Entry-Level Insurance Agent Salary in Williston, ND: $36,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:New insurance agents entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,029 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-3021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,162 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,642) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to enter the insurance field in Williston, North Dakota, the starting insurance agent salary presents an intriguing opportunity. In 2026, entry-level positions are expected to begin around $36,029, which, while modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $56,642, offers a pathway to potential growth. It's essential for newcomers to recognize the salary escalation possibilities within their first few years: as agents gain experience, they can expect to see earnings increase to about $43,609 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the city median or higher. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.60%, Williston appears to be a viable market for new graduates aiming to establish their careers in insurance.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level insurance agents in Williston, ND typically start between $36,029 and $43,609 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,767 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,642 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average insurance program cost in North Dakota of $1,500 represents just 4.16% of the starting insurance agent pay ($36,029/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level insurance agent pay ranges from $36,029 to $43,609, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $51,767 ( 143.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,029, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,796.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$26,085
2025 BLS Actual
$34,777
2026 Current Est.
$36,029
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,017 | Actual |
| 2021 | $27,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,374 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,777 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,326 | Projected |
Entry-level insurance agent compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 33.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,085 in 2019 to $34,777 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,326. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
In the current job market, several employers in Williston actively seek fresh talent to fill entry-level insurance agent roles. Captive agencies, such as State Farm and Allstate, often recruit new agents, offering structured training programs and potential sign-on bonuses to ease the transition. These companies tend to focus on personal lines, yet as graduates gain certifications like the State property & casualty license and consider additional credentials such as the CPCU, they can position themselves for higher earnings. In contrast, independent agencies and commercial brokerages, like Aon or Marsh, typically look for more experienced producers but are expanding their teams in response to growing market needs. Aspiring agents should also consider aligning their career strategy around commercial lines, which generally yield higher commissions than personal lines, facilitating a more lucrative trajectory within the first few years.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for insurance agents in Williston in 2026?
How fast do insurance agent salaries grow in Williston?
Is insurance school worth it in Williston?
What do new insurance agents make right out of school in Williston?
How do I become a insurance agent in North Dakota?
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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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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