Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $29.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Raleigh, NC runs $29.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,056 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,236 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Raleigh, North Carolina, the insurance agent hourly pay stands at a median rate of $29.84, which is slightly lower than the national median of $31.02. This hourly compensation allows insurance agents in the area to explore various work arrangements, including part-time roles, which typically span three days a week. For someone working in these environments—such as captive agent storefronts, independent agency offices, or engaging in client visits—the potential earnings can vary significantly. Entry-level insurance agents can earn around $22.25 per hour, while more experienced agents may see hourly rates soar to $50.01, reflecting a broad spectrum of opportunity within the profession as indicated by official BLS data.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.25 | $178.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.14 | $185.15 |
| Median (P50) | $29.84 | $238.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.45 | $299.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.01 | $400.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $29.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.84/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $62,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,804. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,193.47 | $5,172 | $62,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.08 | $3,103 | $37,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.39 | $2,069 | $24,824 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Raleigh) | $29.84 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $62,056 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.82% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 18.50% above the North Carolina state average of $52,368.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.84/hr = $37,236/year (purchasing power: $37,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,061/year (purchasing power: $63,226).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Raleigh grew 9.8% from $26.24/hr (2019) to $28.80/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.91/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Examining the financial implications for part-time insurance agents reveals that those working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $37,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who benefit from a more stable income stream. The world of per-diem insurance work is less prevalent, as most agents operate on a commission-based structure, leading to varying compensation. While consulting risk managers can bill at rates between $200 and $400 per hour, expert witnesses in coverage disputes command as much as $600. In Raleigh, the type of employer can greatly influence hourly pay; for instance, captive agents might earn lower hourly rates due to traditional commission structures while larger commercial brokerages tend to offer higher compensation. Many agents accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Therefore, understanding the nuances of hourly compensation becomes essential for both negotiation and career planning in this evolving sector of the insurance industry.
More salary data for Raleigh, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for insurance agents in Raleigh 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 Raleigh. 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