What are the Best-Paying Jobs in Insurance?

The insurance industry is full of well-paid career opportunitiesResources Pre License Career Opportunities Insurance Producers Illinois Insurance.aceable.com. From sales agents who help people choose the right coverage to underwriting managers who ensure compliance and profitability, there's a position for you in this dynamic field.

While income varies by state, employer, and position, we've scoured Glassdoor.com to find the best-paying jobs in insurance. And we'll show you how to land them.

Top-Paying Jobs in Insurance

Here are the best-paying jobs in insurance (based on data from Glassdoor as of March 21, 2026).

1. Insurance Sales Agent

Insurance sales agentsResources Pre License What Does Insurance Agent Do Insurance.aceable.com, also called insurance producers, sell various insurance policiesResources Pre License Types Insurance Producer Can Sell Illinois Insurance.aceable.com, including property and casualty, life, and health insurance. They assess clients' needs, explain policy features, and help clients choose suitable coverage. Agents are often captive, working on behalf of one insurance provider, selling only their products. Agents can also be independent, authorized to sell products from multiple insurance companies.

• Pay range for insurance sales agentsUnited States Insurance Sales Agent Salary SRCH_IL.0 13_IN1_KO14 35.htm Salaries: $81,000 - $147,000, typically consisting of a lower base salary plus commissions on policy sales and renewals.
• License requirement: Insurance sales agents must be licensed in the state(s) where they work.

2. Independent Insurance Broker

Independent insurance brokers represent multiple insurance companies, helping clients choose the company that best meets their insurance needs. This role is becoming increasingly important in the property and casualty space as more homeowners struggle to find an insurance provider willing to cover areas at high risk of flood, wildfire, or other disasters.

• Pay range for independent insurance brokersUnited States Independent Insurance Broker Salary SRCH_IL.0 13_IN1_KO14 42.htm Salaries: $183,000 - $341,000, typically consisting of a lower base salary plus commissions on policy sales and renewals.
• License requirement: Independent insurance brokers must be licensed in the state(s) where they work.

3. Underwriting Manager

Underwriting managers oversee underwriting teams that assess risk and determine policy pricing. They make sure policies meet regulatory requirements and company standards, while also paying attention to profitability.

• Pay range for insurance underwriting managersUnited States Insurance Underwriting Manager Salary SRCH_IL.0 13_IN1_KO14 44.htm Salaries: $81,000 - $148,000
• License requirement: A license may not legally be required for underwriting managers, but some companies prefer licensed professionals.

4. Claims Manager

Claims managers oversee the claims department. They make sure claims are processed efficiently and fairly. They manage claims adjusters, set policies, and handle complex or disputed claims.

• Pay range for insurance claims managersUnited States Insurance Claims Manager Salary SRCH_IL.0 13_IN1_KO14 38.htm Salaries: $84,000 - $151,000
• License requirement: Typically, a license is not required for claims managers, but experience as a licensed claims adjuster is beneficial.

5. Commercial Insurance Sales Agent

Commercial insurance producers specialize in selling insurance products to businesses. These products include general liability, property, and workers' compensation insurance. They assess business risks and tailor policies to meet specific commercial needs.

• Pay range for commercial insurance agentsUnited States Commercial Insurance Sales Agent Salary SRCH_IL.0 13_IN1_KO14 46.htm Salaries: $76,000 - $138,000
• License requirement: Commercial insurance producers must be licensed to sell commercial insurance products in the state(s) where they work.

Why These Insurance Jobs Pay So Well

These insurance jobs offer high incomes for several reasons:

• They require specialty industry knowledge.
• They require strong skills in key areas like communication, sales, and management.
• Many of these positions require state licensure.
• A few of these positions include leadership responsibilities, adding complexity to the job.
• These positions are critical for the success of individual insurance companies and the industry as a whole.

How to Earn a High-Paying Job in Insurance

Here is a simple five-step plan for landing a high-paying insurance job:

1. Learn how insurance works. Pre-license insurance coursesPre License Illinois All In One Insurance.aceable.com are ideal because they teach industry foundations while meeting educational criteria for licensure. Depending on your state, these courses can be completed in just a few weeks.
2. Pass the state insurance exams. Passing the state examResources Pre License How To Study Insurance Licensing Exam Insurance.aceable.com is a requirement for the next step: getting licensed.
3. Earn your insurance license. Getting your insurance licenseResources Pre License How To Get Your Insurance License In Illinois Insurance.aceable.com allows you to sell insurance products. So you could become an insurance sales agent, independent insurance broker, or commercial insurance agent after this step!
4. Get some experience. To become a well-paid insurance agent or broker, you need to gain experience and grow your client base. Give yourself a year to get established. Then, you can build on that foundation in the following years. You might also choose a non-sales specialty, like underwriting or claims processing, rising through those ranks as you gain experience.
5. Consider management. With front-line experience under your belt, you can apply for high-paying management roles like underwriting manager and claims manager. You might even decide to open your own insurance brokerage, employing insurance producers to work for you!