Insurance Underwriter Salary in Illinois
The median insurance underwriter salary in Illinois is $78,639 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $77,860.
Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)
Illinois ranks #16 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for insurance underwriter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $78,639 per year, insurance underwriters in Illinois earn $779 more than the national median of $77,860.
Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning insurance underwriter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.
The salary spread in Illinois is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $49,086, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $127,664 — a $78,578 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $88,760.
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 Illinois by Experience
In Illinois, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $50,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,150 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.
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See Investment Options →Salary Percentiles in Illinois
| Percentile | IL Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $49,086 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,812 |
| Median (50th) | $78,639 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,664 |
Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in Illinois
The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Illinois
Education
Most insurance underwriter positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Illinois
Nationally, insurance underwriter employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
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Data shows Insurance Underwriters who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $37,511 over your career trajectory.
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