Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Wake Forest, NC: $24.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Wake Forest, NC runs $24.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Wake Forest's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, the projected insurance agent hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.83, significantly lower than the national median of $31.02. This figure suggests a range of potential earnings that may appeal to various types of workers in the field, including part-time agents or those working per diem. For individuals engaged in roles such as client meetings, policy consultations, and remote quote preparations, the earnings translate to a manageable income, even in part-time schedules like three days a week. Within this profession in Wake Forest, entry-level agents can expect to earn around $15.80 per hour, while more experienced professionals and top earners might command rates up to $38.49. These hourly figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting the local dynamics of the insurance sector.
About the Wake Forest 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) | $15.80 | $126.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.65 | $149.18 |
| Median (P50) | $24.83 | $198.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.78 | $254.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.49 | $307.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wake Forest
Based on $24.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.83/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wake Forest, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,800. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wake Forest.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wake Forest
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $993.32 | $4,304 | $51,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.99 | $2,583 | $30,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $397.33 | $1,722 | $20,661 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Wake Forest) | $24.83 |
| 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 Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $51,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.96% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $52,376.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.83/hr = $30,991/year (purchasing power: $33,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,652/year (purchasing power: $55,184).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Wake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Wake Forest grew 22.3% from $19.61/hr (2019) to $23.97/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.73/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 Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest
Earning potential varies widely amongst insurance agents in Wake Forest due to differences in employment settings, commission structures, and client bases. For part-time agents working 24 hours a week, annual earnings would approximate $30,923, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Since most positions offer commission-based remuneration instead of per diem arrangements, this trade-off can impact overall job satisfaction. Distinctions in hourly rates also arise from employer types: captive agents typically earn lower rates but often enjoy benefits like health insurance, while independent agents may negotiate higher hourly wages without benefits. Consulting roles for former CPCU-credentialed brokers can fetch hourly rates as high as $300-$600. Aspiring agents should consider their long-term goals when negotiating their hourly pay in Wake Forest—balancing higher wages against the security of employer-sponsored health insurance can be a strategic decision in this diverse marketplace.
More salary data for Wake Forest, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Wake Forest. 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 Wake Forest 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