Insurance Agent Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $29.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a insurance agent working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $29.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,493 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,292 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Wilkes-Barre presents an intriguing situation for those exploring insurance agent hourly pay, with a median rate projected at $29.08/hr in 2026. This figure falls slightly below the national median hourly rate of $31.02/hr, indicating a competitive local market yet an opportunity for growth. Part-time agents working three days a week could leverage this rate for a comfortable income while balancing other commitments. Typically, insurance agents operate from various settings, including captive agent storefronts, independent agency offices, commercial brokerages, and even remote or virtual environments. The hourly pay range here extends from $17.46 at the entry level to about $45.08 for top earners, allowing for significant variation depending on experience and specialization within the industry.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Insurance Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.46 | $139.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.71 | $173.72 |
| Median (P50) | $29.08 | $232.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.22 | $297.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.08 | $360.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $29.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.08/hr, a insurance agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $60,487 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,897. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.22 | $5,041 | $60,487 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.93 | $3,024 | $36,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.29 | $2,016 | $24,195 |
Compare Agent Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Insurance Agent (Wilkes-Barre) | $29.08 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $60,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.24% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $61,477.
Insurance Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.08/hr = $36,292/year (purchasing power: $37,261).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,487/year (purchasing power: $62,102).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for insurance agents in Wilkes-Barre grew 22.3% from $22.96/hr (2019) to $28.07/hr (2025). At a 3.60% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.13/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Focusing on the dynamics of part-time work in this field, an insurance agent working 24 hours a week will earn considerably less than a full-time peer. Annual earnings for a part-time agent at this hourly rate would equate to around $36,000, starkly contrasting with full-time compensation. While per diem positions in this sector are relatively scarce, some insurance professionals engage in commission-based roles where compensation can vary significantly, especially in specialty or commercial lines. Captive agents at major companies like State Farm or Allstate may experience lower hourly rates due to established salaries, yet they gain benefits like health insurance—a crucial factor many weigh against the allure of higher freelance rates, which often exclude such advantages. Negotiation strategies for those seeking hourly roles in Wilkes-Barre could focus on the industry's evolving commission structures and growing preference among clients for independent, personalized service, enhancing one's position in discussions around pay expectations.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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