Insurance Agent Salary in Burien, WA: $60,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time insurance agent in Burien, WA earns a median $60,283/year (≈ $28.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Once you factor in Burien's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $56,129 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, insurance agents in Burien, WA, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $60,283, which is about 6.57% lower than the national median of $64,522. The salary range for agents in the area varies greatly, from $37,526 at the lower end to $93,438 at the top, illustrating the differences in compensation based on experience, client portfolios, and employment structures. Burien's insurance market reflects a nuanced environment where captive agents, particularly from companies like State Farm and Allstate, still hold a significant share, yet independent agencies and commercial brokerages are on the rise and may offer better earning potential through varied commission structures. This disparity in agents' salaries highlights the ongoing evolution within the Burien job market as competition intensifies across different insurance models.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,526 | $18.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,960 | $22.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,283 | $28.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,162 | $37.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,438 | $44.92 |
Median Salary Position
6.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
In Burien, WA, the insurance agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,912 (2026 est.). At $60,283, the local median is 6.57% below the national median of $64,522.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burien: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burien Insurance Agent Pay Compares
Burien median: $60,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burien Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $60,586 | -0.50% less |
| National Average | $64,522 | -6.57% less |
Insurance Agents in Burien, WA earn a median of $60,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.57% lower than the national median of $64,522 and 0.50% below the Washington state average of $60,586.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burien has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burien, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,283 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,129 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,593
2025 BLS Actual
$58,188
2026 Current Est.
$60,283
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Salary Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,593 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,058 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,198 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,968 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,188 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,453 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burien metropolitan area, the median insurance agent salary grew 22.3% from $47,593 (2019) to $58,188 (2025). At a 3.60% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,453 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,860 (31.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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) | $37,526 – $45,960 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,960 – $60,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,283 – $77,162 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,162 – $93,438 |
Agent salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual insurance agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Insurance Agent Job Market in Burien
The local job market for insurance agents in Burien is relatively modest, with only eight professionals recorded in the field. Coupled with a cost of living index of 107.4, the purchasing power for agents can be significantly affected. Independent agencies and large commercial firms often provide more attractive pay packages, particularly for those specializing in commercial lines, where commissions can surpass those of personal lines by a factor of five to ten. Particularly challenging is the balance between captive and independent agency pay; while captive agents might receive upfront bonuses and training, their long-term earning potential could be capped. For those looking to maximize their insurance agent salary in Burien, building a robust book of business, focusing on high-commission commercial lines, and considering the ownership of an independent agency could all be viable strategies.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 $58,188 for insurance agentsin the Burien 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 Burien 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