Insurance Agent

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Work Tasks

• Sell insurance policies to protect people and businesses when they have a loss
• Help people pick the best policy to protect their house, car, household items, and other valuables
• Keep records and help people settle insurance claims
• May give advice on retirement planning and sell pension plans
• Work in offices for insurance companies or for themselves
• Work with all types of insurance policies, financial records on clients, forms, claims, state laws and rules, and financial securities

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)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma and experience in sales
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree and certification in selling the relevant type of insurance
• Skills/Courses: College courses include finance, math, accounting, economics, business law, marketing, business administration, psychology, sociology, public speaking, tax laws, government benefits programs, and other state and federal regulations.
• Certification/Licensing: A license is needed for each type of insurance, which requires passing courses and tests.