Insurance Agent in North Carolina

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$57,110

trending_down -5.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, North Carolina.

engineering

19,540

Jobs (NC)

monitoring Stable

+3.7%

10-yr job growth

payments

$139

Licensing fees

schedule

2-6 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become an insurance agent in North Carolina

To become a licensed Insurance Agent in North Carolina, individuals must meet several requirements overseen by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Key steps include completing a 20-hour pre-licensing course per line of authority (though this requirement will be eliminated effective October 1, 2025), passing the North Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam, and submitting an application with a fee of $94. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and undergo a fingerprinting and background check. Licenses are perpetual, but agents must complete 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics, every two years by the last day of their birth month to maintain an active license. North Carolina offers reciprocity for agents licensed in other states, provided certain conditions are met.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $34,230

25th percentile $39,620

50th (median) $57,110

75th percentile $78,860

90th (experienced) $126,970

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for North Carolina. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist North Carolina requirements

Licensing body	North Carolina Department of Insurance
State license	Required
Education	20-hour pre-licensing course per line of authority, though this requirement will be eliminated effective October 1, 2025. It is still recommended to take a pre-licensing course to prepare for the exam.
Exam	North Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam ($45)
Application fee	$94
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age is 18. Requires fingerprinting and a background check. CE requirements include 3 hours of ethics. North Carolina licenses are perpetual and do not require a renewal fee, but continuing education must be completed every two years by the last day of the licensee's birth month to maintain an active license.

Source: North Carolina Department of Insurance

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+3.7%

Average

Annual openings

47,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

568,800

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

error High exposure 1.34/1.00

Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleNorth Carolina license required — clearer credential signal to employers
warningElevated AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an insurance agent career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as an insurance agent in North Carolina? expand_more

In North Carolina, becoming an insurance agent requires you to complete the required education (20-hour pre-licensing course per line of authority, though this requirement will be eliminated effective October 1, 2025. It is still recommended to take a pre-licensing course to prepare for the exam.), pass the North Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam, and submit your application ($94 fee).

Does North Carolina require insurance agent licensure? expand_more

A state license is required in North Carolina. North Carolina Department of Insurance handles insurance agent licensing — the North Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam is part of the process.

How much do insurance agents make in North Carolina? expand_more

The median insurance agent salary in North Carolina is $57,110 per year. This trails the $60,370 national median by 5%. Wages range from $34,230 (10th percentile) up to $126,970 (90th percentile).

How expensive is insurance agent licensing in North Carolina? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($45) and application fee ($94) and required training.

How many months or years does insurance agent certification take in North Carolina? expand_more

The typical timeline in North Carolina is 2-6 weeks. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

What's required to renew a insurance agent license in North Carolina? expand_more

Yes — insurance agents in North Carolina must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.