There's a variety of jobs in insurance in Australia for people with different levels of experience and skill sets. If you are just starting out or transitioning from a different industry, you can find roles that range from entry-level positions to more specialised, higher-ranking roles.
For those who want to start an insurance career with no industry experience, roles like claims assistant or customer service representatives can be good starting points. But what are the different insurance jobs in Australia? Do these pay well? What are the best jobs in insurance here? Insurance Business answers these questions and more in this guide.
There are many different types of jobs in the insurance industry in Australia. We will explore the ones that you’ll most likely encounter as you seek job ads. These are some of the most common types of insurance jobs you can find in recruitment postings.
Have a look at them and their descriptions to have an idea of what sort of insurance career paths are available to you.
An insurance account manager's main role is to maintain relationships with clients, ensuring that their insurance needs are met. This insurance professional also helps clients understand the terms of their policies. Account managers often act as the main point of contact for clients and work to resolve any issues or queries that may arise.
Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess risk and help insurance companies set premiums and plan for the future. Their work generally involves analysing data to predict the likelihood of future events like accidents, natural disasters, or illnesses.
An assessor evaluates insurance claims by examining the details of an incident and determining the extent of the insurer’s liability. They may visit accident sites, interview claimants, and review evidence to make fair and accurate assessments and decisions on claims.
Claims consultants or officers assist customers with the process of making an insurance claim. Their job mainly involves collecting information, assessing the validity of claims, and guiding clients from initial lodgement to final resolution. Basically, their role is to ensure that claims are processed efficiently and fairly.
As part of claims support staff or working as a claims assistant, your job will be to provide administrative and practical support to claims consultants and officers. You help gather documentation, process paperwork, update records, and communicate with clients to ensure claims are handled smoothly and efficiently. This role can be an excellent entry point for people new to the insurance industry. It offers valuable experience for career progression.
6. Customer service representative
Customer service representatives perform a vital role in the insurance industry. They are often the first point of contact for people with questions about their insurance policies. They provide information, answer customer queries, and assist customers with policy changes or claims.
To have a better understanding of the importance of customer service representatives, you can read our article about how keeping these frontline workers attract more business.
As an insurance agent, you will mainly sell insurance products or policies on behalf of a specific insurance company. Insurance agents advise clients on suitable coverage, explain the policy terms, and help clients with policy applications and renewals.
Agents are often the main point of contact for customers throughout the life of their policy, although customers may occasionally contact customer service representatives.
You will have to apply for a licence to work as an insurance agent. After getting your licence, you can have a peek at what it’s like to work as an insurance agent.
An insurance broker acts as an intermediary between clients and insurance companies. It’s their job to help individuals and businesses find the most suitable insurance products, provide helpful information and advice on insurance coverage, and support clients during the claims process.
If this career interests you, you can read our guide on how to become an insurance broker in Australia.
Insurance managers oversee teams or entire departments within an insurance company. They are responsible for operations, staff management, and ensuring that company policies and procedures are followed.
The job of an insurance risk manager is mainly to identify and assess the potential risks that could affect clients or the insurance company itself. They develop strategies to minimise those risks and help to set guidelines for underwriting and claims.
The main role of a loss adjuster is to investigate claims, especially those that involve a significant amount of loss or damage. Loss adjusters assess the cause and extent of the loss, determine whether the claim is valid, and recommend the amount to be paid out to policyholders.
As an underwriter, your role is to decide whether to accept or reject insurance applications. Underwriters mainly assess the risk involved in insuring a person or asset, then set the terms and premiums for the insurance policies accordingly.
You can read our guide on how to become an insurance underwriter to know what pursuing and maintaining this role entails.
The roles listed offer a mix of opportunities for Australians who have little to no experience in insurance, whether they’re starting out after university or looking to make a career shift. The important item to note is that some of these roles (like insurance broker) will have certain prerequisites.
If you find a role that interests you, be sure to check whether they have educational or professional requirements and how to meet them.
There are several reasons why it would be a good idea to get a job in insurance in Australia and build a career in this industry. Here are some of the reasons that can incentivise you to consider shifting or starting in insurance:
Insurance careers in Australia often come with clearly stated salary data from jobs listed online. Many full-time roles in the industry, like underwriters, claims consultants, and insurance brokers, include full-time salary ranges disclosed in job ads. This makes it easier for candidates to assess earning potential.
