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Underwriter (Life) III Salary in the United States

How much does an Underwriter (Life) III make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underwriter (Life) III in the United States is $92,695 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104,775
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $84,309 to $99,018
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $76,674
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View as table View as graph 25% $84,309 10% $76,674 90% $104,775 75% $99,018 $92,695 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Underwriter (Life) III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $99,018 $8,252 $1,904 $48
Average $92,695 $7,725 $1,783 $45
25th Percentile $84,309 $7,026 $1,621 $41
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Key Factors That Influence Underwriter (Life) III Salaries

An Underwriter (Life) III'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 (Life) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Underwriter (Life) III'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 (Life) I (0-2 years): $60,522
  • Underwriter (Life) II (2-4 years): $71,308
  • Underwriter (Life) III (4-7 years): $92,695
  • Life Underwriting Supervisor (7+ years): $117,164
  • Life Underwriting Manager (7+ years): $137,127
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Underwriter (Life) I0-2 years$60,522
Underwriter (Life) II2-4 years$71,308
Underwriter (Life) III4-7 years$92,695
Life Underwriting Supervisor7+ years$117,164
Life Underwriting Manager7+ years$137,127
$60,522 Underwrit...
$71,308 Underwrit...
$92,695 Underwrit...
$117,164 Life Unde...
$137,127 Life Unde...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Underwriter (Life) IIIs

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: $116,916
  • San Francisco: $115,767
  • Oakland: $113,199

What Skills Can Increase an Underwriter (Life) III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.68% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Knowledge of Underwriting (Mentioned in 1.42% 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.
  • Financial Analysis (Mentioned in 1.08% Job Postings): Financial statement analysis (or financial analysis) is the process of reviewing and analyzing a company's financial statements to make better economic decisions to earn income in future. These statements include the income statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, notes to accounts and a statement of changes in equity (if applicable). Financial statement analysis is a method or process involving specific techniques for evaluating risks, performance, financial health, and future prospects of an organization. It is used by a variety of stakeholders, such as credit and equity investors, the government, the public, and decision-makers within the organization. These stakeholders have different interests and apply a variety of different techniques to meet their needs. For example, equity investors are interested in the long-term earnings power of the organization and perhaps the sustainability and growth of dividend payments. Creditors want to ensure the interest and principal is paid on the organizations debt securities (e.g., bonds) when due.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.68%
Knowledge of Underwriting 1.42%
Financial Analysis 1.08%
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 (Life) III's salary.
  • Communicates Effectively: Can increase your salary by up to 27%.
  • Organizational Skills: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Communicates Effectively
$117,723
27%
Organizational Skills
$101,038
9%
Time Management
$96,403
4%
Negotiating
$96,403
4%
Due Diligence
$96,403
4%
Problem Solving
$95,476
3%
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How Education impacts an Underwriter (Life) III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Underwriter (Life) IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Underwriter (Life) III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $94,169 and $99,721).

Underwriter (Life) III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Underwriter (Life) III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 12.1%
High School 12.1%
Associates 9.1%
Bachelors 60.6%
Masters 18.2%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Underwriter (Life) III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Underwriter (Life) III'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, 2026

Underwriter (Life) III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Underwriter (Life) III, 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.

Underwriter (Life) III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Health Underwriting Manager $131,602 42%
Life Underwriting Supervisor $117,164 26%
Underwriter (P/C) IV $108,305 17%
Underwriter IV $108,290 17%

Most common benefits for Underwriter (Life) III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Underwriter (Life) III

Here are companies hiring for Underwriter (Life) III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Underwriter (Life) III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Underwriter (Life) III

1. Where can an Underwriter (Life) III earn the most?

An Underwriter (Life) III'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 (Life) III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Underwriter (Life) III is $116,916.

2. What is the highest pay for Underwriter (Life) III?

The highest pay for Underwriter (Life) III is $104,775.

3. What is the lowest pay for Underwriter (Life) III?

The lowest pay for Underwriter (Life) III is $76,674.

4. What are the responsibilities of Underwriter (Life) III?

Reviews medical, occupational, financial, and legal information to select or reject individual or group life insurance applications. Calculates rates and premiums from approved decrement tables. Approves or denies applications on own discretion. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience.

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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