How to become an insurance agent or broker
Official title: Insurance agents and brokers
Also called: Insurance agent, Insurance broker, Fire insurance agent, Life insurance agent, Insurance sales agent, Field agent - insurance, Insurance salesman/woman, Automobile insurance agent, Insurance agent supervisor, Insurance sales supervisor, Fire insurance salesman/woman, Life insurance representative
Insurance agents and brokers sell life, automobile, property, health and other types of insurance to individuals, businesses and public institutions. Insurance agents are employed by individual insurance companies or are independent representatives of specific insurance companies. Insurance brokers are employed by brokerage firms, or may work in partnerships or hold sole proprietorship. Supervisors of insurance agents are included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Sell automobile, fire, health, life, property, marine, aircraft and other types of insurance to clients
- Establish client insurance coverage, calculate premiums and establish method of payment
- Provide information concerning group and individual insurance packages, the range of risk coverage, benefits paid and other policy features
- Ensure appropriate forms, medical examinations and other policy requirements are completed
- Monitor insurance claims and respond to clients' enquiries
- Identify and solicit potential clientele
How to become one
Completion of secondary 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.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 35% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Insurance; Business administration, management and operations; Business/commerce, general.
- Licence or registration: Licensure by the insurance governing body in the province or territory of employment is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,500 a year The middle half earn $48,750 to $72,969.
- About 86,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 94,600 are projected by 2033. (+9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an insurance agent or broker?
Completion of secondary 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.
How much does an insurance agent or broker earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,750 to $72,969.
Is an insurance agent or broker a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 86,800 to about 94,600 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an insurance agent or broker?
Not always. 34% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03