Insurance Agent in Billings, MT

As a career analyst who's spent a decade tracking regional job markets, I've watched Billings grow into Montana's undisputed commercial hub. For insurance agents, this isn't just another mountain town—it's a place where agricultural risk, healthcare expansion, and energy sector volatility create a constant, profitable demand for coverage. The city's core economy is built on the "Big Three": healthcare, energy, and agriculture, each requiring specialized insurance expertise. This guide gives you the unvarnished, data-driven reality of building a career here, from your first licensed dollar to your long-term growth trajectory.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the median salary for Insurance Agents in Billings is $77,445 per year, which breaks down to a hourly rate of $37.23/hour. This places you comfortably above the national cost-of-living-adjusted average. For context, the national average salary for this profession sits at $79,940/year, but when you factor in Billings' Cost of Living Index of 89.6 (where the U.S. average is 100), your local purchasing power is significantly stronger. There are approximately 241 jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth for agents in Montana is projected at a solid 5%, driven by an aging population and the constant need for business liability coverage as new enterprises emerge.

The salary landscape is heavily influenced by experience, specialization, and whether you're captive (working for a single carrier like State Farm or Farmers) or independent. Here's how the numbers break down locally:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary (Billings)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level	$48,000 - $60,000	Often starts with a base salary + commission. High turnover in the first 2 years. Focus is on personal lines (auto/home).
Mid-Career	$70,000 - $90,000	Established client base. Begins to handle small commercial lines (local contractors, restaurants). Solid commission structure.
Senior/Expert	$95,000 - $130,000+	Manages large commercial accounts (agricultural operations, healthcare facilities). May specialize in crop insurance or malpractice.
Agency Owner	$120,000 - $200,000+	Profit-sharing, equity. Requires significant capital and business acumen. Billings supports several successful independent agencies.

Insider Tip: Your first two years are a grind. The median salary figure includes everyone, but the top 10% of agents in Billings—those who crack the agricultural and commercial sectors—can earn well into the six figures. The key is moving beyond personal lines quickly.

When you compare Billings to other Montana cities, its role as the state's commercial anchor becomes clear. Helena (the capital) has more government-related insurance jobs but fewer opportunities in large-scale agriculture. Missoula leans toward personal lines and small business, with a tech-adjacent sector. Bozeman's explosive growth has created high demand but also fierce competition and higher living costs. Billings offers a unique balance: a large, diverse market without the intense competition or cost pressures of the state's other growth centers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is one thing; your disposable income is another. Let's build a realistic monthly budget for an agent earning the median salary of $77,445/year. Using Billings' average rent for a 1BR apartment of $874/month (from local real estate listings) and Montana's state tax structure (no sales tax, but a 6.75% income tax on a graduated scale), here's the breakdown.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Agent: $77,445/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $6,453
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,500 (This is an estimate; consult a CPA. Montana's income tax ranges from 1% to 6.75% on income over $20,500 for single filers.)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$4,953
• Rent (1BR Average): $874
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$250
• Car Payment & Insurance (Essential in Billings): ~$500
• Groceries & Essentials: ~$400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): ~$350
• Retirement Savings (10%): ~$495
• Discretionary Spending: ~$1,584

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, entertainment, or paying down debt. The Cost of Living Index of 89.6 works in your favor. Your $77,445 in Billings feels like earning approximately $86,500 in a city with average U.S. costs.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and many do. The median home price in Billings hovers around $330,000. With the discretionary income shown above, a down payment is manageable. A 10% down payment ($33,000) could be saved in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) for a $330,000 home would be roughly $1,800-$2,000, which is still within reach on a dual-income household or a single agent's income at the mid-career level. Homeownership is a realistic and common goal for established agents here.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The job market is stable but not vast. You're not moving to a city with 100 agencies. You're targeting a core group of strong players. Knowing who they are is half the battle.

1. Simons & Simons Insurance Agency: A large, independent agency with deep roots in Billings. They handle a wide range of personal and commercial lines and are known for their longevity. They often hire for both service and sales roles. Hiring trend: Steady, looking for agents who can grow their own book of business.
2. The Hartman Agency (A Farmers Insurance Agency): A classic, successful captive agency. This is a prime spot for someone wanting to start with a structured training program under an experienced owner. They focus heavily on personal lines and small business. Hiring trend: Opportunistic; they grow when a new agent proves themselves.
3. Billings Clinic (Now part of Billings-based SCL Health): This isn't an insurance agency, but it's the largest employer in the region. They have an in-house risk management department and a massive need for liability, malpractice, and employee benefits insurance. Working here (in their risk department) is a stable, salaried alternative to commission-based sales. Hiring trend: Slow and selective, but stable.
4. Valley Federal Credit Union: Like many credit unions, they have a robust insurance division (often partnered with a carrier like TruStage). This is a good entry point for someone with a background in financial services. Hiring trend: Aligns with the credit union's growth.
5. Agricultural Lenders & Cooperatives (e.g., Farm Credit Services of America): These entities are deeply intertwined with crop and farm insurance. They often have licensed agents on staff or partner closely with independent agencies. This is the highest-earning specialty. Hiring trend: Strong demand for agents with ag knowledge.
6. State Farm (Multiple Local Agencies): Several State Farm agents operate in Billings. They are always looking for new agents to build their teams. The training is comprehensive, but your income is tied to one carrier's products. Hiring trend: Consistent, as agency owners seek to expand their footprint.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana's licensing process is straightforward but requires diligence. You cannot sell insurance without a state license, which is issued by the Montana State Auditor's Office, which regulates the industry.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete a state-approved pre-licensing course. For Property & Casualty (the most common license for agents starting out), this is typically a 40-60 hour online course. Cost: $150 - $300.
2. State Exam: After your course, you schedule the exam through Pearson VUE. The fee is $75 per attempt. You must pass both the state and national portions. The pass rate is around 60% for first-timers.
3. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required for licensing. You'll schedule this through a vendor like IdentoGO. Cost: ~$50.
4. License Application: Once you pass the exam, you apply online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The state license fee is $80.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $355 - $505
Timeline: With focused effort, you can go from zero to licensed in 3-4 weeks. If you're working a full-time job, it may take 2-3 months.

