Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $30.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Missoula, MT runs $30.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,403 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,051 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, the insurance agent hourly pay in Missoula, Montana, is projected to be $30.49, which sits slightly below the national hourly median of $31.02. This rate can offer substantial earnings for part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week, as well as for per-diem insurance agents who might engage in sporadic, commission-based work. The hourly wage range spans from $22.49 for entry-level positions to $53.39 for top earners within the field, highlighting the potential for growth depending on skill level and industry experience. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS data indicate that insurance agents in diverse settings—including captive agency storefronts, independent brokerage offices, and direct insurance platforms—can capitalize on flexible work arrangements while striving for lucrative commissions.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.49 | $179.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.15 | $201.23 |
| Median (P50) | $30.49 | $243.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.76 | $318.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.39 | $427.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $30.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.49/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $63,418 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,587. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,219.58 | $5,285 | $63,418 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.75 | $3,171 | $38,051 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.83 | $2,114 | $25,367 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Missoula) | $30.49 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $63,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 2.10% above the Montana state average of $62,099.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.49/hr = $38,051/year (purchasing power: $39,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,418/year (purchasing power: $65,756).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Missoula grew 26.1% from $23.34/hr (2019) to $29.43/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.59/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
Part-time insurance agents working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $38,012 annually, illustrating a marked difference from full-time earnings. While per-diem insurance agent pay in Missoula is uncommon and typically rooted in a commission structure, agents who shift into consulting roles, such as risk managers with CPCU credentials, can command significantly higher hourly fees ranging from $200 to $400. Employment across various types of firms influences hourly rates; captive agents at major carriers might earn less than those in commercial-focused brokerages, which are thriving as independent agencies and large corporate firms advance. Some insurance agents make a calculated trade-off—accepting lower hourly compensation for positions that provide health benefits, a common consideration in Missoula's job market. Negotiation can be beneficial; highlighting specific qualifications, including any relevant licensing or specialty certifications, can provide leverage for improving hourly rates in a competitive landscape like MT.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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 Missoula. 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