Insurance Agents and Brokers
(NOC 6231)
in All Sales and ServiceInsurance agents and brokers sell life, car, property, health, and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses, and public institutions. Insurance agents work for individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance brokers work for brokerage firms or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship. Supervisors of insurance agents are included in this group.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Insurance Agents and Brokers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 70% of Insurance Agents and Brokers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $45,517. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$13.20
Minimum$20.24
Median$28.85
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,504
Minimum$40,567
Median$93,318
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Insurance agents and brokers sell life, car, property, health, and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses, and public institutions. Insurance agents work for individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance brokers work for brokerage firms or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship. Supervisors of insurance agents are included in this group.
Job duties
Insurance agents:
- Sell car, truck, fire, health, life, property, marine, aircraft and other types of insurance to clients.
- Establish client insurance coverage, calculate premiums, and determine method of payment.
- Provide information concerning group and individual insurance packages, the range of risk coverage, benefits paid and other policy features.
- Make sure appropriate forms, medical examinations and other policy requirements are completed.
- Monitor insurance claims and respond to clients' questions.
- Identify and solicit potential clientele.
Sample job titles
- automobile insurance agent
- general insurance representative
- group insurance representative
- insurance agent
- insurance broker
- insurance sales representative
- insurance sales supervisor
- life insurance agent
Skills
You need excellent communication and negotiation skills. The ability to analyze complex information accurately and quickly is necessary for decision-making. Computer skills would be a definite asset.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- On-the-job training and insurance industry courses and training programs are provided and are required for employment.
- Licensure by the insurance governing body in the province or territory of employment is required.
Other considerations
Progression to insurance management positions is possible through experience. Completion of educational programs through the Insurance Institute of Canada or its provincial counterpart entitles agents to professional recognition as an Associate of the Insurance Institute of Canada (A.I.I.C.) or Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada (F.I.I.C.). Completion of educational courses through the Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors allows for various levels of professional designations for insurance and financial advisors.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Finance and insurance
Real estate and rental and leasing
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
25-34
45-54
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$40,218 median annual incomeHigh school
$41,086 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,808 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$39,284 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$52,648 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Right to Title and Practice: This job is regulated. The job title is protected, and you may not use it without a professional licence. A licence shows that the holder has met provincial requirements and is required to legally do this work.