Business & Finance Michigan (MI) Rank #36 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Michigan

The median insurance underwriter salary in Michigan is $70,074 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$70,074
vs National
$-7,786
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $70,074 per year, insurance underwriters in Michigan earn $7,786 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $70,074 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $43,740, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $113,760 — a $70,020 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $81,753.

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 Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,500
$-11,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $43,740
25th Percentile $55,080
Median (50th) $70,074
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $113,760

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Michigan

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Michigan? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Michigan is $70,074 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $43,740 (10th percentile) to $113,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,074, a insurance underwriter in Michigan earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
Michigan ranks #36 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $45,000, while senior professionals earn $103,500.
How does Michigan compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. Michigan's median of $70,074 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Louisiana ($70,853) and Indiana ($70,074).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in Michigan earns approximately $45,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $70,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $103,500.
What city in Michigan pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $81,753. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.