Insurance Agent Salary

Garner vs Winston: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)

Compare insurance agent salaries between Garner, NC and Winston, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Garner, NC
$50,250
$24.16/hr
Winston, NC
$51,241
$24.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGarner, NCWinston, NC
Median Salary$50,250$51,241
Hourly Rate$24.16$24.64
Entry Level (P10)$32,189$41,761
25th Percentile$39,012$45,180
75th Percentile$64,320$82,466
Top Earner (P90)$77,888$111,505
Total Employed4800
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Garner ($50,250) and Winston ($51,241) insurance agent salaries.GarnerWinstonMedian Salary$50,250$51,241Entry Level (P10)$32,189$41,761Top Earner (P90)$77,888$111,505US Median $64,522

Verdict

Winston, NC offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garner.

The salary gap between Garner and Winston is $991 (1.97%). Winston's median is -20.58% compared to the US national median of $64,522.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garner spans $45,699,Winston spans $69,744. Winston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.

Garner
P10 (Entry)$32,189
P25$39,012
Median$50,250
P75$64,320
P90 (Top)$77,888
Winston
P10 (Entry)$41,761
P25$45,180
Median$51,241
P75$82,466
P90 (Top)$111,505

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Winston ($55,671 effective) pays 3.70% more than Garner ($53,686 effective).

Garner
Nominal: $50,250
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $53,686
Winston
Nominal: $51,241
CoL Index: 92.043
Adjusted: $55,671

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Garner if…

  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Winston if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,241/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($111,505)
  • Larger job market (800 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,671)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Garner grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Winston over the same period.

Garner, NC

+-6.9%

$52,080 (2024) → $48,504 (2025)

Winston, NC

+21.9%

$40,570 (2019) → $49,460 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays insurance agents more: Garner or Winston?

Winston has a higher median insurance agent salary at $51,241/year, compared to Garner at $50,250/year — a difference of $991 (1.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Garner and Winston?

Garner insurance agents earn $24.16/hr while Winston hygienists earn $24.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Garner to Winston as a insurance agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Garner and Winston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Garner = $53,686, Winston = $55,671), job availability (4 vs 800 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Garner vs Winston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) insurance agents earn $32,189 in Garner and $41,761 in Winston. The Winston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov