What are the best life insurance companies to work for?

The best life insurance companies to work for will provide a fair salary, respectable products, and a strong work-life balance. The top life insurance companies by market share could help new agents establish a strong clientele. Based on a combination of employee and customer satisfaction ratings, MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal Financial appear to be a few of the stronger options for work in the life insurance industry.

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Kalyn Johnson

Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster

Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...

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Kalyn Johnson
Eric Stauffer

Licensed Insurance Agent

Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...

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Eric Stauffer

Updated December 2024

The Lowdown

  • The best life insurance companies to work for can vary by state, due to product eligibility and salary
  • MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal Financial tend to have the highest ratings from employees and customers
  • The top life insurance market share contributors aren’t always the best life insurance companies to work for

If you’re working on — or have recently earned — your life insurance agent license, you might be wondering about the best life insurance companies to work for. After all of your hard work, you don’t want to wind up employed by a company that won’t treat you well.

There are many different life insurance companies to choose from and not all of them hire agents the same way. We’ll highlight the best life insurance companies to work for based on various employee ratings and reviews.

Keep reading to learn more about the best life insurance companies to work for, or enter your ZIP code above to access a list of free quotes from the top life insurance companies in your area.

Table of Contents

What are the best life insurance companies to work for?

Becoming a life insurance agent can be a rewarding career that is quite lucrative in some states. Depending on where you live, and according to ZipRecruiter, you can expect to make somewhere between $30 to $40 an hour in most cases. Of course, you can expect to earn more if you live near an expensive city than if you reside in a rural area. (For more information, read our “How much does a life insurance agent make?“).

For those looking to sell life insurance, you might consider the general notion that volume is king, meaning the more you sell, the more you make. This can be true to an extent, but you still want to consider the workplace environment and the respective commissions you can earn with each company.

As of now, these are the top life insurance companies according to market share:

  • MetLife, Inc.
  • Equitable Holdings, Inc. (AXA Equitable)
  • Prudential
  • New York Life
  • MassMutual
  • Principal
  • Lincoln National
  • Western and Southern Financial Group (includes Gerber)
  • Transamerica
  • AIG

If you only aim to sell life insurance, these companies have a strong following from which you could benefit. This depends on whether or not you want to work exclusively for one company or if you prefer to operate as an independent agent who sells a variety of life insurance products from different companies.

Read more:

What are the best life insurance employer ratings?

One of the most important things to do before you select an employer is to be sure that you’ll enjoy where you’re working. Nobody likes to waste time working for a company with which they’re miserable. For starters, we’ll analyze the employer ratings for the companies listed above.

Ratings for the Best Life Insurance Companies to Work For

CompanyGlassDoorIndeedBest QualityWorst Quality
MetLife3.83.8Work-life balanceManagement rigidity
AXA Equitable3.83.3Work-life balanceMergers (layoffs)
Prudential3.93.9BenefitsWork-life balance
New York Life3.83.7TrainingCold calls
MassMutual3.83.7Work-life balanceTurnover
Principal43.9Work-life balanceLeaders
Lincoln National3.63.6BenefitsWork-life balance
Western and Southern33.3BenefitsIncome
Transamerica3.13.5Work-life balanceManagement
AIG3.63.7BenefitsManagement continuity

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As you can see, the table above reveals how the largest companies compare for employees. Your experience can be largely dependent on the company you work for and what you prioritize from your employer. As is evident, some life insurance companies emphasize benefits while others focus on work-life balance.

Read more: Top Life Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know

The best life insurance companies to work for as an agent can vary based on many factors. The best life insurance companies to work for part-time will most likely have a strong work-life balance, while that might not be as important for full-time agents.

Again, working directly for a life insurance company as a captive agent means that your income, benefits, and work-life balance will all be dependent on that company. If you decide to work as an independent agent, you’ll have more flexibility with those variables. However, you may not achieve a following as easily without being represented by a big brand.

Which life insurance companies are the best to buy from?

While finances and the workplace environment are clearly important to consider, many people want to know that they’re selling a respectable product that others can trust. Financial stability is great, unless you begin feeling guilty for selling overpriced products that nobody can actually use.

Despite having a large market share, many of the companies listed above aren’t rated well for customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power. The best life insurance companies for customer satisfaction include the following:

  1. State Farm
  2. Nationwide
  3. Northwestern Mutual
  4. Pacific Life
  5. Mutual of Omaha
  6. Globe Life
  7. MassMutual*
  8. John Hancock
  9. New York Life*
  10. Principal Financial*

Of these companies, only three are within the top 10 by market share. MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal were actually highly rated for employee satisfaction as well. However, MassMutual and New York Life weren’t rated quite as well as Principal Financial.

