Insurance Underwriters
O*NET 13-2053.00 · SOC 13-2053
Insurance Underwriter is a risky career choice. Median pay is $81k a year with -3.8% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 6,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Evaluate insurance applications
- →Assess risk factors
- →Set policy terms and premiums
- →Review claims history
- →Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Insurance Underwriter roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as an Insurance Underwriter? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Insurance Underwriter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Insurance Underwriter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Insurance Underwriter Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Insurance Underwriters is projected to decline 3.8% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·49% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·32% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Insurance Underwriter make?
The median Insurance Underwriter earns $81k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Insurance Underwriter jobs?
Our model puts Insurance Underwriter at 55 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 49% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 32% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Insurance Underwriter a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 3.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 6,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Insurance Underwriter?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Insurance Underwriter roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Insurance Underwriter?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Insurance Underwriter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes