Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Manchester, NJ: $34.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Manchester, NJ runs $34.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,607 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,964 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Manchester, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for insurance agents in 2026 is $34.43, which exceeds the national median of $31.02. This attractive hourly rate signifies solid compensation for part-time workers—and those operating in a per-diem capacity can expect a competitive edge in a sector that involves various settings, from traditional captive agent storefronts to dynamic independent agency offices. The hourly compensation for insurance agents in this region exhibits a broad range, starting at $22.28 for entry-level positions and extending to $53.36 for high earners, reflecting the diverse experiences and responsibilities involved in insurance roles. These figures provide a glimpse into the financial potential for individuals working with clients, conducting inspections, and engaging in remote policy quoting.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.28 | $178.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.90 | $215.24 |
| Median (P50) | $34.43 | $275.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.06 | $352.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.36 | $426.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $34.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.43/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,607 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,312. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,377.05 | $5,967 | $71,607 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $826.23 | $3,580 | $42,964 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.82 | $2,387 | $28,643 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Manchester) | $34.43 |
| 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 Manchester, NJ earn a median of $71,607 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.98% higher than the national median of $64,522 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $74,359.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.43/hr = $42,964/year (purchasing power: $37,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,607/year (purchasing power: $62,159).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Manchester grew 22.3% from $27.18/hr (2019) to $33.23/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.67/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
When considering part-time opportunities, an insurance agent working three days per week, or 24 hours, could take home around $42,730 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts but still profitable within the Manchester context. The nature of per-diem insurance agent pay in Manchester is often shaped by commission-based structures, making the role less common in purely hourly terms. Those involved in specialized consulting, such as former CPCU-credentialed brokers working as risk managers or expert witnesses, might earn substantially more—rates often range from $200 to $600 per hour based on expertise. The variations in hourly rates are heavily influenced by whether agents operate as captive agents for major carriers, independent brokers, or within large brokerage firms focused on commercial lines. Some insurance professionals may accept lower hourly compensation in exchange for benefits like health insurance, a decision that depends on individual priorities and circumstances. Negotiating effectively in Manchester requires an understanding of these dynamics, emphasizing the value of both hourly rates and overall benefit structures to maximize potential earnings.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for insurance agents in Manchester in 2026?
How much do part-time insurance agents make in Manchester?
Are insurance agents in Manchester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time insurance agent make per year in Manchester?
Do insurance agents earn more per hour working part-time in Manchester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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