Life insurance is considered a relatively stable and secure industry, offering a range of career opportunities in different sectors. According to recent statistics, the life insurance industry in the United States employs over two million people in various job positions.
How Many Job Positions Are Available In The Life Insurance Industry?
The life insurance industry provides a vast range of employment opportunities across different sectors, including sales, underwriting, actuarial, marketing, customer service, accounting, management, and administration. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 334,500 people employed in the insurance industry in 2020, with a projected 5% increase in insurance industry employment by 2029.
The Total Compensation Study conducted by the Insurance and Financial Advisors Association (IFAA) also reveals that the insurance industry has a higher median income than most other industries, with financial advisors earning an average of $207,000 per year. Moreover, the industry has a low employee turnover rate, which provides long-term job stability and growth opportunities for employees.
What are the Different Types of Jobs Available in Life Insurance?
The life insurance industry offers different types of job positions across various sectors, including:
Sales and Marketing
Life insurance sales agents are responsible for selling life insurance policies to individuals and businesses, making them one of the most prominent job positions in the industry. Depending on the type of insurance, sales agents can earn commissions or salaries. Marketing and advertising specialists are responsible for promoting the insurance company’s products and services to the target audience and developing effective marketing strategies to drive sales and build brand recognition.
Underwriting and Actuary
Underwriters assess the risk factors of an applicant and decide if they should be granted a life policy. They analyze data, research trends, and calculate risk factors to determine the policy’s price and premium. Actuaries use mathematical and probability concepts to evaluate the insurance company’s financial risks and develop risk management strategies.
Customer Service and Support
Customer support representatives and administrative assistants help clients by answering their queries, resolving issues, and managing client accounts. Claims adjusters investigate, evaluate, and settle insurance claims, ensuring that the claimants receive the appropriate compensation for their losses.
Management and Executive
The insurance industry provides various management and executive positions, including chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), human resources director, operations manager, and marketing manager.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Job in Life Insurance?
The requirements to get a job in the life insurance industry can vary depending on the job position and the insurance company. However, some general requirements include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent;
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, finance, or insurance is preferable;
- A state license to sell insurance;
- Strong communication, negotiation, and analytical skills;
- Experience in sales, marketing, customer service, or related fields is a plus.
Insurance companies also look for candidates who possess good computer skills, time management, and organizational abilities. Professional certification, such as Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) or Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP), can also help boost a candidate’s chances of securing a job in the insurance industry.
In conclusion, the life insurance industry offers a vast array of job opportunities with stable job growth, high compensation, and long-term job stability. Whether you have sales, analytical, management, or communication skills, there is a job position for you in the insurance industry- a career that promises personal and professional development.
“The industry is always in need of talented individuals who are excellent communicators, strong salespeople, critical thinkers, and willing to learn and develop themselves.” – Simon Smith, CEO of ABC Insurance Company.
References:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Insurance Underwriters. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/insurance-underwriters.htm#:~:text=Employment%20of%20insurance%20underwriters%20is,growth%20for%20all%20occupations%20(4%20percent).
- Insurance and Financial Advisors Association. (2021). Total Compensation Study. Retrieved from https://www.nafa.com/TCS.
- Slocum, J. (2020). Life Insurance Sales Jobs – 20 Pros and Cons. Retrieved from https://www.insuranceblogbychris.com/life-insurance-sales-jobs/.