Life Insurance Sales Jobs in Work Insurance Companies in Australia

Are you looking for a rewarding sales career in the life insurance sector in Australia? The life insurance industry offers dynamic opportunities for driven sales professionals who are prepared to combine interpersonal skills, sales acumen and product knowledge. With many insurance companies — both large and niche — hiring life insurance sales consultants, advisers and specialists, now is a great time to explore this path.

In this article we’ll walk you through how to find a job in life insurance sales in Australia:

Why life insurance sales roles are attractive in Australia
The current job market and demand for life insurance sales professionals
What companies and roles to target
Qualifications, skills and experience you need
How to search and apply effectively
How to prepare for interviews and succeed on the job
Salary expectations, career progression and benefits
Key challenges and how to overcome them
A short FAQ to answer common questions

Whether you’re new to insurance sales or looking to transition into life insurance roles, this guide will give you a practical roadmap to secure a job and thrive in the Australian life insurance market.

Why Life Insurance Sales Roles Are Attractive in Australia

Growth potential and demand

The Australian life insurance sector is significant and continues to present opportunities. A search on major job‑boards such as SEEK shows hundreds of “life insurance sales” vacancies across Australia. For example, there are more than 400 vacancies for “life insurance sales” listed nationally.
This indicates that companies are actively recruiting sales professionals in life insurance.

Strong earning potential

Sales roles in life insurance often come with performance‑based incentives (commissions, bonuses, uncapped earnings), which makes them financially attractive. For instance, a listing shows a life insurance sales consultant role in South Melbourne (Victoria) with salary around AUD $100,000–$120,000 OTE (on target earnings) including superannuation.
The combination of base pay plus commission means motivated candidates can do quite well.

Professional development & meaningful work

Selling life insurance isn’t just about closing deals. It often involves helping people secure financial protection, supporting families, and offering advice on life cover, critical illness, income protection and more. That element of meaningful work along with a professional environment adds to the appeal.

Flexible working models

Many insurance sales roles in Australia are increasingly offering hybrid or remote‑friendly working conditions, with partially work‑from‑home options, warm lead strategies and structured training. For example, a job listing for life insurance sales in Sydney offered hybrid working and warm leads.
This flexibility can make the job more viable for a wide range of candidates.

Understanding the Job Market for Life Insurance Sales in Australia

Job volume & locations

According to job site data, there are thousands of insurance‑sales roles in Australia across various sectors. For life insurance specifically:

On SEEK: 446 life insurance sales jobs in Australia.
On SEEK: 9,891 life insurance jobs in Australia (various roles).
Multiple listings in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide. (e.g., 131 life insurance sales jobs in Sydney alone)
These numbers show that life insurance sales roles are available and not restricted to one region.

Types of roles & companies

In the life insurance sales space you’ll find roles such as:

Life Insurance Sales Consultant / Specialist
Life Insurance Adviser / Agent
Business Development Manager – Life Insurance
Life Insurance Broker / Life Risk Adviser
Life Insurance Sales Underwriter or Sales Support
Companies range from major insurers and superannuation funds to specialist brokers and aggregator firms. For example, listings reference “Warm inbound leads only” life insurance sales, life insurance consultant roles supporting medical professionals etc.
The variety of roles allows for entry with less experience and for more senior roles with extensive sales and product knowledge.

Key themes employers look for

Recruiters and hiring managers often look for:

Strong sales track record or aptitude for sales / business development
Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
Motivation, resilience and goal‑orientation (sales quotas, targets)
Familiarity with insurance or financial services is a bonus
Ability to manage leads, generate new business and maintain client relationships
Some roles may ask for specific credentials (for advice‑based roles) or ability to complete licensing/training

By understanding what employers are looking for, you can tailor your application accordingly.

What Companies & Roles to Target

Major life insurance companies & superannuation funds

Look out for big players in the Australian market such as AIA Australia (part of the Asia‑Pacific AIA Group) and other established insurers. For example, there is a job listing at AIA Australia for an Insurance Sales Representative.
These larger firms often have structured training programs, established sales pipelines and strong brand recognition.

Specialist brokers / aggregator firms

Some jobs are offered by firms that specialise in life insurance brokerage, advice or distribution. They might have models where you work from leads, or partner with financial advisers. A listing for “Life Insurance Specialist” in Sydney offered $70,000–$80,000 base + super + bonuses, warm leads.
Brokers may provide more flexibility and commission‑heavy models.

Regional and hybrid opportunities

While many roles are located in major metropolitan centres, remote, hybrid or regional roles are also available. Warm‑lead models and inbound sales tend to lend themselves to more flexible arrangements. Listings in Queensland (Brisbane region) show life insurance sales roles too.
If location flexibility exists, you could target roles that allow remote or partially WFH models.

