How to Become a Insurance Underwriters in California
Insurance Underwriters in California earn a median salary of $87,200/year, which is 9% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~4.9%. After taxes and rent, a insurance underwriters takes home approximately $4,045/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a insurance underwriters can afford in California
Becoming a insurance underwriters in California
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.
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.
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.
Find positions in California
California employs 7,300 insurance underwriters. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim.
Insurance Underwriters salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $94K | $45.3/hr | 1,050 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $94K | $45.08/hr | 2,460 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $85K | $40.84/hr | 570 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $84K | $40.39/hr | 800 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $80K | $38.46/hr | 250 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $77K | $37.01/hr | 110 |
| Fresno | $75K | $35.98/hr | 90 |
Insurance Underwriters salary range in California
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 $87,200 per year ($41.92/hr). This is 9% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $63,000 to $162,860.
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 $87,200, a insurance underwriters in California would take home approximately $5,457/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 25.9% 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($94,210), Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim ($93,760), San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad ($84,950). 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 4.9%. On a $87,200 salary, this means roughly $4,247/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.