Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $34.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Chicago, IL runs $34.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,733 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,042 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Chicago, the projected median hourly pay for insurance agents is $34.49, which significantly outpaces the national median of $31.02. This difference offers considerable benefits for both full-time and part-time positions in a city where insurance agents can operate out of various environments, including independent agencies, captive agent storefronts, and remote settings. For those working part-time, especially around 24 hours a week, this translates to a competitive advantage, allowing agents to earn above the national standard while enjoying flexible work arrangements. With hourly pay ranging from $18.50 for entry-level agents to as much as $81.59 for top earners, Chicago presents a diverse economic landscape for individuals pursuing a career in insurance.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.50 | $148.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.86 | $190.87 |
| Median (P50) | $34.49 | $275.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.05 | $400.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.59 | $652.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $34.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.49/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $71,736 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,386. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,379.54 | $5,978 | $71,736 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $827.72 | $3,587 | $43,042 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.82 | $2,391 | $28,694 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Chicago) | $34.49 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $71,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.18% higher than the national median of $64,522 and 17.50% above the Illinois state average of $61,049.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.49/hr = $43,042/year (purchasing power: $41,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,736/year (purchasing power: $69,247).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Chicago grew 24.7% from $26.69/hr (2019) to $33.29/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.73/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
For those considering part-time work in the insurance sector, an agent working just three days a week can expect to take home a substantial income, translating to opportunities that could exceed $30,000 annually. While per diem insurance agent pay in Chicago may be less common due to the commission-based nature of many roles, agents can still find lucrative consulting opportunities, particularly as risk managers or expert witnesses, with billing rates ranging from $200 to $600 an hour. Hourly earnings are influenced heavily by the type of employer; captive agents with major carriers like State Farm or Allstate might earn less but typically have benefits, while independent agencies and large brokerages might offer higher per-hour rates without employee benefits. Understandably, many agents weigh the pros and cons when accepting roles—higher hourly rates can come with greater instability, whereas lower but more stable compensation often includes additional health benefits. Negotiating for better pay in this competitive market requires a solid understanding of one’s value based on credentials like CPCU or extensive experience in personal versus commercial lines.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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
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 Chicago. 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