Entry vs senior roles

Entry/early: Sales consultant, inbound leads, phone‑based sales, warm leads, base salary + commission. Training provided.
Mid/Senior: Business development, managing portfolios, understanding of insurance product range, possibly financial advice licensing, higher earning potential.
For instance, the “Life Insurance Sales Consultant” role with $100K‑$120K OTE likely expects sales performance and experience.
Determining where you fall helps you target the right level of role.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience You Need

Educational / formal qualifications

While sales roles often place more emphasis on attitude and performance, certain educational credentials help:

A certificate or diploma in business, sales, financial services or insurance is a good foundation.
For advice‑based roles (selling financial products, giving life cover advice) you may need to meet regulatory/licensing requirements under Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) and hold appropriate qualifications.
According to guidance for becoming an insurance broker or adviser, completing vocational education/training such as Certificate III in Financial Services (FNS30120) can be a starting point.
Hence, even for sales you’ll benefit from foundational qualifications and willingness to obtain further credentials if needed.

Key skills & attributes

To succeed in life insurance sales, you’ll need:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: ability to explain insurance benefits, life cover, terms & conditions, connect with clients
Sales aptitude: lead generation, warm calls, negotiation, closing deals
Resilience and persistence: sales targets come with rejection and competition
Product knowledge: understanding of life insurance, income protection, superannuation linkage, policy features and benefits
Customer‑centric approach: ability to listen to client needs, provide appropriate solutions and build long‑term relationships
CRM & digital skills: ability to manage leads, follow‑up, use sales tools and possibly work remotely/hybrid
Ethical orientation and compliance awareness: insurance is regulated; you must follow codes of conduct, act in clients’ best interests, maintain documentation
Self‑motivation and time‑management: many sales roles involve managing your own pipeline and performance
By developing and highlighting these skills, you’ll raise your chances of standing out.

Experience and advancement

Entry‑level roles may accept candidates with strong sales/telemarketing background even if insurance experience is minimal. Some job ads indicate “insurance knowledge not essential, sales experience needed”. For example: “Warm inbound leads only. Life insurance sales. $100K‑$120K+ OTE. Sales experience needed, insurance knowledge not.”
More senior roles will expect proven life insurance/financial services experience, track record of sales, managing portfolios, possibly licence or adviser status.
Advancement: From sales consultant → senior sales/business development → team lead/manager → specialist adviser or broker.
Having a clear path and gathering experience early helps you position for progression.

How to Search & Apply Effectively

Step 1: Prepare your CV / resume and online profile

Tailor your CV for life insurance sales: emphasise sales achievements (quotas met/exceeded), lead generation, client conversion rates, team contributions.
Use actionable metrics: e.g., “Achieved 120% of target for 2024”, “Closed 50+ new life insurance policies in 12 months”.
Mention any relevant training, licences, certifications in financial services, insurance or sales.
Create or update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your interest in insurance sales and have keywords such as “Life Insurance Sales Consultant”, “Insurance Sales Australia”, “Life Cover Specialist”.
Include professional summary focused on sales skills, results‑orientation, willingness to learn life insurance product lines.

Step 2: Identify the right job listings and filter for life insurance sales

Use job boards such as SEEK, Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs and filter for “life insurance sales”, “life insurance consultant”, “life insurance adviser”, “insurance sales Australia”.
Example searches:
- SEEK “Insurance Sales” returns 2,549 jobs Australia‑wide.
- SEEK “Life Insurance Sales” in Brisbane QLD shows numerous listings (72 jobs).
- Seek in Sydney region has 131 “Life Insurance Sales” jobs.
Set up job alerts (email/phone) so you’re notified when relevant new jobs go live.

Step 3: Research companies and roles

Investigate life insurance companies and organisations that hire for sales roles. Review their culture, commission structure, whether they provide leads or expect cold calls.
For each job, read the job description carefully: what base salary is offered, OTE, commission model, training, remote/hybrid options, product mix (pure life cover vs bundled financial services).
Prioritise companies that provide training, warm leads and realistic commission structure especially if you are entering the field.

Step 4: Tailor your application and submit

For each role, customise your cover letter: highlight why you want to work in life insurance sales, your sales track record, ability to learn product lines, and why you are a good fit for that company.
In the application, address key selection criteria if applicable: sales performance, client service, motivation, ability to work in team or independently, willingness to work hybrid or WFH if required.
Attach your updated CV and any relevant certifications/licences.
Submit via the job board or company website and follow up if possible after 1 week to show interest.

