As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Medical Underwriter in the United States is $71,310 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Medical Underwriter's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Medical Underwriter'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Medical Underwriter'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Underwriter | 2-4 years | $71,303 |
| Health Insurance Senior Underwriter | 4-7 years | $92,697 |
| Health Insurance Underwriting Manager | 7+ years | $131,662 |
| Health Insurance Underwriting Director | 7+ years | $163,383 |
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 Medical Underwriters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Networking | 14.84% |
| Back Office | 5.18% |
| Ethernet | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Ethernet
|
$99,834 |
40%
|
|
Insurance Products
|
$82,007 |
15%
|
|
Insurance Sales
|
$79,867 |
12%
|
|
Onboarding
|
$78,441 |
10%
|
|
Coaching
|
$76,302 |
7%
|
|
HIPAA
|
$76,302 |
7%
|
Medical Underwriter salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,959. While startup companies pay approximate $65,262.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,262 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,988 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $74,352 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,959 |
For Medical Underwriter roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Business Services and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Medical Underwriter positions in Healthcare or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Medical Underwriter as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $89,138 | $43.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $74,876 | $36.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Medical Underwriter'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 Medical Underwriter, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Life Insurance Underwriter III | $92,700 | 30% |
| Health Insurance Senior Underwriter | $92,700 | 30% |
| Property Casualty Insurance Underwriter III | $92,700 | 30% |
| Insurance Underwriter III | $92,700 | 30% |
Salaries for a Medical Underwriter can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $78,379 in 2023 to around $74,033 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Medical Underwriter salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $78,379 |
| 2024 | $75,848 |
| 2025 | $74,033 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Medical Underwriter and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Medical Underwriter roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
Yes, there is still demand for underwriters despite a projected 4% decline in employment from 2023 to 2033. On average, about 7,800 openings for insurance underwriters are expected each year. The salary for medical underwriters ranges from $61,190 to $74,070, with a median salary of $68,610, reflecting the ongoing need for skilled professionals in this field.
In addition to formal education, medical underwriters need a range of skills to perform their work effectively. These include advanced computer knowledge, analytical thinking, strong communication and decision-making abilities, and keen attention to detail. The salary for medical underwriters typically ranges from $61,190 to $74,070, with a median salary of $68,610.
While certifications aren't required to become an underwriter, they can enhance your appeal to employers as you pursue opportunities in the field. As a Medical Underwriter, you can expect a salary range from $61,190 to $74,070, with a median salary of $68,610, reflecting the value of expertise and credentials in this profession.
The salary for a Medical Underwriter in the USA ranges from $61,190 to $74,070, with a mid-salary of $68,610. While the most profitable insurance companies include Berkshire Hathaway and MetLife, the earnings for Medical Underwriters reflect the industry's overall financial health, contributing to the profitability of these firms.
The workforce of Insurance underwriters in 2022 was 122,018 people, with 62.4% women and 37.6% men. The average age of male Insurance underwriters is 40.8, while for females, it is 44.9. In terms of salary, Medical Underwriters earn between $61,190 and $74,070, with a median salary of $68,610. The most common race/ethnicity for Insurance underwriters is White.
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