FAQ
Insurance Underwriter FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as an insurance underwriter.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming an insurance underwriter: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about insurance underwriters
Is underwriting being automated?
Simple policies are increasingly automated; complex ones still need people.
Is the CPCU valuable?
Yes, it’s highly respected.
Can underwriters work remotely?
Many do.
How much does an insurance underwriter make?
The median annual wage for insurance underwriters was $81,370 ($39.12 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $55,530 and the highest 10% earned more than $145,160.
How long does it take to become an insurance underwriter?
Most people need about Moderate on-the-job training of training. A bachelor’s degree in business, finance or a related field is typical.
Do you need a degree to be an insurance underwriter?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
Is insurance underwriter a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -3.8% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 6,800 openings each year. Upsides include analytical work; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does an insurance underwriter need?
Key technical skills include risk assessment, underwriting guidelines, pricing, and financial analysis. Employers also value judgment, communication, and attention to detail.
What certifications are available for insurance underwriters?
Common credentials include CPCU, AU, FALU, and CLU. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Insurance Underwriter fit quiz, compare with Claims Adjuster, or explore Insurance Underwriter training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-2053 (Insurance underwriters).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Insurance underwriters (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.