Insurance Agent in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Quincy isn't just a suburb of Boston—it's a distinct economic hub with its own insurance ecosystem. The data confirms this. The median salary for an Insurance Agent in Quincy is $82,721/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.77/hour. This is notably higher than the national average for the profession, which sits at $79,940/year. This premium reflects the high cost of living and the concentration of affluent clients and businesses in the Greater Boston area.

The local job market is competitive but stable. There are approximately 203 jobs for Insurance Agents in the Quincy metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest but steady 5%. This isn't a boomtown for insurance, but it's a solid, dependable market where skilled agents can build long-term careers.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a realistic breakdown of experience levels and corresponding pay in this market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$55,000 - $70,000	Client prospecting, basic policy explanations, assisting senior agents.
Mid-Career	3-7	$75,000 - $95,000	Managing a book of business, cross-selling, handling claims support.
Senior Agent	8-15	$95,000 - $125,000+	Specializing in commercial lines or high-net-worth clients, mentoring junior staff.
Expert / Manager	15+	$125,000 - $150,000+	Agency management, complex risk assessment, regional sales leadership.

When compared to other major Massachusetts cities, Quincy holds its own. While Boston proper commands higher salaries (closer to $88,000), it also comes with a steeper cost of living. Worcester and Springfield offer lower median salaries (around $72,000-$75,000), making Quincy a strategic middle ground for agents seeking urban opportunity without the extreme price tag of downtown Boston.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real. The $82,721 median salary sounds comfortable, but Quincy's cost of living index is 111.6 (U.S. average = 100). The single biggest factor is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Quincy is $2,377/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single agent earning the median salary, factoring in Massachusetts state income tax (5%), federal tax (approx. 12%), and FICA (7.65%).

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,893	($82,721 / 12)
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,850	A conservative estimate; use a MA-specific tax calculator for precision.
Net Monthly Pay	~$5,043	This is your take-home.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$2,377	Can vary from $1,900 (Wollaston) to $2,800 (Quincy Center).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Typical for a 1BR apartment.
Groceries & Food	$400	Quincy has excellent, affordable markets like H Mart and Stop & Shop.
Transportation	$250	MBTA Commuter Rail pass ($280/month) or gas/parking for a car.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely; this is an average for a single adult.
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, etc.)	$500	Dining out in Wollaston, movies in South Shore Plaza area.
Remaining / Savings	~$1,016	This is your buffer for savings, student loans, or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median income, it's tight but possible with discipline. The median home price in Quincy is approximately $650,000. A 20% down payment is $130,000. A 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$3,450 (excluding taxes/insurance), which is likely unsustainable on a $5,043 net monthly income. Most agents who buy here are either dual-income households, have significant savings, or have advanced into senior roles ($100,000+).

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy's insurance market is a mix of large national carriers, regional agencies, and niche specialists. The job hunt should focus on these key players:

1. Liberty Mutual Insurance: While headquartered in Boston, their massive presence in the Seaport District is a short commute via the Red Line from Quincy Center. They are consistently hiring for personal and commercial lines agents, claims adjusters, and underwriters. Insider Tip: They often post roles on LinkedIn with "Boston" but are open to Quincy-based applicants due to the easy commute.
2. Travelers Insurance: Another major national carrier with significant operations in the Boston area. Their Quincy office (often in the business parks off Southern Artery) focuses on commercial lines and specialty products. They value agents with a strong local network.
3. Hinckley Allen & Sons: A historic, family-owned independent agency based in Quincy Center. They specialize in personal lines (home, auto) and commercial insurance for local businesses. This is a prime spot for agents who want a community-focused, relationship-driven book of business.
4. Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company: A true local institution. Founded in 1851 and headquartered right in Quincy, they are a mutual company focused on the Massachusetts market. They often hire directly for agent roles and have deep ties to the community. Working here means you’re selling a product made for your neighbors.
5. Gallagher Insurance Services (part of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.): A global brokerage with a strong regional office that serves the South Shore. They specialize in complex commercial and employee benefits lines. This is where you go to work on high-value accounts for major local employers like Boston Financial Data Services or Manet Community Health Center.
6. Local Independent Agencies: Dozens of smaller agencies dot the South Shore, from Wollaston to North Quincy. Firms like South Shore Insurance Agency and Crosby Insurance Group are always looking for licensed agents to build their books. They offer more autonomy but less initial structure.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for agents who are digitally savvy—comfortable with CRM software, virtual client meetings, and online marketing. The commercial lines sector is particularly strong, as Quincy's small business ecosystem (from restaurants on Hancock Street to tech startups near the T) needs expert risk management.

Getting Licensed in MA

You cannot practice as an insurance agent in Massachusetts without a state license. The process is straightforward but requires specific steps.