Step 5: Prepare for interview and assessment

Expect sales‑style interview questions:
- “Tell us about a time you met or exceeded a sales target”
- “How would you handle rejection in a sale?”
- “How do you build rapport with clients and convert leads into policies?”
- “What do you know about life insurance and why do you want to sell it?”
Be ready to talk about: your sales process, use of CRM, lead management, follow‑up strategy, referral building.
Show product awareness: basic understanding of life cover, income protection, superannuation, insurance distribution.
Some companies may do role‑plays (sales pitch scenario) or ask for past performance metrics.
Prepare questions to ask the employer: What is the lead generation model? What base salary vs commission? What is the training and career progression? What support is provided?
Dress professionally, be enthusiastic and sales‑oriented, highlight your self‑motivation and goal‑focus.

Onboarding & Succeeding in the Role

Understand the product and compliance

Life insurance sales is regulated. You’ll need to learn:

The basics of life insurance products (term life, total & permanent disability, income protection, trauma/critical illness)
Superannuation and how life insurance often links with super funds in Australia
Regulatory obligations: e.g., eligibility, disclosure, suitability, ASIC compliance, financial advice standards (if applicable)
Company policy, sales process, lead‑management, CRM usage, customer service standards

By mastering product knowledge and compliance you’ll build credibility and reduce risk in your role.

Build your sales pipeline & network

Focus on lead generation: whether inbound (warm leads provided) or outbound (prospecting).
Use referral strategies: satisfied clients, networking, partnerships (e.g., with financial advisers, accountants).
Cultivate relationships: selling life insurance is often about trust, long‑term relationships and repeat/referral business.
Use CRM tools effectively: track leads, follow‑ups, client status, renewal opportunities.
Stay organised and disciplined: set daily/weekly goals, manage your time, track your performance against targets.

Provide value and service

Meet clients’ needs: ask questions, listen carefully, propose appropriate cover, explain benefits and limitations.
Support clients beyond the sale: policy reviews, renewals, premium increases, additional cover.
Focus on client retention and referrals: long‑term business is much more profitable than one‑off sales.
Maintain high ethical standards: selling suitable products, clear communication, building trust.

Career progression & development

Early years: mastering sales, lead conversion, achieving quota, building a client base.
Mid‑career: developing expertise in particular niches (e.g., medical professionals, business owners, high net‑worth), mentoring new sales staff, team lead roles.
Senior level: business development manager, sales manager, insurer distribution manager, or moving into financial advice/planning.
Keep building your skills and track record as you advance.

Salary Expectations, Benefits & What to Consider

Salary and commission structure

Listings show OTE (on target earnings) of AUD $100,000–$120,000 for life insurance sales consultants in major metro areas.
Entry‑level may be lower base + commission; experienced sales professionals can significantly exceed targets and earn more.
Commission models vary widely: percentage of premium, bonus for new business, renewals, team performance incentives.
When assessing a job offer, ask for full details: base salary, commission percentage, average earnings of current staff, quota, renewal vs new business split.

Benefits & perks

Many insurers provide training, leads, CRM systems, marketing support.
Some roles offer hybrid/remote working, flexible hours, car allowance or travel support, bonuses for top performance.
Insurance industry often provides career longevity, skill transferability (sales, relationship‑management, financial services).
The meaningful nature of the job (helping clients protect their lives and families) can provide job satisfaction and motivation.

What to consider before you accept

Lead quality: Are leads warm/inbound, or do you need to cold call? Warm leads significantly increase your chance of success and earnings. Some listings specify “warm inbound leads only”.
Terrain of competition: The life insurance market is competitive; know what you’re up against.
Compliance and limitation: If advice is required, licensing costs/time may apply.
Workload & targets: Ensure performance targets are realistic and you understand renewal expectations.
Fit with company culture and training: Good onboarding and mentoring increase your chance of success.
Long‑term prospects: Ask about renewal business, advancement opportunities, diversification into other insurance/financial sales.

Key Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Challenges

Lead generation & rejection: Sales means rejection; you’ll need resilience and constant pipeline building.
Product complexity & regulation: Life insurance products can be complex; you must learn quickly and communicate simply.
High competition and target pressure: Many candidates vie for roles; continuous performance required.
Ethical/suitability issues: Ensuring you sell appropriate products and maintain client trust is critical in regulated financial services.
Changing insurance landscape: With digitalisation, new models, and regulatory change, you must keep your skills up to date.

How to overcome

Embrace training: Choose companies that provide strong induction and ongoing mentorship.
Develop product mastery: Invest time in understanding life cover, income protection, super connections, underwriting basics.
Build a robust pipeline: Use referral strategies, network, keep your lead list full.
Maintain client‑first mindset: Focus on solving real needs rather than just selling. This builds trust, referrals and long‑term income.
Keep compliant and professional: Stay up to date with industry regulation, code of ethics, and continuous professional development.
Monitor performance and adapt: Track your conversion rates, time spent on leads, and refine your approach to maximise efficiency.

