As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Underwriter (Life) in the United States is $60,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, an Entry Underwriter (Life)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Underwriter (Life)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Underwriter (Life)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Underwriter (Life) | 0-2 years | $60,522 |
| Intermediate Underwriter (Life) | 2-4 years | $71,308 |
| Life Insurance Underwriter III | 4-7 years | $92,695 |
| Life Insurance Underwriting Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,164 |
| Life Insurance Underwriting Manager | 7+ years | $137,127 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Underwriter (Life)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6% |
| Pricing | 2.09% |
| Knowledge of Underwriting | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
|
$83,628 |
38%
|
|
Managing Multiple Priorities
|
$83,628 |
38%
|
|
Office Support Tools
|
$83,628 |
38%
|
|
Credit Analysis and Verification
|
$83,628 |
38%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$79,386 |
31%
|
|
Decision Making and Critical Thinking
|
$69,690 |
15%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Underwriter (Life)s enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Underwriter (Life) with a Associate's Degree is between $52,912 and $56,230).
Entry Underwriter (Life) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 19.5% |
| High School | 19.5% |
| Associates | 9.1% |
| Bachelors | 64.9% |
| Masters | 6.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Entry Underwriter (Life)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Underwriter (Life), you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Health Insurance Underwriter | $71,400 | 18% |
| Intermediate Underwriter (Life) | $71,400 | 18% |
| Property Casualty Insurance Underwriter II | $71,310 | 18% |
| Insurance Underwriter II | $71,400 | 18% |
Salaries for an Entry Underwriter (Life) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,032 in 2023 to around $63,037 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Underwriter (Life) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,032 |
| 2024 | $64,558 |
| 2025 | $63,037 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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To become a life insurance underwriter with no experience, start by earning a degree in business, finance, or economics. Consider undertaking an apprenticeship to gain practical skills. After that, apply for entry-level roles, where you can expect a salary ranging from $51,300 to $63,900. Finally, prepare thoroughly for interviews to increase your chances of success.
Becoming an insurance underwriter can be challenging, as it typically requires a bachelor's degree in fields like economics, business, or finance. Key skills needed include analytical thinking, computer proficiency, communication, and mathematics. Entry-level underwriters can expect salaries ranging from $51,300 to $63,900, with a median salary of $57,100.
As of January 2025, the average annual salary for an Entry Underwriter (Life) is between $51,300 and $63,900. The midpoint salary is approximately $57,100, reflecting the entry-level nature of the role. Salaries may vary based on experience and specific responsibilities within the company.
The average salary for an Entry Underwriter in the U.S. ranges from $51,300 to $63,900, with a midpoint of $57,100. While specific state salaries vary, states like California and Pennsylvania typically offer higher wages, reflecting the demand for skilled underwriters in those regions.
Entry Underwriters at New York Life can expect a salary range from $51,300 to $63,900, with a midpoint of around $57,100. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role, aligning with industry standards for entry-level positions in the field.
Junior underwriters, specifically Entry Underwriters in the life insurance sector, typically earn between $51,300 and $63,900 annually. The average salary is around $57,100. This range reflects varying levels of experience and specific job responsibilities within the role.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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