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Job outlook for life underwriters in the United States
Are life underwriter jobs in demand?
Life underwriter job and salary trends over time
Life underwriter jobs over time
Life underwriter job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 892 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 843 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 828 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 795 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 744 | 0.00% |
Average life underwriter salary over time
Life underwriter salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,633 | $37.80 | +2.5% |
| 2024 | $76,694 | $36.87 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | $75,993 | $36.54 | --0.5% |
| 2022 | $76,410 | $36.74 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $74,131 | $35.64 | +4.1% |
Life underwriter jobs by state
Most common states for life underwriters
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 50 | 7% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 66 | 6% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 50 | 6% |
| 4 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 39 | 6% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 37 | 6% |
| 6 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 350 | 5% |
| 7 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 261 | 5% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 254 | 5% |
| 9 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 156 | 5% |
| 10 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 145 | 5% |
| 11 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 84 | 5% |
| 12 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 61 | 5% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 47 | 5% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 516 | 4% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 418 | 4% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 392 | 4% |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 352 | 4% |
| 18 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 154 | 4% |
| 19 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 113 | 4% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 28 | 4% |
Most common cities for life underwriters
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $80,520 |
| 2 | Brea | 1 | 2% | $86,741 |
| 3 | McKinney | 2 | 1% | $81,728 |
| 4 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $66,817 |
| 5 | Bloomington | 1 | 1% | $78,931 |
| 6 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $79,007 |
| 7 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $90,556 |
| 8 | Iowa City | 1 | 1% | $70,223 |
| 9 | Overland Park | 1 | 1% | $81,045 |
| 10 | Chicago | 3 | 0% | $80,171 |
| 11 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $94,781 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $82,365 |
| 13 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $86,617 |
| 14 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $86,994 |
| 15 | New York | 1 | 0% | $93,956 |
Life Underwriter job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of life underwriter experts
University of Georgia
National Association of Health Underwriters
Insurance Information Institute
Robert Hoyt, Ph.D.
Department Head and Dudley L. Moore Jr. Chair of InsuranceUniversity of Georgia
Risk Management and Insurance Program
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Life Underwriters?
Robert Hoyt, Ph.D.: I think it is clear that the working environment and the necessary skills in insurance have been impacted by the pandemic in ways that will persistent. In some cases it has accelerated trends that were already underway (e.g., increased use of technology, expanded use of remote work, digital strategies). In other cases it has presented a business case for the importance of business resilience and the opportunities to interact with customers and business partners in new and efficient ways. The good news for our graduates is that opportunities in insurance will continue to grow in number and quality and emerging graduates who are digital natives will be perfectively positioned to help organizations embrace these new ways of doing business.
What technical skills for a Life Underwriter stand out to employers?
Robert Hoyt, Ph.D.: The ability to collect information, work with data, and translate this into insights and knowledge is key in insurance going forward. An important focus in our classes is helping students apply what they are learning to real business situations through projects that are often carried out in teams. The growth of digital strategies in insurance means that emerging graduates are excited by and embrace the use and application of such approaches. However, the ability to engage with people to assist them in managing their personal or business risks is what matters most in this business. At the end of the day, building relationships and trust are the key in insurance.
Max Wilson
National Association of Health Underwriters
What type of skills will young Life Underwriters need?
Max Wilson: The ability to communicate with others is an essential skill that I have noticed many young adults have trouble with. Many of my peers have expressed difficulty when attempting to start a conversation with others. As an agent, communication is key. One thing I have noticed in the months that I shadowed an agent from Colonial was that many business owners do not realize how affordable some insurance policies can be. It's on my generation to be able to communicate these policies in effective ways.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Life Underwriters to find work opportunities?
Max Wilson: Having exposure to the voluntary benefits side, I have noticed that there can be tremendous room for growth in a variety of densely populated areas such as Northern Alabama, or areas with large recent economic growth.
How do you envision technology impacting Life Underwriters in the next 5 years?
Janet Ruiz: Technology will continue to streamline and enhance the underwriting process. Underwriters need to understand digital tools, the use of artificial intelligence, working with technology to enhance work flow.
What type of skills will young Life Underwriters need?
Janet Ruiz: The mathematical mind, meet the meaningful purpose (Liberty Mutual). Underwriters are the heart of the insurance process, gathering and researching pertinent information and then, using finely tuned analytical skills to evaluate the acceptability of business and institutional risk. Underwriters are more than just analysts - they are the core relationship builders with agents and clients. They are responsible for managing a profitable portfolio of business by distributing agents and brokers. An underwriting career includes a dynamic blend of analytical and marketing skills. Research, Analytics, Communications, Relationship Building, Marketing.