In Houston, insurance agents can expect a median salary of around $63,000 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The salary range for insurance agents in Houston can vary depending on factors such as experience, industry, and specific job duties. Experienced agents can earn upwards of $100,000 or more per year.
To give you a better idea, here are some average salary ranges for insurance agents in Houston: Property and Casualty (P&C) agents earn around $60,000, while Life and Health (L&H) agents earn around $55,000.
Some insurance agents in Houston may also earn commissions on top of their base salary, which can significantly increase their overall earnings.
Insurance Agent Salary in Houston
The average insurance agent salary in the United States is $79,650, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Insurance agents in Houston can earn a mean annual salary of $79,650, which translates to an hourly rate of $37. However, salaries can vary depending on factors like location, education, and experience.
Insurance sales agents in Houston typically earn an average salary of $49,587, with hourly rates ranging from $30,000 to $80,000 yearly.
Here's a breakdown of the percentile wage estimates for insurance agents in Houston:
It's worth noting that insurance sales agents in Hawaii earn the highest average salary, but there's no specific information on how insurance agents in Houston compare to those in other states.
Salary Factors
Insurance agents in Houston can earn a good income, but their salaries can vary depending on several factors.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that insurance agents earn a mean annual salary of $79,650, with an hourly rate of $37.
Experience is a key factor in determining insurance agent salaries. According to one source, an entry-level insurance agent with under 1 year of experience makes about $53,632, while a senior insurance agent with 5-8 years of experience earns roughly $60,502.
Location also plays a significant role in determining insurance agent salaries. For example, insurance sales agents earn the highest average salary in Hawaii.
Education and experience are also important factors in determining insurance agent salaries. In fact, one source reports that the average insurance agent salary is $56,561, with the 75th percentile earning $63,803.
The commission structure is another factor that can impact how much insurance agents make. However, apart from the commission structure, there are three main factors that impact how much insurance agents make: location, experience, and education.
Here are some average annual earnings for insurance agents in different experience levels:
In Texas, independent insurance agents can earn significantly more than captive agents, with average annual earnings ranging from $89k to $171k.
Types of Insurance Agents
In Houston, you'll find two main types of insurance agents: captive and independent agents.
Captive agents work exclusively with one insurance provider, selling only that company's products. They typically earn a modest salary or retainer from the insurance company, plus commissions on their sales.
Independent agents, on the other hand, represent several insurance companies and can shop around to find the best policy for you. They often earn higher commissions than captive agents, but also shoulder their own business expenses.
Here's a quick comparison of captive and independent agents:
As an independent agent, you can earn more, but you'll also be responsible for your own expenses, such as rent, office supplies, and advertising costs.
Salary by State and Industry
In Texas, where Houston is located, insurance agents can expect varying salaries depending on their specialty. Auto Insurance Agents, for example, have a median salary of $82,268.
Insurance agents in the commercial industry can earn significantly more, with Crop Insurance Agents bringing in $112,017 per year. This is likely due to the complex nature of commercial insurance policies.
The highest paying insurance sales agent jobs in the US, according to data, are insurance broker, real estate sales associate, and licensed insurance producer. These roles can earn up to $66,026 per year, making them attractive options for those looking to advance their careers.
Here's a breakdown of the top 5 highest paying insurance sales agent jobs in the US:
Median in Texas
In Texas, the median annual salary for captive insurance agents is $55,457. This is according to salary estimates that reveal a dynamic where beginner earnings are very close to median earning levels.
New agents starting out can expect salaries within the range of $54,767, which is just $690 less than the median. This means that increasing your earning level might be slow work, and it could be many years until you reach a point where you're generating enough commissions to inch up to a higher earning level.
Policy renewals are a key aspect of captive insurance agents' salaries, allowing them to earn ongoing commissions. However, captive agents don't have ownership over these renewals, so if they move to another insurer, quit the industry, or go the independent agent route, their renewal payments will stop.
Here's a comparison of the median salary for captive insurance agents in Texas to other types of insurance agents:
As you can see, the median salary for captive insurance agents in Texas is slightly lower than the overall median for insurance agents, but higher than the median for insurance sales agents.
10 Highest- and Lowest-Paying States
If you're considering a career as an insurance agent, you'll want to know which states offer the best pay. Insurance agents can earn significantly more in certain states than others.
The highest-paying states for insurance agents are typically found in the Northeast and West Coast regions. Alaska tops the list, where insurance agents can earn an average salary of $83,610 per year.
In contrast, the lowest-paying states are often located in the South and Midwest. West Virginia takes the bottom spot, with insurance agents earning an average salary of $43,610 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Insurance Agent gets paid the most?
Life insurance agents typically earn the highest income among insurance professionals. They can earn significant commissions from selling life insurance policies.
Is it easy to make money as an Insurance Agent?
Making money as an Insurance Agent requires dedication and effort, but it can be a lucrative career with substantial income potential through commissions and bonuses. Success depends on developing key skills like product knowledge and sales skills.
Sources
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/insurance-agent-salary/houston-tx
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/insurance-agent-salary-everything-you-need-to-know-448450.aspx
- https://insurancesales101.com/how-much-is-an-insurance-agents-salary-in-texas/
- https://www.zippia.com/salaries/insurance-sales-agent/
- https://careers.healthmarkets.com/en/job/houston/insurance-sales-agent/35899/46672138416
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