How to Become an Insurance Underwriter
Decide which risks an insurer should take and at what price by evaluating applications against data and judgment. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $81,370 per year and about average projected job growth.
Median pay
$81,370/yr
Job growth
-1%
Openings / yr
8,200
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Risk Assessment
- Data Analysis
- Attention to Detail
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Helpful certifications
- CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter)
- AU (Associate in Underwriting)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Financial Manager$166,570 median
- Actuary$130,000 median
- Personal Financial Advisor$105,070 median
- Financial Analyst$102,740 median
- Management Consultant$101,860 median
- Financial Examiner$94,160 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Insurance Underwriter make?
The median pay for an Insurance Underwriter is $81,370 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Insurance Underwriter?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Finance, Business Administration, Economics, and Risk Management.
Is Insurance Underwriter a growing field?
The BLS projects about average demand for this role, about -1% over the decade, with roughly 8,200 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Insurance Underwriter use most?
Common skills for this role are Risk Assessment, Data Analysis, Attention to Detail, Critical Thinking, and Writing.
Planning to become a Insurance Underwriter?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.