Insurance Career Pay: Sales Agent, Claims Adjuster and Underwriter (May 2025 BLS)
Insurance offers several well-paid paths that don’t always need a specific degree. Here is how the three main roles compared in May 2025.
The pay ladder at a glance
| Occupation | U.S. jobs | 10th pct. | Median | 90th pct. | Typical entry education | Projected growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance sales agent | 479,100 | $37,330 | $62,280 | $138,140 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.3% |
| Claims adjuster / examiner | 324,230 | $48,850 | $78,000 | $117,040 | High school diploma or equivalent | -5.5% |
| Insurance underwriter | 105,420 | $55,530 | $81,370 | $145,160 | Bachelor's degree | -3.8% |
Wages are May 2025 estimates from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; growth and education from BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. The 10th and 90th percentiles show the range from entry-level or lower-paying employers to the most experienced or best-paid workers. For comparison, the median for all U.S. occupations was $50,980.
Sales agents
Insurance sales agents earn a median of $62,280, but the range is wide: $37,330 at the 10th percentile and $138,140 at the 90th, because commissions drive pay. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook says agents typically need a high school diploma and must be licensed in the states where they work.
Claims
Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators earn $78,000. BLS says a high school diploma is typically required for entry-level jobs, although some positions require a bachelor’s degree or insurance work experience.
Underwriting
Insurance underwriters earn $81,370, and BLS projects employment to change by -3.8% from 2025 to 2035. Employers usually prefer a bachelor’s degree, but candidates with an associate’s degree or high school diploma plus insurance experience sometimes qualify.
Where claims adjuster / examiners earn the most
State medians for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators vary widely. The five highest-paying states in the May 2025 survey:
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $101,150 | 360 |
| New Jersey | $95,690 | 9,650 |
| Maryland | $95,560 | n/a |
| California | $91,790 | 24,290 |
| Connecticut | $88,330 | 3,190 |
Raise tips for insurance workers
- Designations. Industry designations are often tied to pay steps; ask whether your employer pays for exams.
- Catastrophe work. Independent adjusters can earn more during storm seasons, but pay is irregular.
Published October 27, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original chart by JobPayRaise.com using BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
Comments (1)
Overtime status for adjusters depends on duties, not title. Federal regulations say insurance claims adjusters generally meet the duties test for the administrative exemption when they interview witnesses, inspect damage, evaluate and make recommendations on coverage and settle claims. Adjusters who mainly do data entry or routine clerical claims work may still be owed overtime. See 29 CFR 541.203(a).