The Commission Breakdown: What Top Insurance Agents Really Make (And How to Get There)

What do top insurance agents really earn — and how do they get paid? Whether you're just starting or shopping around for better contracts, understanding commissions is critical.

Intro:
What do top insurance agents really earn — and how do they get paid? Whether you’re just starting or shopping around for better contracts, understanding commissions is critical.

How Commission Works by Product Line

  • Life Insurance: Up to 90-120% first year, small renewals
  • Medicare Advantage: Flat fee per enrollment ($600+ in 2025), renewals
  • Annuities: 3–8% depending on product type and firm

What Influences Payouts

  • Carrier & product type
  • FMO/IMO structure
  • Volume and experience
  • How many layers of override are above you

The Myth of “Top Comp”

Some FMOs say 110% but pay 90% after “marketing deductions.”
🛠 Tool Tip: Agency Engineer offers transparent, top-tier contracts without clawbacks or fluff.

How to Maximize Your Commission

  • Cross-sell efficiently
  • Use automation to do more with less
  • Get direct contracts when possible
  • Avoid uplines that don’t support you

Why Top Agents Are Moving to New Models

More agents are ditching traditional FMOs to stay independent and maximize comp — with tech and support included.

Conclusion:
Want higher pay and fewer middlemen? With Agency Engineer, you keep more of what you earn — while getting the tools and support usually reserved for big agencies.