How Much Do Final Expense Insurance Agents Make?

If you’re considering a career in insurance sales, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: How much do final expense insurance agents make?

The short answer: income potential is high, but actual earnings vary widely depending on your experience, sales skills, location, and the company you work with. While some agents earn modest part-time income, others consistently make six figures.

This guide breaks down average salaries, commission structures, factors that impact pay, and real examples of what you can expect to earn as a final expense insurance agent.

What is final expense insurance?

Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy designed to cover end-of-life costs, like funeral expenses, medical bills, and outstanding debts. Because premiums are lower and underwriting is simplified, it’s one of the easiest products for new agents to sell.

Final expense agent salary: How much can you make?

Recent salary data shows that final expense insurance agents typically earn between $62,500 and $100,000+ per year (base + commission). Here’s a closer look at the ranges:

Average annual earnings/salary ranges

Percentile	Annual Earnings*
25th Percentile	$62,500-$65,000
Median / Typical	$75,000-$82,000
75th Percentile	$95,000-$100,000
Top Earners (90th+)	Over $100,000

*Based on U.S. market averages. Sources: ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor

Keep in mind: Many agents earn only on commission, so your results will depend on how many policies you sell, your closing ratio, and how much support your brokerage provides.

How commission structures work

Unlike jobs with a fixed salary, final expense agents are usually paid through a mix of first-year commissions, renewal commissions, and bonuses.

• First-Year Commissions: Typically 50%–110% of first-year premium, depending on your contract and company. For example, if a client buys a $1,200 annual premium policy, you could earn $600–$1,300 in first-year commission.
• Renewals / Residuals: Smaller percentages (3–10% of premium) paid each year the client keeps the policy. Over time, renewals add a steady income stream.
• Bonuses & Overrides: Many agencies offer production bonuses, contests, or higher splits once you hit volume milestones. Agents managing teams may also receive overrides on downline sales.

Key variables that impact final expense earnings

Several variables determine whether you land closer to $60k per year, or break six figures:

1. Geography / Market Density: Agents in larger cities often have more prospects and higher premiums than rural agents.
2. Company / Brokerage Structure: Commission rates, lead support, renewal splits, and bonuses vary. Some agencies trade lower commissions for strong marketing and lead systems.
3. Experience & Sales Skill: Strong closers with good follow-up skills consistently outperform others.
4. Lead Sources: Access to high-quality leads is one of the biggest income drivers.
5. Licensing & Product Mix: Selling additional life products or riders increases income potential.
6. Persistency: Fewer cancellations = fewer chargebacks and more renewals.

Real-world income scenarios

To put this into perspective, here’s how earnings can play out:

• New Agent (Mid-Sized Market): Selling 2 policies/week with $1,200 annual premiums at 50% commission = ~$62,000/yr gross. After lead costs and cancellations, net income may be closer to $45,000–$50,000.
• Experienced Agent (Urban Market): Selling 5 policies/week at a 60% commission = ~$129,000/yr gross. Even with expenses, net income could exceed $90,000–$100,000 annually.

Keep in mind that earnings fluctuate. You might sell five policies one week, and none the next. That’s why strong lead generation and consistent follow-up are critical.

FAQs about final expense agent income

Do final expense agents usually get a base salary?
Most are commission-only. A few companies offer base pay plus commission.

How long does it take to earn six figures?
Typically 1–3 years of consistent production, training, and pipeline building.

Can I work part-time?
Yes, but full-time agents generally out-earn part-time agents due to higher sales volume and renewals.

What expenses reduce take-home pay?
Leads, licensing fees, marketing, taxes, office costs, and chargebacks from lapsed policies.

The bottom line

Final expense insurance sales can be a lucrative career. With strong sales skills, access to quality leads, and a supportive brokerage, many agents earn $75k–$100k+ annually, with top producers well above that.

It’s important to remember that success in this industry is less about dollar signs and more about helping families prepare for one of life’s most difficult moments. Agents who truly care about their clients build stronger relationships, close more sales, and create long-term stability through renewals.

Best Plan Pro helps final expense agents maximize earnings by streamlining underwriting and providing tools that remove friction from the sales process. Start a free 14-day trial to see how we’re changing the underwriting game.