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How much does an Underwriter V make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underwriter V in the United States is $133,429 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $158,097
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $127,894 to $146,341
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,855

Key Factors That Influence Underwriter V Salaries

An Underwriter V'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.

How Experience Level Affects Underwriter V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Underwriter V'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 III (4-7 years): $92,694
  • Underwriter IV (7+ years): $108,280
  • Underwriter V (7-10 years): $133,429
  • Underwriting Supervisor (10+ years): $104,485
  • Underwriting Manager (10+ years): $119,597
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Underwriter III4-7 years$92,694
Underwriter IV7+ years$108,280
Underwriter V7-10 years$133,429
Underwriting Supervisor10+ years$104,485
Underwriting Manager10+ years$119,597

Top Paying Cities for Underwriter V

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: $168,294
  • San Francisco: $166,451
  • Oakland: $162,943

Underwriter V Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Underwriter V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $144,365. While startup companies pay approximate $122,324.

Underwriter V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $122,324
Growth Stage 51~500 $129,331
Established 501~5000 $139,451
Enterprise 5000+ $144,365

Underwriter V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Underwriter V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Underwriter positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Underwriter V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Underwriter V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$160,115$77.020%
Insurance$146,772$71.010%
Healthcare$140,100$67.05%

Underwriter V Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Underwriter V'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
$127,894
Average $133,429/year
$146,341
$10,658
Average $11,119/month
$12,195
$2,460
Average $2,566/week
$2,814
$61
Average $64/hour
$70
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $146,341 $12,195 $2,814 $70
Average $133,429 $11,119 $2,566 $64
25th Percentile $127,894 $10,658 $2,460 $61

Underwriter V Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Underwriter V, 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 V Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Underwriting Supervisor - Life $117,270 -12%
Underwriting Manager - Complex Medical $131,662 -1%
Underwriting Supervisor - P&C $115,263 -14%
Underwriting Team Leader $93,832 -30%

Most common benefits for Underwriter V

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

Common company salaries for Underwriter V

Here are companies hiring for Underwriter V and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Underwriter V

1. Where can an Underwriter V earn the most?

An Underwriter V'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 V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Underwriter V is $168,294.

2. What is the highest pay for Underwriter V?

The highest pay for Underwriter V is $158,097.

3. What is the lowest pay for Underwriter V?

The lowest pay for Underwriter V is $122,855.

4. What are the responsibilities of Underwriter V?

Responsible for reviewing and analyzing risk characteristics on insurance applications, renewals, and change requests. Utilizes underwriting guidelines, rules, and standards to accept, reject, or mitigate risk for applications. Calculates renewal rates, and determines appropriate premiums, limits, and coverages. Ensures compliance with all industry and governmental regulations. May coordinate with field agents to collect or clarify information or decisions. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Underwriter V?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Underwriter V roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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