Insurance Agent Salary

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.

$71,733
Median Annual Salary
$34.49/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,487
Entry Level (P10)
$169,697
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Insurance Agent Hourly Rate in Chicago, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Chicago, IL insurance agent hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a insurance agent in Chicago earning $34.49/hr would make approximately $41,386 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $71,736 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$41,386Reduced (32 hr/wk)$55,182Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$71,736

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$275.91
per 8hr shift
$1,379.54
per week
$5,978
per month
$71,736
per year

Schedule Comparison in Chicago

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing insurance agent median salary in Chicago ($71,733) with Illinois average ($61,049) and the US national median ($64,522).Chicago$71,733Illinois Avg$61,049+17.50%US National$64,522+11.18%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for insurance agents in Chicago. Baseline $26.69/hr in 2025, projected to $35.73/hr by 2027.$21$25$30$34$382019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.69$27.28$23.38$29.24$25.59$29.97$33.29$34.49$35.73
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$26.69/hrActual
2020$27.28/hrActual
2021$23.38/hrActual
2022$29.24/hrActual
2023$25.59/hrActual
2024$29.97/hrActual
2025$33.29/hrActual
2026(current)$34.49/hrEstimated
2027$35.73/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for insurance agents in Chicago in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for insurance agents in Chicago is $34.49/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.60% annual growth). Rates range from $18.50 at entry level (10th percentile) to $81.59 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 11.2% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time insurance agents make in Chicago?

A part-time insurance agent working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Chicago earns approximately $3,587/month, or $43,042/year at the median hourly rate of $34.49. Many insurance agents prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are insurance agents in Chicago paid hourly or salary?

The majority of insurance agents in Chicago are paid hourly at a median rate of $34.49/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $71,736/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time insurance agent make per year in Chicago?

A full-time insurance agent working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Chicago earns approximately $71,736/year at the median hourly rate of $34.49. This is 11.2% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $169,697/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do insurance agents earn more per hour working part-time in Chicago?

Part-time and per diem insurance agents in Chicago sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $81.59/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Illinois

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, CICData verified by Raj Patel, LUTCF

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

Last verified: