Insurance Agent Sales

Insurance agents held about 436,000 jobs in 2006. About half of them worked for insurance agencies and brokerages and about 23 percent worked for insurance carriers. More than a quarter of all insurance agents were self-employed.
Educational Requirements for Insurance Agents: Employers prefer to hire insurance agents who have college degrees, particularly in business or economics. They might consider hiring a high school graduate who has proven sales ability.
Other Requirements for Insurance Agents: Every state requires insurance agents to be licensed. They are required to obtain separate licenses to sell life and health insurance or property and casualty insurance. In most states, sales agents, in order to become licensed, must complete pre-licensing courses and pass state examinations.
Advancement of Insurance Agents: An insurance agent with ability can advance into a management position, becoming, for example, a sales manager in a local office. Later on one can become an agency superintendent or land another executive position.
Job Outlook for Insurance Agents: Employment of insurance agents is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Job candidates who are multi-lingual and those who have a strong knowledge of relevant technical and legal terms will have the best chance of getting hired.
How Much Do Insurance Agents Earn?: Wage and salary insurance agents earned median annual earnings of $43,870 in 2006. Independant insurance agents earn only a commission, while insurance agents who work for an agency or carrier receive either a salary only, a salary plus commission or a salary plus bonus. Insurance agents often receive benefits that include continuing education, training to help with licensing requirements, office space and clerical support.