sells per year can vary greatly depending on their experience level, location, and the types of policies they sell. Some agents may only sell a few policies per year, while others may sell dozens or even hundreds.

Overall, life insurance sales can be a lucrative career with high earning potential. With the right combination of hard work, dedication, and expertise, you can build a successful career in life insurance sales and earn the salary you deserve.