Street level is a distribution term referring to the standard commission or compensation schedule paid directly to writing agents or producers without additional overrides for uplines, agencies, or marketing organizations. At street level, the producer receives the base compensation that carriers publish for a given product and production tier, while any additional hierarchy compensation is layered above this level. Street-level contracts are common for independent agents who do not build sub-producer networks or who operate under a brokerage general agency structure that retains override compensation. Understanding street level helps clarify how commissions are allocated across distribution channels and what portion of total compensation goes to the writing agent versus intermediaries.

Advisors and recruiters use the term street level when comparing compensation offerings from different FMOs, BGAs, or carriers. An agent might ask whether they are being contracted at true street level or whether intermediate layers reduce their share of available compensation. Brokerage leaders must balance competitive street levels with the need to fund marketing, case design, and service. In transparent relationships, agencies clearly explain street levels, overrides, and bonus structures. Understanding street level enables advisors to evaluate contract offers, negotiate placements, and align their production with partners who provide appropriate value for override dollars.