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Insurance Underwriter Salary in Chicago, IL

How much does a insurance underwriter make in Chicago? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.

Median Salary
$98,860
per year in Chicago
Entry Level
$59,316
Starting salary
Senior Level
$133,462
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how insurance underwriter salaries break down across different pay periods in Chicago.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$59,316$98,860$133,462
Monthly$4,943$8,238$11,122
Biweekly$2,281$3,802$5,133
Weekly$1,141$1,901$2,567
Hourly$29$48$64

Chicago vs National Average

How Chicago's insurance underwriter salaries compare to national figures.

Chicago Salary
$98,860
COL Index: 112
National Average
$87,870
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,990
Higher in Chicago

Cost of Living in Chicago

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$58,984
per year
Population
2,693,976
residents
Rent % of Income
34.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Chicago have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Insurance Underwriter

Overview

Evaluate insurance applications and determine coverage and premiums.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Insurance or related field

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentPolicy AnalysisDecision MakingAttention to Detail

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Insurance Underwriter Salary

See Insurance Underwriter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$87,250
-12%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,760
-5%
Houston, TX
$76,570
-23%
Phoenix, AZ
$74,080
-25%
Philadelphia, PA
$93,240
-6%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Insurance Underwriter Salary in Chicago, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a insurance underwriter in Chicago, IL is $98,860 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Chicago's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level insurance underwriter professionals in Chicago can expect to earn around $59,316 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level insurance underwriters earning approximately $133,462 per year. This represents a 125% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Chicago's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Chicago are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,870, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a insurance underwriter's salary in Chicago typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 20.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Insurance Underwriters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Chicago, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.