Insurance Underwriters
Insurance underwriters review applications for insurance policies and decide whether to approve them based on the risk involved. They work for insurance companies, assessing medical records, financial information, and other documentation to determine premiums or deny coverage. The role requires careful analysis of detailed information to protect the insurance company's interests.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against insurance underwriters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Underwriters spend their days reviewing insurance applications and supporting documents, analyzing risk factors, and making approval decisions. They examine medical histories for health insurance, property details for homeowners policies, or driving records for auto insurance. Much of the work involves comparing applicant information against company guidelines, requesting additional documentation when needed, and communicating decisions to agents and applicants.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely excel in this work if you prefer structured environments with clear rules and procedures, and if you enjoy making decisions based on concrete data. Success comes naturally if you're organized, detail-oriented, and interested in the business side of managing risk.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $80,250 | $106,640 | $135,110 | 2,890 |
| New Hampshire | $86,010 | $103,940 | $129,530 | 270 |
| Nevada | $64,450 | $101,440 | $122,630 | 480 |
| Connecticut | $79,710 | $100,690 | $129,850 | 2,010 |
| Colorado | $76,860 | $100,640 | $130,880 | 2,040 |
| Washington | $78,680 | $99,400 | $127,550 | 1,740 |
| New York | $79,250 | $97,450 | $131,530 | 6,900 |
| Wisconsin | $74,090 | $97,370 | $123,320 | 3,110 |
| New Jersey | $79,230 | $96,220 | $120,970 | 3,150 |
| Maine | $71,100 | $95,510 | $109,400 | 520 |
| California | $77,370 | $95,320 | $124,660 | 6,580 |
| Maryland | $68,930 | $92,120 | $116,990 | 1,310 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Associate in Commercial Underwriting - Management (AU-M) — The Institutes
- Certified Residential Underwriter - Intermediate (CRU) — Mortgage Bankers Association of America
- Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) — The Institutes
- Associate in Surplus Lines Insurance (ASLI) — The Institutes
- Associate in Commercial Underwriting (AU) — The Institutes
- Associate in Marine Insurance Management (AMIM) — The Institutes
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 8 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against insurance underwriters and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2053.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.