If strong morals are important to you, the companies above would have been the best life insurance companies to work for in 2021 and could be moving forward.

More About the Best Life Insurance Companies to Work For

Based on the information above, it might be beneficial to choose one of the three above-referenced companies, if possible. Of course, you’ll still be expected to interview before you get hired by these companies.

Read more:

Keep in mind that there are other major insurance providers that might be better employers if you decide to obtain a license to sell other forms of insurance, like health insurance. For example, Northwestern Mutual has ratings similar to those of Principal, but it wasn’t among the top life insurance companies.

Read more: Insurance Providers Directory

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Additionally, you won’t be able to work for every life insurance company in every state. For example, per the company website, Principal Financial only offers life insurance products in approximately 27 states. You’ll want to ensure that you select a company with a strong network in your region, particularly if you live near a state border.

Choose the Best Life Insurance Companies to Work For

When looking for a career in life insurance, it’s essential to consider various factors to find the best fit for your professional goals and personal values. Below is a guide on choosing the best life insurance companies to work for, including insights into different aspects of the industry and top-rated firms.

Top Factors to Consider

Salary and Compensation

  • Highest Paying Insurance Companies to Work For: Look for firms that offer competitive salaries and performance-based bonuses.
  • Best Paying Insurance Companies to Work For: Companies like MassMutual and New York Life often provide attractive compensation packages.

Work Environment and Culture

  • Best Places to Work in Insurance: Companies with positive work environments and supportive cultures.
  • Best Life Insurance Agencies to Work For: Agencies that prioritize employee well-being and professional growth.

Flexibility and Remote Opportunities

  • Best Life Insurance Companies to Work For Remotely: Some firms offer remote positions, providing flexibility for agents who prefer to work from home.
  • Sell Life Insurance Part-Time: Many companies allow part-time positions, making it easier to balance work with other commitments.

Categories of Top Insurance Companies

Life Insurance

  • Best Life Insurance Companies to Work For: MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal Financial.
  • Top Life Insurance Agencies: Firms known for their excellent training programs and supportive work environments.

Health Insurance

  • Best Health Insurance Companies to Work For: Companies with strong health benefits and a good work-life balance.

Auto Insurance

  • Best Auto Insurance Companies to Work For: Firms offering competitive pay and benefits for auto insurance agents.

Independent Agents

  • Best Companies for Independent Insurance Agents: Agencies that support independent agents with resources and a broad portfolio of products.
  • Best Companies for Life Insurance: Companies that provide extensive training and support for life insurance products.

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Find the Best Insurance Jobs

To secure a rewarding position, focus on identifying the best insurance companies to work for as an agent. These companies often offer excellent support, competitive salaries, and growth opportunities. When searching for opportunities, consider companies that are actively looking to hire life insurance agents.

By targeting these firms, you’ll increase your chances of finding a role with top companies for life insurance that aligns with your career aspirations and offers a positive work environment.

Steps to Take

  • Research Top Companies: Use lists like the Top 10 Insurance Companies to Work For to find reputable employers.
  • Evaluate Job Roles: Look for the Best Life Insurance Jobs that match your career goals and interests.
  • Consider Compensation: Check for the Highest Paying Insurance Companies to Work For to ensure competitive earnings.
  • Check Flexibility: Find out if the company offers remote or part-time options if needed.

Resources for Job Seekers

  • Top Life Insurance Agents: Connect with successful agents for insights and recommendations.
  • Top Life and Health Insurance Companies to Work For: Explore firms that excel in both life and health insurance sectors.

Choosing the best company to work for in the insurance industry involves assessing various factors like salary, work environment, flexibility, and company reputation. Whether you’re interested in selling life insurance, working remotely, or exploring opportunities with the highest-paying insurance companies, understanding these elements will help you find the right fit for your career aspirations.

Choose the Best Insurance Companies to Work For: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right insurance company to work for can significantly impact your career satisfaction and success. Here’s a guide to help you navigate your options and find the best fit.

Understanding Different Types of Insurance Employers

When looking for a career in insurance, it’s important to understand the various types of employers and what they offer:

Best Insurance Companies to Work For

These are the companies known for providing a positive work environment, competitive salaries, and career growth opportunities. They typically offer comprehensive training and support for their employees.

