Business & Finance Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Arkansas

The median insurance underwriter salary in Arkansas is $65,402 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$65,402
vs National
$-12,458
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $65,402 per year, insurance underwriters in Arkansas earn $12,458 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $65,402 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $40,824, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $106,176 — a $65,352 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $68,517.

Nationally, insurance underwriter employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced insurance underwriters with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $65,402 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $40,824
25th Percentile $51,408
Median (50th) $65,402
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $106,176

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Arkansas

Education

Most insurance underwriter positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, insurance underwriter employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Insurance Underwriters who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $31,198 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Insurance Underwriter Roles in Arkansas?

Get matched with recruiters hiring insurance underwriters in Arkansas at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Arkansas

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Arkansas? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Arkansas is $65,402 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $40,824 (10th percentile) to $106,176 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,402, a insurance underwriter in Arkansas earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $96,600.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. Arkansas's median of $65,402 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($67,738) and Oklahoma ($66,960).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in Arkansas earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,600.
What city in Arkansas pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $68,517. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.