Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $33.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Birmingham, AL runs $33.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,039 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,425 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Insurance agents in Birmingham, AL, earn a median hourly rate of $33.19, which is notably higher than the national median hourly figure of $31.02. This advantageous pay scale provides attractive opportunities for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers in various settings, such as captive agency storefronts and independent brokerage offices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the income can still be quite significant. For entry-level agents, the hourly pay starts at approximately $18.24, while more experienced agents can earn up to $69.38 per hour. This range reflects the increasing competitiveness in the market as agents engage in client business visits for commercial inspections and participate in remote policy quoting, highlighting the evolving landscape of insurance in the Birmingham area.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.24 | $145.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.92 | $215.32 |
| Median (P50) | $33.19 | $265.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.05 | $400.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.38 | $555.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $33.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.19/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $69,042 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,832. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,327.74 | $5,754 | $69,042 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.64 | $3,452 | $41,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.10 | $2,301 | $27,617 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Birmingham) | $33.19 |
| Real Estate Sales Agent (National Avg) | $32.36 |
| Personal Financial Advisor (National Avg) | $51.62 |
| Insurance Underwriter (National Avg) | $37.70 |
| Claims Adjuster (National Avg) | $35.30 |
Insurance Agents in Birmingham, AL earn a median of $69,039 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.00% higher than the national median of $64,522 and 5.80% above the Alabama state average of $65,254.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.19/hr = $41,425/year (purchasing power: $45,203).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,042/year (purchasing power: $75,338).
CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-8.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Birmingham grew -15.1% from $37.75/hr (2019) to $32.04/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.39/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem insurance agents can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham 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.
Working as an Hourly Insurance Agent in Birmingham
Focusing on part-time earnings, a three-day work week for an insurance agent amounts to around 24 hours and can yield an annual take-home pay of approximately $43,000, a figure that illustrates the financial viability of part-time positions in this field. Per-diem work is relatively uncommon, with most compensation models leaning toward commission-based structures. However, seasoned consultants, particularly those with CPCU credentials, can charge clients $200 to $400 per hour for specialized services, such as risk management. Hourly variations are also pronounced across different employer types; captive agents may receive lower hourly rates but benefit from health insurance, while independent agents could earn higher pay without such benefits. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers in Birmingham might involve emphasizing skill sets unique to the insurance landscape, particularly in commercial lines, where pay gradients typically favor those handling complex risks.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for insurance agents in Birmingham in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.60% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for insurance agents in Birmingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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