Insurance Underwriters Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $87,250 +9.2% vs national
Median hourly $41.95
10th percentile $49,850
90th percentile $164,030
Employed locally 7,530
National median $79,880

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Insurance Underwriters
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    In New York-NJ, insurance underwriters earn a median annual salary of $87,250, which is higher than the national median of $79,880 for this occupation. On an hourly basis, they make approximately $41.95. When compared to the local household income in the area, which stands at $97,334, the earnings of insurance underwriters fall short of the typical household earnings by about 10%. This indicates that while underwriters earn a competitive salary within their field, it is slightly below what many households in the region typically earn.

    Entry-level insurance underwriters in New York-NJ start with salaries around the 10th percentile mark at $49,850 annually. As they gain experience and move towards more senior roles, their earnings can rise significantly, reaching up to $126,960 at the 75th percentile or even $164,030 at the 90th percentile for highly experienced professionals. The substantial increase in salary with experience is driven by factors such as enhanced skills, greater responsibility, specialization, and negotiation leverage over time. This progression underscores the value of expertise and tenure within the field, rewarding those who advance their careers in insurance underwriting.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,850
    25th
    $67,680
    50th (median)
    $87,250
    75th
    $126,960
    90th
    $164,030

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Insurance Underwriters salary vs area income 90% Median Insurance Underwriters salary is 10% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Insurance Underwriters make per hour in New York?

    The median hourly wage for Insurance Underwriters in New York, NY-NJ is $41.95, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $81.07 or more per hour.

    Is New York above or below average for Insurance Underwriters salaries?

    The median Insurance Underwriters salary in New York, NY-NJ is 9.2% above the national median of $79,880. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Insurance Underwriters in New York?

    Entry-level Insurance Underwriters (10th percentile) earn around $49,850 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $67,680.