How much does a Underwriter make?
Underwriters play a key role in the insurance industry. They assess the risk of insuring people, businesses, and properties. This job requires careful analysis and decision-making. As a result, underwriters often earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for an underwriter is around $93,579. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.
Underwriters can earn different amounts depending on their level of experience. Here are some average salaries for different experience levels:
- Entry-level underwriters: $40,000
- Mid-level underwriters: $71,455
- Senior underwriters: $134,364
- Top-level underwriters: $213,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Underwriter?

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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $145,314
In Stamford, professionals assess risk for insurance companies. Major firms like Travelers and The Hartford offer many opportunities. The city's strong business environment supports career growth.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $126,591
Boston offers a dynamic job market for those in the insurance industry. Companies like Liberty Mutual and State Street provide diverse roles. The city's rich history in finance adds to the appeal.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $113,637
Chicago is a hub for insurance underwriters. Firms like Allstate and CNA Financial offer many positions. The city's vibrant business scene provides ample networking opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $112,685
San Francisco is a prime location for underwriters. Tech-driven companies like Lemonade and Safeco Insurance offer innovative roles. The city's progressive environment fosters career advancement.
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Kansas City, MO
Average Salary: $112,404
Kansas City offers a stable job market for underwriters. Companies like American Century and Shelter Insurance provide solid opportunities. The city's lower cost of living enhances quality of life.
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Philadelphia, PA
Average Salary: $112,179
Philadelphia provides a mix of traditional and modern opportunities. Employers like Independence Blue Cross and Vanguard offer diverse roles. The city's rich history adds to its charm.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $110,807
Atlanta is a growing market for insurance professionals. Companies like Aflac and SunTrust Bank offer many positions. The city's warm climate and friendly atmosphere make it a great place to work.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $108,679
Charlotte offers a strong job market for underwriters. Banks like Bank of America and insurance firms like MetLife provide many opportunities. The city's rapid growth supports career development.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $107,917
Baltimore provides a mix of urban and suburban opportunities. Companies like Legg Mason and T. Rowe Price offer diverse roles. The city's rich cultural scene adds to its appeal.
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Pittsburgh, PA
Average Salary: $104,331
Pittsburgh offers a unique job market for underwriters. Companies like UPMC and Highmark provide many positions. The city's strong industrial background adds to its character.
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What are the best companies a Underwriter can work for?

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Munich Re
Average Salary: $173,365
Munich Re offers exciting Underwriter roles with competitive salaries. They operate globally, with major offices in Germany, the USA, and Asia. Munich Re values skilled underwriters who can manage risk and ensure financial stability.
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Citi
Average Salary: $173,275
Citi provides rewarding Underwriter positions with a strong focus on financial services. With branches worldwide, Citi offers diverse opportunities. They seek underwriters who can analyze risks and contribute to the company's success.
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Fannie Mae
Average Salary: $159,056
Fannie Mae offers Underwriter jobs with a focus on mortgage-backed securities. They have offices across the USA, including in Washington, D.C., and New York. Fannie Mae looks for underwriters who can assess mortgage risks and support the housing market.
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General Placement Service
Average Salary: $158,816
General Placement Service provides Underwriter positions with a focus on insurance and risk management. They operate in various locations, including New York and California. They seek underwriters who can analyze risks and help clients make informed decisions.
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Resilience
Average Salary: $155,000
Resilience offers Underwriter roles with a focus on risk management and insurance. They have offices in New York, London, and other key locations. Resilience looks for underwriters who can assess risks and help businesses stay resilient.
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Swiss Re
Average Salary: $149,609
Swiss Re provides Underwriter positions with a strong focus on global insurance. They operate in many countries, including Switzerland, the USA, and the UK. Swiss Re seeks underwriters who can manage risks and support the company's global operations.
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QBE
Average Salary: $147,700
QBE offers Underwriter roles with a focus on insurance and risk management. They have offices in Australia, the USA, and Europe. QBE looks for underwriters who can analyze risks and help clients protect their assets.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $141,766
Wells Fargo provides Underwriter positions with a focus on financial services. They have branches across the USA, including in California and New York. Wells Fargo seeks underwriters who can assess risks and support the company's financial services.
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Argo Group
Average Salary: $141,644
Argo Group offers Underwriter roles with a focus on insurance and risk management. They operate in various locations, including New York and Bermuda. Argo Group looks for underwriters who can analyze risks and help clients manage their insurance needs.
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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Average Salary: $135,581
Liberty Mutual Insurance provides Underwriter positions with a focus on property and casualty insurance. They have offices across the USA, including in Massachusetts and Florida. Liberty Mutual Insurance seeks underwriters who can assess risks and support the company's insurance operations.
How to earn more as a Underwriter?
Becoming a successful Underwriter involves more than just assessing risks. It requires a blend of skills, experience, and strategic career moves. Those who excel in this role often find themselves earning more due to their dedication and expertise. Here are some key factors that can help an Underwriter increase their earnings.
First, gaining experience is crucial. Underwriters with more years in the field often command higher salaries. Experience allows them to make quicker, more accurate assessments, which is highly valued by employers. Second, obtaining relevant certifications can boost earning potential. Certifications like the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) demonstrate a deeper understanding of the industry and can lead to higher-paying positions. Third, specializing in a niche area can also increase earnings. Underwriters who focus on specific types of insurance, such as health or property, can become experts in their field and earn more as a result. Fourth, networking within the industry can open up higher-paying opportunities. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to job offers that come with better compensation packages. Lastly, continuously improving skills through training and education can lead to higher salaries. Staying updated on the latest industry trends and technologies ensures that an Underwriter remains competitive and valuable to employers.
By focusing on these factors, Underwriters can enhance their career prospects and increase their earnings. Experience, certifications, specialization, networking, and ongoing education all play a role in achieving higher pay in this field.
- Gain experience in the field
- Obtain relevant certifications
- Specialize in a niche area
- Network with industry professionals
- Continuously improve skills through training and education



