Skip to content
AffordMap
Business & Finance · California

How to Become a Insurance Underwriters in California

Insurance Underwriters in California earn a median salary of $95,320/year, which is 17% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.2%. After taxes and rent, a insurance underwriters takes home approximately $4,142/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$95K
Median salary in California
+17%
vs. national average
5.2%
State income tax
6,580
Employed in California

What a insurance underwriters can afford in California

Gross annual salary$95,320
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.2% state tax)$5,870/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,728/mo
Rent as % of take-home29.4% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$95,320/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$4,142/mo

Becoming a insurance underwriters in California

1

Meet education requirements

Insurance Underwriters positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many insurance underwriters positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain California licensure or certification

California may require specific licensing or professional certification for insurance underwriterss. Requirements vary by state, contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 6,580 insurance underwriters. The highest concentrations are in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim.

Insurance Underwriters salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$98K$47.22/hr520
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$98K$47.06/hr2,090
Fresno$96K$46.1/hr70
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$96K$46.07/hr,
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$91K$43.91/hr660
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$85K$40.63/hr1,350
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$83K$40.02/hr100
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$80K$38.27/hr240

Insurance Underwriters salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$65K
25th percentile
$77K
Median (50th)
$95K
75th percentile
$125K
90th percentile (senior)
$163K
View jobs for Insurance Underwriters
Currently hiring in California
View →
More openings for Insurance Underwriters
Currently hiring in California
View →
Prepare for the CPA exam
Online prep courses
View →
Full insurance underwriters salary breakdown in California
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in California
After federal + 5.2% state tax
Calculate →
Compare California cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Insurance Underwriters careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a insurance underwriters make in California?

The median insurance underwriters salary in California is $95,320 per year ($45.83/hr). This is 17% above the national median of $81,370. Salaries range from $65,070 to $162,640.

What are the requirements to become a insurance underwriters in California?

Insurance Underwriters positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a insurance underwriters afford to live in California?

At the median salary of $95,320, a insurance underwriters in California would take home approximately $5,870/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,728/month, that's 29.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for insurance underwriters in California?

The highest paying metro areas for insurance underwriters in California are San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($98,210), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($97,870), Fresno ($95,880). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does California have state income tax for insurance underwriters?

Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.2%. On a $95,320 salary, this means roughly $5,002/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.