Insurance sales agents held about 466,100 jobs in 2014. About 82 percent of insurance sales agents worked in the insurance carriers and related activities industry, and about 1 in 7 were self-employed. Most worked for insurance agencies and brokerages, which sell the policies of several companies. Others worked directly for a single insurance carrier.
Most insurance sales agents work in offices, although some may spend time traveling to meet with clients. Their work environment varies with the type of company that employs them. Because some companies are small, agents may work alone or with only a few others.
Work Schedules
Insurance sales agents usually determine their own hours of work and often schedule evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of clients. Some sales agents meet with clients during business hours and then spend evenings doing paperwork and preparing presentations to prospective clients. Most agents work full time, and about 1 in 5 worked more than 40 hours per week in 2014.
