Business & Finance Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median insurance underwriter salary in Boston, MA is $123,797 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$123,797
vs State Avg
+$13,236
vs National
+$45,937
Cost of Living
152%

Insurance Underwriter Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median insurance underwriter salary of $123,797, which is $13,236 above the Massachusetts state average of $110,561. Compared to the national median of $77,860, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $123,797 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $81,445. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for insurance underwriters in Boston spans from $77,274 at the 10th percentile to $200,976 at the 90th percentile — a $123,702 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,500, while senior insurance underwriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,850. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $79,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,500
+$29,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,020
+$46,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,850
+$67,850 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $77,274
25th Percentile $97,308
Median (50th) $123,797
75th Percentile $159,000
90th Percentile $200,976

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Boston

Education

Most insurance underwriter positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, insurance underwriter employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Boston

Browse open insurance underwriter positions in Boston, MA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Boston

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $123,797 per year, which is 59.0% above the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $77,274 (10th percentile) to $200,976 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $123,797, a insurance underwriter in Boston earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for insurance underwriter pay? ▼
Boston's median insurance underwriter salary of $123,797 is 12.0% above the Massachusetts state average of $110,561. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a insurance underwriter salary of $123,797 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a insurance underwriter in Boston? ▼
Most insurance underwriter positions in Boston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Risk Assessment, Analytical Skills, Insurance Regulations, Underwriting Software. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.