Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $30.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Seattle, WA runs $30.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,309 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the median hourly pay for insurance agents stands at $30.70, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $31.02. This figure serves as a benchmark for various employment scenarios within the insurance sector, particularly benefiting those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For agents pursuing part-time opportunities, such as three days a week, the pay can be beneficial, allowing flexibility while still contributing to stable income. Moreover, entry-level agents in Seattle can expect earnings commencing at about $20.17 per hour, whereas seasoned professionals may earn up to $64.60 per hour, depending on factors such as venue of service—whether in independent agency offices, major brokerage firms, or virtually. These statistics derive from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating the potential for growth within this field.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.17 | $161.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.65 | $197.17 |
| Median (P50) | $30.70 | $245.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.38 | $379.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.60 | $516.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $30.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.70/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $63,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,836. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.87 | $5,321 | $63,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.72 | $3,192 | $38,309 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $491.15 | $2,128 | $25,540 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Seattle) | $30.70 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $63,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 5.40% above the Washington state average of $60,577.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.70/hr = $38,309/year (purchasing power: $34,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,849/year (purchasing power: $57,453).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Seattle grew 3.3% from $28.67/hr (2019) to $29.63/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.80/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
The compensation for insurance agents isn’t solely dictated by hourly pay. For those working a three-day week, earning roughly $30.70 per hour might translate into an annual income of around $38,276, significantly less than that of full-time agents. Per-diem work is less common in this field; most insurance professionals operate on a commission basis, especially in settings such as large brokerages or independent agencies. While some may achieve significant earnings by consulting—certain industry experts can earn per diem rates between $200 to $600—the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits are notable. Captive agents with firms like State Farm often receive health insurance, which could mean accepting lower hourly pay for security and perks. In contrast, independent agents might command higher rates without benefits, reflecting the differing priorities amongst agents. Understanding these dynamics can aid prospective insurance agents in negotiations with potential employers in Seattle, where competitive compensation can vary significantly across different types of agencies and market focuses.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
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 Seattle. 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