Business & Finance Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Kentucky

The median insurance underwriter salary in Kentucky is $67,738 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$67,738
vs National
$-10,122
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $67,738 per year, insurance underwriters in Kentucky earn $10,122 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $67,738 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $42,282, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $109,968 — a $67,686 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $72,410.

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 Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $43,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,050 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,860
$-10,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,050
$-14,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $42,282
25th Percentile $53,244
Median (50th) $67,738
75th Percentile $87,000
90th Percentile $109,968

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Kentucky? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Kentucky is $67,738 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $42,282 (10th percentile) to $109,968 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,738, a insurance underwriter in Kentucky earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $43,500, while senior professionals earn $100,050.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. Kentucky's median of $67,738 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($67,738) and Kansas ($67,738).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in Kentucky earns approximately $43,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $100,050.
What city in Kentucky pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $72,410. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.