Best Company to Work For Selling Life Insurance

These companies excel in providing life insurance products and are recognized for their employee satisfaction. They often have strong support systems for agents and offer lucrative compensation plans.

Best Insurance Agencies to Work For

Insurance agencies can vary widely in their work environments. The best ones offer competitive benefits, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for advancement.

Best Insurance Brokers to Work For

Insurance brokers work with multiple insurance carriers and often have flexible working conditions. The best brokers provide a range of insurance products and a strong commission structure.

Best Insurance Carriers to Work For

Carriers are the companies that actually underwrite insurance policies. The best carriers offer strong financial stability, excellent training programs, and a good work-life balance.

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Key Considerations for Choosing the Best Insurance Company

When evaluating potential employers, consider the following factors:

  • Work Environment: Look for companies with a positive workplace culture and supportive management.
  • Compensation and Benefits: Ensure the company offers competitive salaries, commissions, and benefits.
  • Career Growth: Evaluate opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • Company Reputation: Research the company’s standing in the industry and its employee reviews.

Top 5 Insurance Companies to Work For

Based on various factors including employee satisfaction and industry reputation, the following are considered some of the top companies:

  • MassMutual
  • New York Life
  • Principal Financial
  • Northwestern Mutual
  • MetLife

These companies are frequently mentioned as the best life and health insurance companies to work for due to their comprehensive benefits, supportive work environment, and strong financial stability.

Finding the Best Life and Health Insurance Companies to Work For

To identify the best companies that sell life insurance and offer attractive employment opportunities:

  • Research Company Reviews: Look for reviews from current and former employees on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed.
  • Compare Compensation Packages: Assess the salary, benefits, and commission structures offered by different companies.
  • Evaluate Training Programs: Choose companies that provide robust training and support for new agents.

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Steps to Get Hired by Top Insurance Companies

  • Update Your Resume: Highlight your experience and skills relevant to the insurance industry.
  • Network: Connect with industry professionals and attend relevant events to increase your chances of finding job openings.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Research common interview questions and practice your responses.
  • Apply Strategically: Apply to companies that align with your career goals and values.

Finding the best insurance company to work for involves evaluating various factors, including company culture, compensation, and career growth opportunities. By considering these aspects and researching the most reputable life insurance companies, you can find a rewarding career that aligns with your professional goals.

For a detailed comparison of top insurance companies and to find opportunities, entering your ZIP code can help you access relevant job listings and quotes from leading insurers.

The Best Life Insurance Companies to Work For: The Bottom Line

There are many life insurance companies to choose from as a prospective employee. It’s important to consider your values and match them with a reputable life insurance company that sells products in your area. Supporting your moral beliefs could help you remain with a company long-term.

We hope you enjoyed learning about the best life insurance companies to work for. Before you go, enter your ZIP code to obtain free quotes from the top life insurance companies in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best insurance companies to work for?

Some of the best insurance companies to work for include MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal Financial. These companies are known for their competitive salaries, supportive work environments, and strong career growth opportunities.

What is the best life insurance company?

The best life insurance company can vary depending on your needs. However, MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal Financial are often highlighted for their strong financial stability, customer satisfaction, and employee reviews.

What’s the best life insurance company to work for?

Based on employee satisfaction and support, MassMutual, New York Life, and Principal Financial are considered some of the best life insurance companies to work for.

Is selling life insurance a good job?

Selling life insurance can be a good job for those who enjoy sales, have strong interpersonal skills, and are motivated by potential earnings and career growth opportunities.

Is being a life insurance agent a good job?

Being a life insurance agent can be a good job if you value flexibility, have strong sales abilities, and are interested in helping clients with their financial security. The role can be rewarding both financially and personally.

Is Farmers Insurance a good company to work for?

Farmers Insurance is generally considered a good company to work for due to its strong training programs and supportive work environment. However, employee experiences can vary.

Is Globe Life commission-only?

Globe Life agents often work on a commission-only basis. Compensation is typically based on sales performance.

Is Lincoln Heritage a good company to work for?

Lincoln Heritage is known for its focus on final expense insurance and has received mixed reviews. Some agents find it a good fit for their career, while others might prefer different companies.

Is National Life Group a good company?

National Life Group is well-regarded for its financial stability and comprehensive product offerings. It has received positive reviews from employees and clients alike.

Is New York Life a captive agency?

Yes, New York Life operates as a captive agency, meaning its agents sell only New York Life insurance products.

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