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Underwriter I - Life Salary in the United States

How much does an Underwriter I - Life make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underwriter I - Life in the United States is $60,517 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

However, an Underwriter I - Life's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $72,794
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $53,566 to $66,943
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,237
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Underwriter I - Life Salaries

An Underwriter I - 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.

How Experience Level Affects Underwriter I - Life Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Underwriter I - 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:

  • Underwriter I - Life (0-2 years): $60,517
  • Underwriter (Life) II (2-4 years): $71,303
  • Underwriter (Life) III (4-7 years): $92,697
  • Life Underwriting Supervisor (7+ years): $117,270
  • Life Underwriting Manager (7+ years): $137,214
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Underwriter I - Life0-2 years$60,517
Underwriter (Life) II2-4 years$71,303
Underwriter (Life) III4-7 years$92,697
Life Underwriting Supervisor7+ years$117,270
Life Underwriting Manager7+ years$137,214
View as Graph

How Do Underwriter I - Lives Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Underwriter I - Lives. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $67,004.
  • California: $66,750.
  • Massachusetts: $65,861.

Top Paying Cities for Underwriter I - Life

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $76,330
  • San Francisco: $75,494
  • Oakland: $73,903

What Skills Can Increase an Underwriter I - Life's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Pricing (Mentioned in 2.09% Job Postings): Pricing is a process of fixing the value that a manufacturer will receive in the exchange of services and goods.
  • Knowledge of Underwriting (Mentioned in 1.28% Job Postings): Underwriting simply means that your lender verifies your income, assets, debt and property details in order to issue final approval for your loan.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6%
Pricing 2.09%
Knowledge of Underwriting 1.28%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Underwriter I - Life's salary.

  • Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
  • Managing Multiple Priorities: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
  • Office Support Tools: Can increase your salary by up to 38%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accuracy and Attention to Detail $83,513
38%
Managing Multiple Priorities $83,513
38%
Office Support Tools $83,513
38%
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Underwriter I - Life Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Underwriter I - Life salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,311. While startup companies pay approximate $55,384.

Underwriter I - Life Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,384
Growth Stage 51~500 $58,546
Established 501~5000 $63,098
Enterprise 5000+ $65,311

Underwriter I - Life Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Underwriter I - Life 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 Financial Services and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Underwriter I - Life positions in Insurance or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Underwriter I - Life as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Underwriter I - Life

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$78,672$38.030%
Healthcare$72,620$35.020%

How Education impacts an Underwriter I - Life's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Underwriter I - Life enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Underwriter I - Life with a Bachelor's Degree is between $54,063 and $57,351.

Underwriter I - Life Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Underwriter I - Life
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%
View as Graph

Underwriter I - Life Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Underwriter I - 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 August 01, 2026
$53,566
Average $60,517/year
$66,943
$4,464
Average $5,043/month
$5,579
$1,030
Average $1,164/week
$1,287
$26
Average $29/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $66,943 $5,579 $1,287 $32
Average $60,517 $5,043 $1,164 $29
25th Percentile $53,566 $4,464 $1,030 $26

Underwriter I - Life Salary Growth & Career Path

Underwriter I - Life

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Underwriter I - 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 Underwriting Cost Analyst $70,994 17%
Underwriter II - Life $71,303 18%
Underwriter - Complex Medical $71,303 18%
Underwriter II - P&C $71,303 18%

Most common benefits for Underwriter I - Life

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Underwriter I - Life

Here are companies hiring for Underwriter I - Life and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Underwriter I - Life

1. Where can an Underwriter I - Life earn the most?

An Underwriter I - Life's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Underwriter I - Life earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Underwriter I - Life is $76,330.

2. What is the highest pay for Underwriter I - Life?

The highest pay for Underwriter I - Life is $72,794.

3. What is the lowest pay for Underwriter I - Life?

The lowest pay for Underwriter I - Life is $47,237.

4. What are the responsibilities of Underwriter I - Life?

Responsible for reviewing and analyzing life insurance applications. Evaluates an applicant's medical history, physical condition, occupational hazards, and other information to accept, modify, or decline an application. Utilizes underwriting guidelines, rules, and standards to accept, reject, or mitigate risk for applications. Calculates rates and premiums from approved decrement tables. Ensures compliance with all industry and governmental regulations. Requires a bachelor's degree. May require Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Underwriter I - Life?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Underwriter I - Life roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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