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete a state-approved course for the lines of authority you wish to sell (e.g., Property & Casualty, Life & Health). Reputable providers include Kaplan Financial Education and ExamFX. Courses typically cost $150-$300 and can be completed online in 1-2 weeks.
2. State Exam: After your course, you must pass the Massachusetts state licensing exam. The exam fee is $49 per line. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. Study hard—the pass rate is not 100%.
3. Fingerprinting & Background Check: You must schedule a fingerprinting appointment (cost: ~$45) through the state's approved vendor (IdentoGO).
4. License Application: Once you pass the exam and are fingerprinted, you apply for your license through the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) website. The application fee is $50. You will need to be sponsored by a licensed insurance agency or company to have the license placed with them.
5. Appointment: Your sponsoring agency will then "appoint" you to sell their products, which is the final step before you can conduct business.

Total Estimated Cost: $294 - $444 (excluding any study materials beyond the base course).
Timeline: A motivated candidate can be licensed and ready for an interview in 4-6 weeks.

Best Neighborhoods for Insurance Agents

Where you live in Quincy impacts your commute, lifestyle, and client prospects.

• Quincy Center: The urban core. Close to the T, major employers, and a growing number of restaurants and shops. Ideal for a young agent who wants to be in the heart of the action and easily commute to Boston. Rent for a 1BR: $2,400 - $2,800.
• Wollaston: A quiet, residential neighborhood with a beautiful beach and the popular Wollaston T stop. Family-friendly and more affordable. Great for building a client base among young families. Rent for a 1BR: $2,000 - $2,400.
• North Quincy: A vibrant, diverse area with excellent transit access (two T stops). Close to parks and a mix of housing. Attracts a mix of professionals, students, and families. Rent for a 1BR: $2,200 - $2,600.
• Houghs Neck: A unique, peninsula neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It's more residential and requires a car, but it's a fantastic place to network with local business owners and families. Rent for a 1BR: $1,900 - $2,300 (mostly multi-family homes).

Insider Tip: For an insurance agent, Wollaston offers the best balance. It's affordable, has a strong community feel, and is central enough for client meetings. The beach is a great informal networking spot.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year job growth isn't explosive, but it signifies a stable path for those who specialize. Advancement isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about expanding your expertise.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving from personal lines (home/auto) to commercial lines can increase your commission potential significantly. Specializing in high-net-worth personal lines (for clients in neighborhoods like Marina Bay) or niche commercial sectors (like cybersecurity insurance for tech firms in the Seaport) commands higher premiums and fees.
• Management & Ownership: The end goal for many is agency ownership. With Quincy's strong independent agency market, buying or starting your own agency is a realistic 10-15 year goal if you build a robust book of business ($1M+ in annual premium).
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will continue to evolve with technology. Agents who embrace data analytics for risk assessment and digital tools for client management will outperform those who don't. The core need for insurance, however, remains constant. In a region with high asset values and a complex regulatory environment, a knowledgeable local agent is always in demand.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Median Salary ($82,721) vs. National Average ($79,940).	High Cost of Living (Index: 111.6; Rent: $2,377).
Proximity to Boston's Insurance Hub without downtown rent.	Competitive Market; requires hustle to build a client base.
Diverse Employer Base from large carriers to local agencies.	Homeownership is a challenge on a single median income.
Stable 10-Year Job Growth (5%).	MBTA Commuter Rail is reliable but can be crowded and expensive.
Rich Local Culture & Amenities (beaches, parks, diverse dining).	Winters can be harsh; a car is useful despite transit access.

Final Recommendation: Quincy is an excellent choice for a mid-career insurance agent (3-7 years experience) who is priced out of Boston but wants urban/suburban amenities and access to a robust job market. It's less ideal for a complete rookie unless they have a strong savings cushion, and it's a long-term play for those aiming to buy a home. If you value a stable career in a community-oriented city with a direct line to Boston's opportunities, Quincy is a smart strategic move.

FAQs

Q: Can I realistically commute to Boston for an insurance job while living in Quincy?
A: Absolutely. The Red Line runs from Quincy Center, Wollaston, and North Quincy directly into South Station and beyond. The commute is 20-30 minutes, faster than many within Boston itself. Many agents live in Quincy and work for carriers in the Seaport or Financial District.

Q: Is the $82,721 median salary enough for a family?
A: It's challenging but doable with careful budgeting. A dual-income household where both partners earn near the median would be much more comfortable, especially if considering home ownership. For a single income, sticking to a strict budget and building savings is key.

Q: How do I find a sponsoring agency after getting my license?
A: Network aggressively. Attend local business chamber events (like the Quincy Chamber of Commerce), connect with agency managers on LinkedIn, and apply directly to the agencies listed above. Many independent agencies are open to meeting licensed agents who show initiative.

Q: What's the best specialization for the Quincy market?
A: Personal lines (home/auto) are always in demand due to the high property values. However, commercial lines for small businesses are a growing niche. With the local economy's mix of retail, services, and light industry, agents who can package business owner policies (BOPs) and workers' comp are highly valued.

Q: Are there any local resources for new agents?
A: Yes. The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) is a key resource for education, networking, and advocacy. They host events across the state, including on the South Shore. Joining early can provide mentorship and accelerate your career.