Insurance Underwriter Salary in Independence, MO: $66,181 (2026)

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

Independence offers a median insurance underwriter salary of $66,181, which is $2,336 below the Missouri state average of $68,517. Compared to the national median of $77,860, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $66,181 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $77,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for insurance underwriters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for insurance underwriters in Independence spans from $41,310 at the 10th percentile to $107,440 at the 90th percentile — a $66,130 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,500, while senior insurance underwriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,750. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $42,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,500

$-7,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$66,300

$-11,700 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$97,750

$-17,250 vs national

Percentile	Independence	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$41,310	$42,768	$48,600
25th Percentile	$52,020	$53,856	$61,200
Median (50th)	$66,181	$68,517	$77,860
75th Percentile	$85,000	$88,000	$100,000
90th Percentile	$107,440	$111,232	$126,400

Percentile

Independence

10th Percentile

$41,310

25th Percentile

$52,020

Median (50th)

$66,181

75th Percentile

$85,000

90th Percentile

$107,440

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Independence

Education

Most insurance underwriter positions require a bachelor's degree. Independence and the surrounding Missouri 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 Independence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Independence

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Independence, MO? ▼

The median insurance underwriter salary in Independence, Missouri is $66,181 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $41,310 (10th percentile) to $107,440 (90th percentile).

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Independence? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $66,181, a insurance underwriter in Independence earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for insurance underwriter pay? ▼

Independence's median insurance underwriter salary of $66,181 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $68,517. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼

Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a insurance underwriter salary of $66,181 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a insurance underwriter in Independence? ▼

Most insurance underwriter positions in Independence 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.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Independence, Missouri