What insurance jobs involve and who hires for them
Insurance jobs range from claims adjusters who investigate damage after a storm, to underwriters who decide whether to insure a house or business, to agents who sell policies directly to customers. The work happens at insurance companies themselves, at independent agencies that represent multiple insurers, at brokerages that help businesses find coverage, and at third-party administrators who handle claims on behalf of insurers. Most positions require some combination of licensing, on-the-job training, and customer-facing or analytical skills.
The industry employs people in every state and in nearly every city. Unlike many fields, insurance work does not require a four-year degree for most entry-level roles, though many positions do require passing a state licensing exam. Pay varies widely depending on the role, location, and whether you work on commission.
Key Takeaways
- Insurance jobs include claims adjusters, underwriters, agents, brokers, and customer service roles, each with different day-to-day responsibilities and earning structures.
- Most insurance positions require a state license obtained by passing an exam; the exam content and passing score vary by state and job type.
- Entry-level roles typically do not require a college degree, though some employers prefer candidates with some college coursework or a high school diploma plus relevant experience.
- Insurance companies, independent agencies, brokerages, and third-party claims administrators all hire for similar roles but may offer different work environments and advancement paths.
- Salary ranges depend heavily on role, location, and commission structure; some positions offer base pay plus commission, while others are salary-only.
Claims adjusters: investigating and settling damage claims
A claims adjuster inspects property damage, interviews people involved, reviews police reports or medical records, and decides how much the insurance company should pay. After a hurricane, flood, or car accident, the adjuster is the person who shows up to assess the loss. They photograph damage, measure it, get repair estimates, and write a report recommending a settlement amount.
Most states require claims adjusters to hold a license. You obtain this by passing a written exam administered by your state's insurance department or a testing vendor. The exam covers insurance law, policy language, and claims procedures specific to your state. Study materials are usually available free or for a small fee through your state's insurance commissioner's office. Many employers will pay for exam fees and study materials if you pass, or they may require you to pass before hiring.
The job involves travel to damage sites, working outdoors in bad weather, and sometimes dealing with upset or angry claimants. Some adjusters work for insurance companies directly; others work for independent adjusting firms that contract with multiple insurers. During disaster seasons (hurricane, wildfire, or flood season depending on region), demand for adjusters spikes and temporary positions become available.
Insurance agents and brokers: selling and advising on policies
An insurance agent sells insurance policies to individuals or businesses. They explain coverage options, answer questions about deductibles and limits, and help customers choose the right policy. Some agents work for one insurance company only (called captive agents); others represent multiple companies and can shop around for the best rate and coverage for each customer (called independent agents or brokers).
All states require agents to hold a license. The licensing exam covers the specific types of insurance you will sell—property and casualty (home and auto), life and health, or commercial lines. You study the state's insurance code, policy types, and regulations, then pass a proctored exam. Many people pass the exam within weeks of starting study. Employers often provide study materials and may require you to obtain your license within a set timeframe after hire.
Agent income typically combines a base salary (if any) with commission on policies sold. Some agencies offer salary only; others offer commission only. The more policies you sell and the higher the premiums, the more you earn. This structure means income can vary month to month, especially when starting out. Experienced agents at busy agencies can earn significantly more than the base salary alone.
Underwriters: assessing risk and setting policy terms
An underwriter reviews insurance applications and decides whether the insurance company should issue a policy, and at what price. They look at a homeowner's claims history, credit score, and property condition to decide whether to insure a house. For a business, they review financial statements, safety practices, and industry risk. If the risk is too high, they may decline the application or require the customer to make changes (like installing a security system) before coverage begins.
Underwriters typically work in an office reviewing documents and using specialized software. Some states require underwriters to hold a license; others do not. Check your state's insurance commissioner's website to confirm. Even where not required by law, many employers prefer or require a license because it signals knowledge of insurance principles and regulations. The exam is similar in scope to the agent exam but focuses on risk assessment and policy language rather than sales.
Most underwriter positions require at least a high school diploma and some prefer some college coursework or an associate degree in business or insurance. The role involves attention to detail, understanding of financial documents, and the ability to make decisions under guidelines set by the insurance company. Underwriters typically earn a salary rather than commission.
Customer service and support roles in insurance
Insurance companies and agencies hire customer service representatives to answer phones, respond to emails, and help customers with policy questions, billing, and claims status. These roles do not typically require a license, though some employers provide training on insurance basics. A high school diploma and customer service experience are usually sufficient to start.