Tips for Entry‑Level Candidates & Career Switchers

If you’re new to life insurance sales or switching from another sector, here’s how to prepare:

Highlight transferrable skills: sales/telemarketing, customer service, business development, relationship management, negotiation.
Emphasize motivation to learn: show willingness to gain product knowledge, obtain required licences or certifications.
Choose roles with strong training and warm leads: easier for entry.
Start building your pipeline even before you start: reach out to network, attend industry events, join LinkedIn groups focused on insurance sales.
Consider obtaining a certificate or diploma in financial services or insurance (e.g., Certificate III or IV in Financial Services).
Be realistic about earnings in the first year: base may be modest, your focus should be on building experience, clients and pipeline.
Focus on a niche: some insurers target specific industries (e.g., medical professionals, business owners) which can give you a differentiator. For example, a listing: Life Insurance Consultant “supporting Australian doctors”.

By approaching it strategically, you can enter life insurance sales and position for success.

Emerging Trends in the Life Insurance Sales Industry in Australia

Digital sales and hybrid models

The insurance industry is increasingly embracing digital channels, remote selling, online lead generation and hybrid work models. As seen in job listings offering “warm leads”, hybrid work, and flexible arrangements.
As a sales professional you should be comfortable with digital tools, CRM, remote client engagement and adapting to new sales environments.

Focus on protection products and awareness

With rising awareness of personal and family financial security, the demand for life insurance, income protection and critical illness cover is growing. Sales professionals who can articulate value in these products will be in advantage.

Niche markets & specialist segments

Insurers are increasingly targeting niche segments (e.g., medical professionals, high net‑worth individuals, business owners) which means specializing can give you an edge. A job listing referenced supporting Australian doctors in life insurance sales.

Regulatory & compliance shifts

Changes in insurance regulation (product design, disclosure, advice standards) mean sales professionals must stay updated and ensure compliance. Being proactive in maintaining professional development can differentiate you.

Lead quality and referral models

Companies are shifting towards better lead generation (warm leads, inbound sales) rather than cold‑calling only. This improves conversion rates and earning potential for sales professionals who join the right companies. Listings calling out “warm inbound leads only” exemplify this.

Conclusion

A career in life insurance sales in Australia offers strong earning potential, meaningful work and numerous opportunities for motivated, sales‑oriented individuals. By understanding the job market, targeting the right companies and roles, developing the necessary skills and qualifications, and executing a smart job search strategy, you can secure a role and build a successful career.

Here’s a summarised roadmap for you:

Build your foundational sales skills and product knowledge.
Craft a tailored CV and LinkedIn profile highlighting sales achievements and interest in life insurance.
Search job boards with targeted keywords like “life insurance sales”, “life insurance consultant”, “insurance sales Australia”.
Shortlist companies that offer warm leads, training and strong commission structures.
Apply with a customised cover letter and resume.
Prepare for interviews by demonstrating sales track record, client‑centric mindset and willingness to learn.
Once you start the role, focus on pipeline development, CRM usage, product mastery, client relationships, performance tracking and ethical sales.
Plan for career progression: specialise, build long‑term client base, move into senior roles or other insurance/financial services sectors.

In doing so, you’ll not only maximize your job‑search success, but set yourself up for long‑term professional growth in the Australian life insurance industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the average salary for a life insurance sales consultant in Australia?
While salaries vary depending on base pay, commission, region and company, listings show OTE of AUD $100,000–$120,000 for life insurance sales consultants in metropolitan Australia.
Actual earnings depend heavily on performance and commission structure.

2. Do I need insurance experience to get a job in life insurance sales?
Not always. Many job listings state that insurance knowledge is not essential if you have sales experience. For example: “Sales experience needed, insurance knowledge not.”
However, you will need to learn product lines, compliance and obtain any required licences for certain roles.

3. What qualifications or licences do I require for life insurance sales in Australia?
For sales roles you may require a Certificate III/IV in Financial Services or Insurance. If you are giving personal advice on life insurance (beyond general information) you might require licensing under ASIC via an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence or via your employer’s licence.
Always check the job description for specific requirements.

4. What’s the best way to stand out as a candidate for life insurance sales roles?
Highlight your sales achievements (quotas met, conversion metrics), show motivation and resilience, demonstrate ability to build relationships, and express interest in life insurance. Use keywords like “life insurance sales consultant”, “new business development”, “lead conversion”, “uncapped commission” in your CV and LinkedIn profile.

5. Are there remote or work‑from‑home options in life insurance sales in Australia?
Yes. Many companies offer hybrid working or remote‑friendly arrangements. For example, a listing offered flexible hybrid work: “Flexible hybrid work – three days from home, two in the office”.
As remote selling becomes more established, this option grows.