CertOutlook

Insurance Agent in South Carolina

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

Median annual salary
$51,550
trending_down -14.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, South Carolina.

engineering
7,490

Jobs (SC)

monitoring Stable
+3.7%

10-yr job growth

payments
$84

Licensing fees

schedule
2-6 weeks

Time to complete

route How to become an insurance agent in South Carolina

To become a licensed Insurance Agent in South Carolina, you must meet several requirements overseen by the South Carolina Department of Insurance. While pre-licensing education is not strictly mandated, it is highly recommended to prepare for the South Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam. After passing the exam, you must submit an application, undergo a fingerprint-based background check, and be at least 18 years old. Licenses renew every two years, requiring 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics. South Carolina also has reciprocity agreements for nonresident agents.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $30,840
25th percentile $38,930
50th (median) $51,550
75th percentile $78,390
90th (experienced) $121,770

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

checklist South Carolina requirements

Licensing bodySouth Carolina Department of Insurance
State license Required
EducationSouth Carolina does not formally require pre-licensing education, but it is highly recommended. Some sources indicate a 20-hour pre-licensing course per line of authority (e.g., Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty) or a 40-hour course for combined lines (e.g., Life & Health, Property & Casualty) is typical for those who choose to take one.
ExamSouth Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam (administered by Pearson VUE) ($59)
Application fee$25
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education24.0 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age: 18 years old. Requires fingerprinting and a background check (SLED report). CE requirements include 3 hours of ethics. If holding multiple lines of authority, a minimum of 8 hours must be taken in each line. A maximum of 18 excess CE hours can be carried over to the next renewal cycle, but ethics hours do not carry over.

Source: South 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_circleSouth 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

How do you get certified as an insurance agent in South Carolina? expand_more
In South Carolina, becoming an insurance agent requires you to complete the required education (South Carolina does not formally require pre-licensing education, but it is highly recommended. Some sources indicate a 20-hour pre-licensing course per line of authority (e.g., Life, Accident & Health, Property, Casualty) or a 40-hour course for combined lines (e.g., Life & Health, Property & Casualty) is typical for those who choose to take one.), pass the South Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam (administered by Pearson VUE), and submit your application ($25 fee).
Is an insurance agent license required in South Carolina? expand_more
Yes, South Carolina requires a state license to practice as an insurance agent. The licensing body is South Carolina Department of Insurance. You must pass the South Carolina Insurance Producer Licensing Exam (administered by Pearson VUE).
What is the average insurance agent salary in South Carolina? expand_more
South Carolina insurance agents bring home a median salary of $51,550. That's 15% below the national median of $60,370. New insurance agents start around $30,840; seasoned professionals can reach $121,770.
What's the total cost to get insurance agent certified in South Carolina? expand_more
Between exam fee ($59) and application fee ($25), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.
How many months or years does insurance agent certification take in South Carolina? expand_more
Most candidates in South Carolina complete the process in 2-6 weeks, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
What are the continuing education requirements for insurance agents in South Carolina? expand_more
Yes — insurance agents in South Carolina must complete 24.0 CE hours every 2.0 years to stay licensed.

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