Customer service work in insurance involves explaining policy terms to people who may be frustrated or confused, processing paperwork, and directing customers to the right department. The work is usually done from an office or call center, with set hours. Pay is typically hourly and does not include commission. Some positions offer remote work, especially after the pandemic shifted many companies' policies.
This role is often an entry point into the insurance industry. Many people start in customer service, learn the business, and then move into sales, claims, or underwriting roles. Employers sometimes offer tuition reimbursement or study time to help customer service staff earn their insurance license and advance.
Education and licensing requirements by role
| Role | License Required | Typical Education | Exam Study Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claims Adjuster | Yes, in most states | High school diploma | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Insurance Agent | Yes, in all states | High school diploma | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Underwriter | Varies by state | High school diploma; some prefer college | 2 to 8 weeks if required |
| Customer Service Rep | No | High school diploma | None |
| Broker | Yes, in all states | High school diploma; some prefer college | 4 to 12 weeks |
Licensing exams are offered year-round in most states through Pearson VUE, PSI, or your state's insurance department. You can usually schedule an exam within days or weeks of registering. Study materials range from free state-provided guides to paid prep courses costing $50 to $300. Many employers reimburse exam fees once you pass or after a set employment period.
Where insurance jobs are located and how to find them
Insurance jobs exist in every state, but employment is concentrated in states with large populations and major insurance company headquarters. Florida, Texas, California, New York, and Illinois have the most insurance jobs. However, every city has local independent agencies, and most mid-size towns have at least one insurance office. Remote positions have become more common, especially for customer service and underwriting roles, so you do not have to live near a major insurance hub to find work.
To find insurance jobs, search job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor using terms like "insurance agent," "claims adjuster," or "insurance customer service." Many independent agencies post openings on their own websites. Your state's insurance commissioner's office sometimes maintains a list of licensed agencies. Insurance trade groups like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America (IIABA) publish job listings and career resources.
Networking is valuable in insurance. Attending local chamber of commerce meetings, joining insurance professional groups, and talking to people already in the industry can lead to job leads before positions are posted publicly. Many agencies hire through referrals from current employees.
Advancement and earning potential in insurance careers
Insurance careers offer clear paths to advancement. A customer service representative can earn a license and move into sales. A claims adjuster can become a senior adjuster or claims manager overseeing other adjusters. An agent can open their own independent agency or move into management at a larger firm. An underwriter can specialize in a particular line of business (commercial property, workers' compensation, etc.) and earn more as they develop expertise.
Earning potential depends on role and structure. Customer service representatives typically earn $28,000 to $40,000 annually. Claims adjusters earn $35,000 to $65,000 depending on experience and whether they work for a company or an independent firm. Insurance agents' income varies widely: some earn $35,000 to $50,000 in base salary plus commission, while experienced agents at busy agencies can earn $80,000 or more. Underwriters typically earn $45,000 to $75,000 in salary. These ranges vary by location, employer size, and market conditions.
Continuing education is common in insurance. Many states require licensed professionals to complete a set number of hours of training each year to keep their license active. This training covers new laws, products, and industry practices. Some employers pay for this training; others require you to complete it on your own time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a college degree to work in insurance?
No. Most entry-level insurance jobs require only a high school diploma. Some employers prefer candidates with some college coursework or an associate degree, but it is not required. The industry values licensing and on-the-job experience more than formal education for most roles.
How long does it take to get an insurance license?
Study time ranges from two to eight weeks depending on the license type and how much time you spend studying. The exam itself takes one to three hours. After passing, you receive your license within days or weeks. Many employers hire you before you pass the exam and give you a deadline to obtain your license within 30 to 90 days.
Can I work in insurance remotely?
Yes, especially for customer service, underwriting, and some agent roles. Claims adjusters must travel to damage sites, so that work is not remote. Many insurance companies and agencies now offer remote or hybrid positions. Check job postings for "remote" or "work from home" to find these opportunities.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
An agent represents one or more insurance companies and sells their policies. A broker represents the customer and shops multiple insurance companies to find the best rate and coverage. Brokers typically earn commission from the insurers whose policies they sell, just like agents do. Both need a license in all states.
How much do insurance jobs pay compared to other entry-level work?
Entry-level insurance customer service roles pay similarly to retail or call center work—roughly $28,000 to $40,000 annually. Licensed roles like agent or adjuster typically pay more, starting around $35,000 to $45,000 and rising with experience and sales performance. Commission-based roles offer higher earning potential but less income stability when starting out.