Is Selling Life Insurance a Good Job?

However, a career in life insurance can be challenging due to the competitiveness of the insurance industry.

If you’re considering becoming a life insurance sales agent, here’s how to determine if it’s the right career path for you.

The Pros of a Career in Life Insurance

1. Minimal Entry Barrier

Getting a career selling life insurance doesn’t require a university degree or previous experience in the industry. All you need is good communication skills and a license.

To acquire a license, you need to complete a pre-licensing course. For example, in Illinois, you need to complete a 20-hour pre-licensing course.

After that, all you need to do is pass the state’s licensing exam. Aceable’s online life insurance course with live webinars and self-study tools makes it easy to pass the exam the first time.

2. High Earning Potential

According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of an insurance sales agent is $59,080.

Most insurance agents earn a commission, so your earning potential is unlimited and can be much higher. Illinois insurance agents earn an average of $105,150, but in cities like Chicago, they could earn much more.

How much you earn depends on several factors, including:

• Your location — more affluent areas are more likely to buy life insurance.

• Your drive — putting in higher effort will net you more sales.

• Skin in the game — with time and as your customer base grows, you’re likely to earn more.

3. Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a career in life insurance is flexibility. Many agents set their own schedules, working longer or shorter hours as needed. Moreover, you may have the option to work from home part of the time.

This makes it an ideal career for people who are caring for children or aging parents, seeking part-time employment, or simply want a better work-life balance.

4. Job Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6.1% employment growth rate for insurance sales agents by 2033, potentially adding 33,400 jobs to the insurance industry. This is a faster growth rate than the average across all occupations.

The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced the life insurance industry. It elevated consumer awareness about the importance of life insurance coverage. In 2021, the industry recorded the highest life insurance sales and policy count growth rates in more than 40 years, according to LIMRA.

Since then, life insurance premiums have continued to grow, and LIMRA predicts further growth in 2025 and beyond.

What to Know Before You Jump In

1. Your Income Grows With You

In the beginning, your income may be smaller as you build your client base. That is completely normal. Life insurance is a commission-based field, meaning what you earn depends on your effort.

Focus on creating strong client relationships early. Over time, those connections lead to steady referrals and repeat business. That is where real income growth begins.

2. Build Momentum First, Then Enjoy More Flexibility

One of the biggest advantages of a career in life insurance is flexibility. But like any business, it takes consistent effort to get there. Protect your personal time by scheduling focused work blocks.

In addition, life insurance agents are required to complete continuing education (CE). You must complete 24 CE credit hours every two years to renew your license. While the course is quick, you may have to spend time at night or on weekends completing it.

3. Rejection Is Part of the Process

Rejection is not failure. It is feedback. It helps you sharpen your approach and grow your confidence. After each conversation, take a moment to reflect on what worked and what you could improve. That kind of reflection makes you better with every pitch.

4. Goals Help You Grow

Most insurance companies set quotas and targets for their sales team. This can create a competitive environment that may not suit everyone. New agents competing against more seasoned agents are under greater pressure.

However, if you persevere, it can become easier. And as your career progresses, you could choose to become an independent broker. Working for yourself means you can aim for an income that aligns with your financial goals.

Become a Life Insurance Sales Agent

You can take the first step to becoming a life insurance sales agent by completing an online life insurance course with Aceable Insurance.

Aceable’s state-approved courses are supported by the Real Estate Institute and Bookmark Education, providing a strong curriculum under expert instructors.

Start your life insurance career today — get licensed and begin building your future.