As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underwriter II - Life in the United States is $71,302 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, an Underwriter II - Life's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Underwriter II - Life Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $75,726 | $6,311 | $1,456 | $36 |
| Average | $71,302 | $5,942 | $1,371 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,214 | $5,435 | $1,254 | $31 |
An Underwriter II - 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 Underwriter II - 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Underwriter (Life) I | 0-2 years | $60,516 |
| Underwriter II - Life | 2-4 years | $71,302 |
| Underwriter (Life) III | 4-7 years | $92,697 |
| Life Underwriting Supervisor | 7+ years | $117,292 |
| Life Underwriting Manager | 7+ years | $131,295 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.74% |
| Knowledge of Underwriting | 1.41% |
| Financial Analysis | 1.1% |
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 II - Life's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $96,258 | |
| Analysis | $88,414 | |
| Risk Management | $86,275 |
Underwriter II - Life salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,000. While startup companies pay approximate $65,258.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,258 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,998 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $74,375 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $77,000 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Underwriter II - 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 II - Life with a Bachelor's Degree is between $69,026 and $73,647.
| Typical Education for Underwriter II - Life | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 4.5% |
| High School | 4.5% |
| Associates | 9.1% |
| Bachelors | 72.7% |
| Masters | 13.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Underwriter II - 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $75,726 | $6,311 | $1,456 | $36 |
| Average | $71,302 | $5,942 | $1,371 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,214 | $5,435 | $1,254 | $31 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Underwriter II - 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 Senior Cost Analyst | $101,849 | 43% |
| Underwriter III - Life | $92,697 | 30% |
| Senior Underwriter - Complex Medical | $92,697 | 30% |
| Underwriter III - P&C | $92,694 | 30% |
Salaries for an Underwriter II - Life 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 Underwriter II - Life salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $78,379 |
| 2024 | $75,848 |
| 2025 | $74,033 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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An Underwriter II - 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 II - Life earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Underwriter II - Life is $89,933.
The highest pay for Underwriter II - Life is $79,754.
The lowest pay for Underwriter II - Life is $59,671.
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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Underwriter II - Life roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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