According to recent salary reports, insurance professionals can expect competitive pay that grows with experience and specialisation. Speaking of specialisations, you can take on additional certifications like the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Since the insurance sector is a core part of the Australian economy, this industry provides continuous demand for skilled workers. Data from jobs listed and industry reports show that insurance professionals enjoy stable, long-term employment prospects, especially as many current workers are approaching retirement age.
In fact, 50 percent of all insurance professionals are going to retire in the next 10 to 15 years. In addition, 60 percent of all insurance professionals in Australia are over 45 years old, according to this report.
Most jobs in insurance in Australia are accessible to people from many different educational backgrounds. There are even roles available to those with no prior insurance experience.
Whether you’re starting as a claims assistant or aiming for a specialist position, the industry offers clear pathways for advancement. This is supported by salary data from jobs that highlight growth opportunities.
It’s typical for insurance companies to invest in the ongoing training and development of their staff. Many roles are based on full-time employment, and employers frequently support further study and training, certifications, and on-the-job learning.
These employer-sponsored benefits can help insurance professionals build valuable skills and move up the salary report brackets. They can also help staff meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements of some insurance roles.
Insurance professionals play a critical role in helping individuals and businesses recover from unexpected events. The work is varied, with many opportunities to specialise in areas such as risk management, broking, or claims management or processing.
Data from jobs listed show that the industry values diverse skill sets and offers roles that can suit a wide range of interests, all while providing salary data that is transparent and accessible.
Many insurance careers offer flexible working arrangements, including remote work and hybrid schedules. Data from jobs listed and employer salary reports often highlight benefits like additional leaves, wellness benefits, and support for family commitments. These benefits can make it easier for insurance professionals to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
The Australian insurance industry has a wide variety of roles, from customer service and sales to analytics and risk management. This diversity means there are opportunities for people with varying skills and backgrounds, making it easier for you to find a position that matches your interests and career goals.
An important factor in deciding which of these jobs will suit your career goals and needs is what they offer in terms of salary. The table below provides an overview of the different jobs in insurance and their average salaries to help you make an informed decision.
|
Job title |
Average salary range |
|---|---|
|
Account manager |
$80,000 - $120,000 |
|
Actuary |
$100,000 - $160,000 |
|
Assessor |
$70,000 - $100,000 |
|
Claims consultant/officer |
$60,000 - $90,000 |
|
Claims support/assistant |
$55,000 - $75,000 |
|
Customer service representative |
$55,000 - $75,000 |
|
Insurance agent |
$60,000 - $90,000 |
|
Insurance broker |
$70,000 - $110,000 |
|
Insurance manager |
$110,000 - $150,000 |
|
Insurance risk manager |
$110,000 - $150,000 |
|
Loss adjuster |
$80,000 - $120,000 |
|
Underwriter |
$80,000 - $120,000 |
Note: Disclosed salaries include superannuation and are based on full-time roles, using data from jobs listed in salary reports from reputable Australian job boards and industry sources, including Seek.com and payscale.com.
If you are new to the job market or are shifting from another industry, here are the most important factors to consider when choosing an insurance job in Australia:
It’s critical to first review the qualifications needed for each role. Many entry-level insurance jobs, like claims support or customer service require minimal experience and provide on-the-job training. Think about how your existing skills – such as communication, problem-solving, or customer service, can be used in these roles.
Don't go blindly applying for roles that you stumble upon first. Look for roles that offer clear paths to career advancement. Insurance careers often provide structured progression, so you can move from entry-level positions to more specialist positions or senior roles over time.
Check and compare the disclosed salaries (including superannuation) for different jobs. Don’t be lured only by the starting salary but also consider the long-term earnings potential. Look for other benefits like bonuses, flexible working arrangements, and professional development support.
The insurance sector is well-known for its stability and continuing demand for workers, especially as many experienced professionals retire. Choosing a job in a highly competitive market and one that's in high-demand like claims, underwriting, or insurance broking can offer excellent job security.
Some of these roles are in-office, while other roles can offer hybrid or remote work scheduling and setups. Research the company culture, values, and support for work-life balance to find a good fit for your needs and preferences.
It can help your decision immensely if you can match your interests, skills, and strengths to the job. For example, if you like working with people, consider customer-facing roles like insurance broker or agent. If you prefer analytical work, roles such as underwriter or actuary may be more suitable for you.
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