Entry-Level Insurance Agent Salary in Derby, KS: $35,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:New insurance agents entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,155 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-3021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,674 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,836) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career as an insurance agent in Derby, KS, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $35,155 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $57,836 for the city, highlighting the gap that new agents may face early in their careers. However, with diligent work and skill-building, salaries can increase swiftly, with opportunities to move from the lower end of the scale toward the 25th percentile ($43,322) and beyond within just a few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.60% in the insurance sector and the relatively lower cost of living index in Derby—sitting at 90.9 compared to the national average—there's potential for a solid trajectory for new graduates entering the field.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Entry-level insurance agents in Derby, KS typically start between $35,155 and $43,322 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,490 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,836 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average insurance program cost in Kansas of $1,200 represents just 3.41% of the starting insurance agent pay ($35,155/year) in Derby. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates cover state-mandated pre-licensing courses, licensing exam fees, fingerprinting/background checks, and initial license fees. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure. Many agents pursue optional designations (CLU, ChFC).
Agent Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level insurance agent pay ranges from $35,155 to $43,322, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the insurance field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Insurance Agent Compensation Range
The insurance agent wage spread in Derby is $54,490 ( 155.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,155, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,645.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,452
2025 BLS Actual
$33,933
2026 Current Est.
$35,155
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,452 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,933 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,420 | Projected |
Entry-level insurance agent compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 33.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,452 in 2019 to $33,933 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,420. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.60% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your insurance Career in Derby
In Derby, the job market for entry-level insurance agents primarily features opportunities with captive agencies such as State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, and American Family. These employers often provide new agents with structured ramp-up programs, initial book transfers, and sometimes attractive sign-on bonuses, which can ease the transition into the profession. In contrast, independent agencies and commercial brokerages typically seek experienced candidates, making it challenging for recent grads without prior industry experience. To enhance earning potential and impress employers, obtaining relevant credentials like the Kansas property & casualty (P&C) license and pursuing professional designations such as the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) can pay off. Many industry experts suggest that newcomers to the field should focus on building a clientele in personal lines initially, while also exploring the opportunities available in more lucrative commercial and specialty lines as they establish their careers. Overall, consistent skill development and strategic credentials can facilitate upward movement in pay over the first few years, providing a pathway for new grad insurance agents to secure a more favorable position in the Derby market.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new insurance graduates. A 3.60% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.60%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for insurance agents (SOC 41-3021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov