Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Matthews, NC: $24.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Matthews, NC runs $24.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,778 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Matthews's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,069 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Matthews, North Carolina, the projected median hourly rate for insurance agents is $24.90 in 2026. This figure lags behind the national hourly median of $31.02, reflecting the area's lower cost of living and different market dynamics. For those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities, such as three-day workweeks or virtual policy consultations, this hourly rate can factor significantly into their overall earnings. Entry-level positions may start at around $15.13 per hour, while top earners can achieve rates as high as $38.58, allowing for a broad spectrum of income potential within the industry. This hourly data is derived from comprehensive annual salary estimates, illustrating how agents' pay can vary based on experience, employer type, and commission structures.
About the Matthews Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.13 | $121.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.76 |
| Median (P50) | $24.90 | $199.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.87 | $254.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.58 | $308.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Matthews
Based on $24.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.90/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Matthews, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,782 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,874. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Matthews.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Matthews
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $995.80 | $4,315 | $51,782 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.48 | $2,589 | $31,069 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.32 | $1,726 | $20,713 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Matthews) | $24.90 |
| 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 Matthews, NC earn a median of $51,778 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.75% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 1.10% below the North Carolina state average of $52,354.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.90/hr = $31,069/year (purchasing power: $33,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,782/year (purchasing power: $55,322).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Matthews (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Matthews grew 22.3% from $19.65/hr (2019) to $24.03/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.79/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 Matthews 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 Matthews
Shifting attention to the realities faced by insurance agents in Matthews, those working part-time, for instance, can expect to take home approximately $31,025 annually, a substantial gap compared to full-time income potential. The dynamics of per-diem work are notably uncommon in Matthews, where commission-based compensation is prevalent. For context, consulting opportunities for risk management specialists, who often command higher rates, can earn between $200 and $600 per hour depending on their expertise. Agent hourly pay can also vary widely based on the type of employer, with captive agents typically earning less than their independent counterparts or those positioned within large commercial brokerages. The trade-off here often rests between salary and benefits; some agents might choose lower hourly rates that come with health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay without such benefits. Negotiating hourly rates in the Matthews area hinges on understanding these market trends and effectively communicating one's own value in an evolving insurance landscape.
More salary data for Matthews, NC:
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 Matthews. 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 Matthews 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