Insurance Agent Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $59,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time insurance agent in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $59,801/year (≈ $28.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $66,152 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ottumwa, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for insurance agents in 2026 is estimated at $59,801, which is about 7.32% lower than the national median of $64,522. This salary reflects the compounding nature of renewal commissions, where agents build a book of business over time that can yield long-term financial benefits. The salary range for these professionals extends from $39,870 at the 10th percentile to $92,692 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on factors like experience and client portfolio. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local economic conditions, contributing to a competitiveness unique to the Ottumwa job market.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,870 | $19.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,221 | $22.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,801 | $28.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,545 | $36.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,692 | $44.56 |
Median Salary Position
7.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the insurance agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,822 (2026 est.). At $59,801, the local median is 7.32% below the national median of $64,522.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Insurance Agent Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $59,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $64,302 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $64,522 | -7.32% less |
Insurance Agents in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $59,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.32% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $64,302.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A insurance agent earning $59,801 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,152 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,213
2025 BLS Actual
$57,723
2026 Current Est.
$59,801
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Salary Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,213 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,362 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,193 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,626 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,148 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,723 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,954 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median insurance agent salary grew 22.3% from $47,213 (2019) to $57,723 (2025). At a 3.60% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,954 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,741 (31.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,870 – $47,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,221 – $59,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,801 – $76,545 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,545 – $92,692 |
Agent salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual insurance agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Insurance Agent Job Market in Ottumwa
While there are currently only five insurance agents employed in Ottumwa, the cost of living index stands at 90.4, indicating purchasing power challenges for potential salaries. Agents working for captive companies such as State Farm or Allstate may find more structured commission opportunities, although they typically pay less than independent agencies or larger brokerages, which often offer higher earning potential through diversified commercial lines. Moreover, the disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as the size of an agent's book of business, with renewal commissions playing a significant role in long-term compensation. To maximize pay in this specific market, insurance agents in Ottumwa should consider aligning their expertise toward commercial lines or acquiring agency ownership, thereby enhancing their market position and potential earnings in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $57,723 for insurance agentsin the Ottumwa metropolitan area. A 3.60% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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