Prices risk for insurance carriers. Senior commercial underwriters earn well into six figures.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Insurance Underwriters. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $66,000 | $48,700 | $86,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $82,000 | $60,500 | $107,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $94,300 | $69,600 | $123,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $113,100 | $83,500 | $147,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $128,200 | $94,600 | $167,500 |
Top 10 states by median Insurance Underwriter salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $132,000 | $100,300 | $171,600 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $132,000 | $100,300 | $171,600 | +40% |
| Connecticut | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,300 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,300 | +30% |
| New York | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,300 | +30% |
| Washington | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,300 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $118,800 | $90,300 | $154,400 | +26% |
| Maryland | $113,100 | $86,000 | $147,100 | +20% |
| Colorado | $110,300 | $83,800 | $143,400 | +17% |
| Illinois | $108,400 | $82,400 | $140,900 | +15% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $80,100 | $60,900 | $104,200 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $79,200 | $60,200 | $102,900 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $79,200 | $60,200 | $102,900 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $79,200 | $60,200 | $102,900 | -16% |
| Alabama | $78,200 | $59,500 | $101,700 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $78,200 | $59,500 | $101,700 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $75,400 | $57,300 | $98,000 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $75,400 | $57,300 | $98,000 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $73,500 | $55,900 | $95,600 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $73,500 | $55,900 | $95,600 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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