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.
Read moreFree Life Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
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...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 9, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 9, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- 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.
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:
- AXA Insurance Company Review
- Principal National Life Insurance Company Review
- Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company Review
- Transamerica Life Insurance Company Review
- Western – Southern Life Assurance Company Review
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
| Company | GlassDoor | Indeed | Best Quality | Worst Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | 3.8 | 3.8 | Work-life balance | Management rigidity |
| AXA Equitable | 3.8 | 3.3 | Work-life balance | Mergers (layoffs) |
| Prudential | 3.9 | 3.9 | Benefits | Work-life balance |
| New York Life | 3.8 | 3.7 | Training | Cold calls |
| MassMutual | 3.8 | 3.7 | Work-life balance | Turnover |
| Principal | 4 | 3.9 | Work-life balance | Leaders |
| Lincoln National | 3.6 | 3.6 | Benefits | Work-life balance |
| Western and Southern | 3 | 3.3 | Benefits | Income |
| Transamerica | 3.1 | 3.5 | Work-life balance | Management |
| AIG | 3.6 | 3.7 | Benefits | Management continuity |
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:
- State Farm
- Nationwide
- Northwestern Mutual
- Pacific Life
- Mutual of Omaha
- Globe Life
- MassMutual*
- John Hancock
- New York Life*
- 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:
- John Hancock Life & Health Insurance Company Review
- John Hancock Life Insurance Company (USA) Review
- National Foundation Life Insurance Company: Customer Ratings & Reviews
- Rural Community Insurance Company Review
- Rural Trust Insurance Company Review
- Security Benefit Life Insurance Company Review
- Southern General Insurance Company Review
- Southern Life and Health Insurance Company: Customer Ratings & Reviews
- The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company Review
- The Service Insurance Company, Inc. Review
- The State Life Insurance Company Review
- U.S. Financial Life Insurance Company Review
- U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company Review
- United Farm Family Life Insurance Company Review
- United Home Life Insurance Company Review
- United of Omaha Life Insurance Company Review
- Washington National Insurance Company Review
- Western – Southern Life Assurance Company Review
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
Compare Insurance Providers Rates to Save Up to 75% Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
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.
Compare Insurance Providers Rates to Save Up to 75%
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
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 life insurance companies to work for?
While opinions may vary, several life insurance companies are commonly recognized as great places to work. Some of these companies include:
- Northwestern Mutual: Known for its financial strength and commitment to employee development, Northwestern Mutual offers a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- New York Life: With a long history and strong reputation in the industry, New York Life provides excellent training and career advancement opportunities for its employees.
- MassMutual: MassMutual is known for its employee-friendly policies, work-life balance, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Guardian Life: Guardian Life offers competitive compensation packages, a collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- State Farm: State Farm is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States and offers a range of benefits and development programs for its employees.
- Prudential Financial: Prudential is committed to employee well-being and offers comprehensive benefits, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for career advancement.
- MetLife: MetLife is a global insurance company that provides a supportive work environment, competitive compensation, and extensive training programs.
What factors make these companies great places to work?
The best life insurance companies to work for often share several common factors that contribute to their positive work environments. These factors may include:
- Strong company culture: These companies prioritize building a positive and inclusive culture where employees feel valued and supported.
- Employee development: They offer opportunities for career growth, training programs, and resources to enhance professional skills.
- Competitive compensation and benefits: These companies provide attractive compensation packages, including competitive salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages.
- Work-life balance: They prioritize work-life balance and offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate personal needs.
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion: These companies promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and strive to create a welcoming environment for employees of all backgrounds.
- Financial stability: These companies have a strong financial foundation, providing employees with a sense of security and stability.
Are there other life insurance companies that are also great to work for?
Yes, there are numerous life insurance companies that provide excellent work environments and opportunities for their employees. While the list mentioned above includes some of the well-known companies, there are other regional and niche insurers that can also offer great workplaces. It’s always a good idea to research and consider the company’s reputation, employee reviews, and work culture to determine if it aligns with your career goals and values.
How can I find job opportunities at these life insurance companies?
To explore job opportunities at the best life insurance companies mentioned above, you can take the following steps:
- Visit their official websites: Most companies have dedicated career sections on their websites where you can find job listings and apply directly.
- Utilize online job portals: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor often have job listings from top insurance companies. You can search for specific roles and apply through these platforms.
- Attend career fairs and industry events: Keep an eye out for career fairs or industry events where these companies might be present. This provides an opportunity to network with company representatives and learn about job openings.
- Network with professionals in the industry: Reach out to professionals working in the life insurance industry, attend industry conferences, or join professional networking groups to expand your connections. They may provide insights or referrals for job opportunities.
Are there any specific job roles or departments within these life insurance companies that are highly sought after?
Yes, there are several job roles and departments within life insurance companies that are often in high demand. Some of these include:
- Sales and Financial Advisors: These professionals work directly with clients, providing financial planning and insurance solutions.
- Underwriting: Underwriters assess insurance applications, determine risk levels, and set policy terms and premiums.
- Claims: Claims professionals evaluate and process insurance claims, ensuring timely and accurate settlements.
- Actuarial: Actuaries analyze data, assess risks, and develop pricing models for insurance products.
- Customer Service: Customer service representatives assist policyholders with inquiries, policy changes, and claim-related matters.
- Marketing and Communications: Marketing and communications teams promote insurance products, develop marketing campaigns, and manage brand reputation.
- IT and Technology: Information technology professionals play a crucial role in managing and enhancing digital platforms, data security, and technology infrastructure.
Compare Insurance Providers Rates to Save Up to 75%
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
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...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.