Insurance sales agents contact potential customers and sell one or more types of insurance. Insurance sales agents explain various insurance policies and help clients choose plans that suit them.

Although most insurance sales agents work for insurance agencies and brokerages, both of which sell the policies of several companies, some work directly for a single insurance company. Most insurance sales agents work in offices, although some may spend time traveling to meet with clients.

Although most employers require agents to have a high school diploma, many agents have a bachelor's degree. Agents must be licensed in the states where they work.

The median annual wage for insurance sales agents was $48,200 in May 2015.

Employment of insurance sales agents is projected to grow 9 percent from 2014 to 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and changes in federal regulation may increase demand for agents who sell health and long-term care insurance.

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for insurance sales agents.

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of insurance sales agents with similar occupations.

Learn more about insurance sales agents by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.