As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Insurance Underwriter I in the United States is $60,520 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Insurance Underwriter I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
Recruit with AI
A Insurance Underwriter I'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 a Insurance Underwriter I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Underwriter I | 0-2 years | $60,517 |
| Insurance Underwriter II | 2-4 years | $71,303 |
| Insurance Underwriter III | 4-7 years | $92,694 |
| Insurance Underwriter IV | 7+ years | $108,280 |
| Insurance Underwriter V | 7-10 years | $133,429 |
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 Insurance Underwriter Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.06% |
| Financial Services | 1.53% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Credit Administration
|
$78,071 |
29%
|
|
Team Operations
|
$68,993 |
14%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$68,388 |
13%
|
|
Self Motivation
|
$67,782 |
12%
|
|
Accountability
|
$67,177 |
11%
|
|
Financial Accounting
|
$65,967 |
9%
|
Insurance Underwriter I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,480. While startup companies pay approximate $55,483.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $55,483 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $58,661 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $63,251 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $65,480 |
For Insurance Underwriter I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Insurance and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Insurance Underwriter positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Insurance Underwriter I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $90,780 | $44.0 | 50% |
| Financial Services | $72,624 | $35.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $66,572 | $32.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Insurance Underwriter Is 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 a Insurance Underwriter I with a Associate's Degree is between $57,607 and $61,443).
Insurance Underwriter I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 17.6% |
| High School | 17.6% |
| Associates | 6.5% |
| Bachelors | 61.1% |
| Masters | 14.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Insurance Underwriter I'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Insurance Underwriter I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Underwriter (Life) | $71,400 | 18% |
| Health Insurance Underwriter | $71,400 | 18% |
| Property Casualty Insurance Underwriter II | $71,310 | 18% |
| Insurance Underwriter II | $71,400 | 18% |
Salaries for a Insurance Underwriter I 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 Insurance Underwriter I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,032 |
| 2024 | $64,558 |
| 2025 | $63,037 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Insurance Underwriter I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Insurance Underwriter I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Insurance Underwriter I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The salary range for Insurance Underwriters typically falls between $55,730 and $70,810 per year, with a median salary of around $62,400. This reflects the base salary without including additional compensation.
Insurance underwriters typically earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $55,730, a mid-range salary of $62,400, and a maximum of $70,810. Those specializing in high-demand areas or complex policies often command higher earnings, making them some of the top earners in the insurance industry.
Becoming an Entry Level Insurance Underwriter can be challenging due to the complexity of the job, the need for specialized knowledge, and the responsibility of assessing and mitigating risks. However, with dedication and training, many find success in this role, which offers a salary range from $55,730 to $70,810, with a median salary of $62,400.
Insurance underwriters can earn a competitive salary, with a minimum of $55,730, a mid-range salary of $62,400, and a maximum of $70,810. While some industries may offer higher salaries, these figures reflect a solid earning potential within the profession.
Insurance underwriters may receive annual or quarterly bonuses based on performance metrics set by their employer. Common bonus structures are tied to loss ratios, which reflect the percentage of premiums paid out in claims. With a salary range of $55,730 to $70,810, bonuses can significantly enhance overall compensation, especially for those achieving lower loss ratios.
A title insurance underwriter typically earns between $55,730 and $70,810 annually, with a median salary of around $62,400. While some cities like San Francisco and Santa Clara offer higher salaries, the general pay range reflects the industry's standards.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