Insider Tip: While Property & Casualty (P&C) is the baseline, consider adding Life & Health (L&H) to your license early. Many agencies prefer agents who can cross-sell. The pre-licensing course for L&H is separate, adding another $150-$250 and 30-40 hours of study.

Best Neighborhoods for Insurance Agents

Where you live affects your commute, client access, and lifestyle. Billings is a driving city, but strategic placement helps.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown / South Side	Walkable, historic, near restaurants and bars. Commute to most offices is 5-10 minutes.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals who want an active social scene and a short commute. Close to many agency offices.
West End	Residential, family-friendly, near shopping (West Park Promenade). Commute to downtown is 10-15 mins.	$850 - $1,050	Agents building a family or who prefer a quieter, suburban feel with easy access to amenities.
Lockwood	A growing suburb east of the city. More affordable housing, newer builds. Commute to downtown is 15-20 mins.	$750 - $950	First-time homebuyers or those wanting more space for their money. A practical, budget-conscious choice.
Heights	A mix of older, established homes and new developments. Central location, good schools. Commute is 10-15 mins anywhere.	$800 - $1,000	A balanced option for agents at any stage. Good access to all major corridors.
Shiloh Corridor	Upscale, newer development with shopping centers and modern apartments. Commute is 10-15 mins to downtown.	$900 - $1,150	Agents at a mid-career level who want newer amenities and a polished environment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a single company; it's about expanding your expertise and client roster. The path typically looks like this:

1. Master Personal Lines: Learn the fundamentals of auto, home, and umbrella policies. This is your foundation.
2. Move into the Commercial Market: This is where the real money is. Start with small businesses: restaurants, retail shops, contractors. Understand general liability, property, and workers' comp.
3. Specialize (The Premium Move): This is how you break into the top tier. In Billings, the premium specializations are:
   • Agricultural Insurance: Crop, livestock, farm liability. This requires deep knowledge of USDA programs and weather patterns. Agents who specialize here are highly sought-after and can earn $120,000+.
   • Healthcare/Malpractice: With Billings Clinic and St. Vincent Healthcare as major employers, there's a steady need for medical malpractice and health facility coverage.
   • Energy Sector Insurance: Covering everything from oil field equipment to environmental liability for the region's energy companies.
4. Agency Ownership: The ultimate goal for many. You can buy a book of business from a retiring agent or start your own independent agency. This requires significant capital but offers the highest long-term income.

10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is a conservative estimate. The real growth will be in specialization. As the economy diversifies, agents who understand niche risks—like cyber liability for small businesses or flood insurance in specific zones—will have the most leverage. The aging agent population also means opportunities for acquisition.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further than in most markets.	Limited Market Size: You'll cap out unless you specialize or start an agency.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Healthcare, ag, and energy provide recession-resistant demand.	Harsh Winters: Commutes can be challenging; seasonal weather impacts certain insurance lines.
High Earning Potential in Specialties: Ag and commercial insurance pay top dollar.	Limited Social/Cultural Scene: Compared to a major metro, it's quieter.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to build a local network and referral base.	Dependence on a Car: Public transit is limited; you must drive for work and life.
Gateway to Outdoor Recreation: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are minutes away.	Competitive for Top Agency Spots: The best agencies have low turnover.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for a self-motivated, entrepreneurial insurance agent who is willing to specialize. If you're content with a mid-level salary and a personal-lines focus, it's a comfortable living. But if you're driven to earn well into the six figures through commercial or agricultural insurance, Billings offers a fertile, less-saturated market than coastal cities. It’s not for someone seeking a fast-paced, anonymous big-city career, but for an agent who values community, stability, and the ability to build a meaningful, profitable practice.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new agents in Billings?
A: It's moderately competitive for entry-level personal lines roles, as many agencies receive applications. However, it's less competitive for commercial or ag-specialized roles, where there are fewer qualified candidates. Your best bet is to get licensed, network at local business events (like the Billings Chamber of Commerce), and be willing to start in a support role at a top agency.

Q: Do I need to know about farming or energy to succeed?
A: Not to start, but to thrive long-term. You can build a solid living in personal lines. However, to reach the top 20% of earners, developing a working knowledge of agricultural risks or commercial energy policies is a major advantage. Many agencies will train a promising agent in these areas.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for new agents here?
A: Building a client base from scratch. Billings is a relationship-driven town. People buy insurance from people they trust. You can't just cold-call successfully. You need to join Rotary, volunteer, and become a visible part of the community. The first two years are about building trust, not just selling policies.

Q: Is independent or captive agency work better in Billings?
A: It depends on your personality. Captive agencies (State Farm, Farmers) offer strong training and brand recognition but limit your product offerings. Independent agencies (Simons & Simons) offer more flexibility and can be more lucrative if you're entrepreneurial. Many successful agents start captive to learn, then move to independent to maximize earnings.

Q: How does the remote work trend affect Billings agents?
A: Hybrid models are becoming more common, especially for service roles. However, for sales and relationship-building, in-person meetings are still the norm. Most agencies expect you to be physically present in the office and the community. True remote work is rare for sales-focused agents in this market.