Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Helena, MT: $28.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Helena, MT runs $28.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,439 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Helena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,659 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Helena, Montana, the insurance agent hourly pay is projected to be $28.57 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.02. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to a potential annual income of just under $44,000, highlighting the significance of choosing the right work setting. The hourly pay can range significantly, from $18.22 for entry-level positions to $44.29 for top earners, reflecting a wide spectrum of experience and expertise in a profession that can take agents from captive storefronts to virtual policy quoting. These figures, estimated based on projected annual salaries, offer a clear view of what to expect in various settings including independent agencies and client visits for commercial inspections.
About the Helena Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.22 | $145.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.13 | $177.03 |
| Median (P50) | $28.57 | $228.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.58 | $292.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.29 | $354.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Helena
Based on $28.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.57/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Helena, MT can expect to earn approximately $59,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,287. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Helena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Helena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.92 | $4,953 | $59,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.75 | $2,972 | $35,659 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.17 | $1,981 | $23,773 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Helena) | $28.57 |
| 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 Helena, MT earn a median of $59,439 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.88% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 4.20% below the Montana state average of $62,045.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.57/hr = $35,659/year (purchasing power: $37,068).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,432/year (purchasing power: $61,779).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Helena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Helena grew 22.3% from $22.56/hr (2019) to $27.58/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.60/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 Helena 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 Helena
Part-time insurance agents in MT can expect to take home a decent income, especially contrasted with the workload of full-time positions. A typical 24-hour workweek for an insurance agent offers the flexibility to balance personal commitments while still generating a respectable income. Per-diem work is less common in this field, primarily due to most agents being compensated through commissions. However, it's worth noting that former brokers with CPCU credentials can bill significantly higher for consulting—averaging between $200 to $400 per hour, especially as coverage experts in disputes. Hourly rates vary across employer types, with captive agents often starting at lower hourly figures but benefiting from health insurance and other perks, while independent agents might receive a higher pay rate at the expense of benefits. When negotiating pay, consider your specific contributions to the agency and market rates in Helena to optimize compensation.
More salary data for Helena, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for insurance agents in Helena in 2026?
How much do part-time insurance agents make in Helena?
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Related Pages
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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 Helena. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Helena 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