Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $32.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Salem, NH runs $32.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,533 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the insurance agent hourly pay in Salem, New Hampshire, is projected to sit at $32.48, which is higher than the national median hourly rate of $31.02. This competitive hourly rate suggests a robust market for insurance agents, benefiting both full-time employees and part-time workers stepping into the field. For those considering part-time roles, like a 24-hour work week spread over three days, this pay translates into a viable earning potential without full-time commitments. Entry-level positions start at around $19.15 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $50.35 per hour depending on their expertise and the complexity of their client portfolios. This hourly pay framework reflects a mix of environments from independent agencies to larger brokerages and even virtual platforms that have emerged in recent years.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.15 | $153.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.92 | $191.37 |
| Median (P50) | $32.48 | $259.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.57 | $332.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.35 | $402.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $32.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.48/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $67,555 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,974. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.14 | $5,630 | $67,555 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.49 | $3,378 | $40,533 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.66 | $2,252 | $27,022 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Salem) | $32.48 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $67,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $64,522 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,222.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.48/hr = $40,533/year (purchasing power: $37,776).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,555/year (purchasing power: $62,959).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Salem grew 22.3% from $25.64/hr (2019) to $31.35/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.65/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 Salem 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 Salem
For part-time insurance agents in Salem, taking on a schedule of just three days a week translates to an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time workers. However, the flexibility of part-time roles can be appealing. In contrast, the reality of working per diem as an insurance agent in Salem is less common, with most positions typically offering commission-based pay instead. While some expert consultants can bill clients at rates between $200 and $600 an hour, most insurance agents earn their hourly pay by working directly for carriers or brokerages. Variations in pay rates occur based on the type of employer, with independent agencies and commercial brokerages often providing higher compensation than captive carriers. Insurance agents also face the choice of lower hourly rates in exchange for the security of health benefits, a consideration that influences many in the industry. Negotiation tips in Salem focus on understanding the local competitive compensation landscape, suggesting that agents should be aware of the diverse employer structures available when discussing their rates.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for insurance agents in Salem in 2026?
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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