What is a field agent and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted Expert
Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r)
introduction image

Field agents are sales representatives working on location, typically contacting prospective customers in person and one-on-one. They provide information about the products or services they are selling, explaining to customers the benefits of owning or using them.

It will be your responsibility to expand the business beyond physical selling points. You will generate leads going door to door or cold calling potentially interested customers. You might give presentations to groups of people or find innovative ways to attract attention to the products you are selling. Building strong working relationships with clients is also your responsibility, but ultimately, your job is to meet sales targets.

Experience in sales is always welcome for these positions, although it is as good a place as any to start your career in sales. All you need is a GED and a good mouthpiece, and you are good to go. Salaries vary depending on the products and locations you work at, but on average, you can expect a yearly income of around $28,000.

What general advice would you give to a Field Agent?

T

Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r)Tom Faulconer JD, CPCU, CLU, ChFC, CASL,CFP(r) LinkedIn Profile

Clinical Professor, Butler University

That depends on the type of agent the person is. Most of us deal with agents who sell personal lines, such as auto and home and life insurance. Their day is filled with prospecting for new clients, appointments to review current insurance with current clients, service work such as adding autos and changing addresses, and, helping take and resolve claims. Some agents specialize in commercial lines. They spend their days prospecting as well, but also work very closely with their clients on a regular basis to assure their insurance program is appropriate. This is because commercial clients usually have very large insurance policies, make frequent changes, and have lots of service work. Plus, the relationship is the key in commercial lines.
ScoreField AgentUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $37,324

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
6.8

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 4.85%

Black or African American 9.21%

Hispanic or Latino 15.70%

Unknown 3.55%

White 66.54%

Gender

female 34.02%

male 65.98%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress Level
6.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.9

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.1

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Field Agent career paths

Key steps to become a field agent

  1. Explore field agent education requirements

    Most common field agent degrees

    Bachelor's

    51.7 %

    Associate

    18.7 %

    High School Diploma

    15.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific field agent skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    GPS27.84%
    Long-Term Care16.77%
    Health Insurance9.53%
    Annuities9.00%
    Subpoenas6.40%
  3. Complete relevant field agent training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New field agents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a field agent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real field agent resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed field agent usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed field agent in most of states. 38 states require field agents to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    State
    ascdesc
    Education
    ascdesc
    Exam
    ascdesc
    License Url
    ascdesc
    Alabama--Licensed Insurance Producer
    ArkansasDegree requiredState exam requiredInsurance Sales Producer (Agent)
    ColoradoSpecific course requiredState exam requiredInsurance Agent
    ConnecticutSpecific course requiredState exam requiredProducer License, Individual
    Delaware-State exam requiredInsurance Agent
  5. Research field agent duties and responsibilities

    • Sell life insurance, long term care insurance and retirement annuities to assign members.
    • Assist senior base clients with understanding and purchasing Medicare supplements, annuities, health and life insurance products.
    • Operate remote telecommunications using applications and secure computer communications to troubleshoot and resolve issues on customer Samsung devices.
    • Help maintain Primerica as the number one source for insurance needs by directly switching accounts over to the company.
  6. Prepare your field agent resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your field agent resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a field agent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Field Agent Resume templates

    Build a professional Field Agent resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Field Agent resume.
    Field Agent Resume
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    Field Agent Resume
  7. Apply for field agent jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a field agent job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Field Agent Job

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Average field agent salary

The average Field Agent salary in the United States is $37,324 per year or $18 per hour. Field agent salaries range between $27,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average Field Agent Salary
$37,324 Yearly
$17.94 hourly

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How do field agents rate their job?

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Field Agent reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

It give me unforgettable memories and experience In additional generating life time skills and excellence of the knowledge of is involved

Cons

It very stressful and so much calculation with the work plus graphical representation of the work experience


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Pros

The diversity of the work flow and the diverse network of people I work with on the daily. From customers,lenders, realtors, inspectors to underwriters and Sales representatives. I enjoy assisting others, problem solving and analyzing the different needs and products available to the client.

Cons

Scripts, depending on who you work for.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.