Insurance Underwriters in California
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | California | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,200 | $79,880 | +9.2% vs US |
| State Rank | #12 of 52 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 7,300 jobs | 107,820 jobs | 6.8% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in California
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,000 | $30.29 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,770 | $36.43 |
| Median | $87,200 | $41.92 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,100 | $57.74 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,860 | $78.30 |
Related Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Insurance Underwriters in California in 2026?
With a median salary of $87,200 in California and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +33.0%, insurance underwriters are still in strong and growing demand.
How can insurance underwriters increase their salary in California?
Insurance Underwriters in California can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: California currently ranks #12 out of 52 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Insurance Underwriters in California?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | $100,310 |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | $100,180 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $97,880 |
How are Insurance Underwriters paid in California compared to the national average?
The median salary for Insurance Underwriters in California is $87,200, which is 9.2% above the national median of $79,880.