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Property underwriter vs commercial underwriter

The differences between property underwriters and commercial underwriters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a property underwriter has an average salary of $71,730, which is higher than the $59,051 average annual salary of a commercial underwriter.

The top three skills for a property underwriter include CPCU, underwriting guidelines and insurance coverage. The most important skills for a commercial underwriter are real estate, customer service, and financial analysis.

Property underwriter vs commercial underwriter overview

Property UnderwriterCommercial Underwriter
Yearly salary$71,730$59,051
Hourly rate$34.49$28.39
Growth rate-4%-4%
Number of jobs11,64331,908
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

What does a property underwriter do?

Property Underwriters will require skills in underwriting guidelines, sales territories, CPCU, analysis, math, interpersonal communication, and a bachelor's degree in economics, business, accounting, finance, or mathematics for this career choice. Also, on-the-job training may be needed from senior underwriters and completion of certification programs. Paying an annual salary of $82K, those who choose this career will help determine coverage amounts and premiums on property. This may include houses, land, boats, cars, or other properties of sufficient value.

What does a commercial underwriter do?

A commercial underwriter is responsible for processing commercial loan applications, evaluating payment agreements and terms of service, validating customers' information, and requesting additional documents as needed. Commercial underwriters analyze the credit qualifications of an applicant, including financial history, account statements, and outstanding loan applications, if any. They identify potential credit risks for the loan request and advice the applicants for alternative loan options according to their needs and qualifications. A commercial underwriter responds to the applicants' inquiries and concerns regarding their loan applications and provides timely decisions for their requests.

Property underwriter vs commercial underwriter salary

Property underwriters and commercial underwriters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Property UnderwriterCommercial Underwriter
Average salary$71,730$59,051
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $111,000Between $41,000 And $84,000
Highest paying CityBoston, MAOlympia, WA
Highest paying stateMassachusettsWashington
Best paying companyChubbJ.P. Morgan
Best paying industryFinanceFinance

Differences between property underwriter and commercial underwriter education

There are a few differences between a property underwriter and a commercial underwriter in terms of educational background:

Property UnderwriterCommercial Underwriter
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 75%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Property underwriter vs commercial underwriter demographics

Here are the differences between property underwriters' and commercial underwriters' demographics:

Property UnderwriterCommercial Underwriter
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 47.1% Female, 52.9%Male, 48.7% Female, 51.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.9% Asian, 5.7% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, 5.5% White, 72.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between property underwriter and commercial underwriter duties and responsibilities

Property underwriter example responsibilities.

  • Review individual mortgage origination/post origination documentation and perform database research.
  • Review individual mortgage origination/post origination documentation and perform database research.

Commercial underwriter example responsibilities.

  • Handle new and renewal multi-line policies.
  • Quoted new business and handle multi-line commercial accounts for this retailer.
  • Front office administration; maintain A/R and A/P for 1000+ commercial lines clients and 2000+ personal lines clients.
  • Market banking services to individuals, as well as to small businesses and corporations through networking and cross-selling.
  • Update loan origination systems to ensure that pipeline reports reflect the most current status for active loan in process.
  • Work along with the owner and accounting staff on all financial matters, A/R, A/P, payroll, and taxes.
  • Show more

Property underwriter vs commercial underwriter skills

Common property underwriter skills
  • CPCU, 11%
  • Underwriting Guidelines, 10%
  • Insurance Coverage, 7%
  • Insurance Laws, 6%
  • Broker Relationships, 6%
  • Commercial Property, 6%
Common commercial underwriter skills
  • Real Estate, 10%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Financial Analysis, 8%
  • Credit Analysis, 6%
  • Cash Flow, 4%
  • Risk Management, 4%

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