Business & Finance New Mexico (NM) Rank #29 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in New Mexico

The median insurance underwriter salary in New Mexico is $72,410 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$72,410
vs National
$-5,450
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in New Mexico (2026)

New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in New Mexico are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $72,410 per year, insurance underwriters in New Mexico earn $5,450 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in New Mexico is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $72,410 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in New Mexico is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $45,198, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $117,552 — a $72,354 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Mexico for this role is Santa Fe, where the median reaches $85,646.

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 New Mexico by Experience

In New Mexico, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $46,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,950 per year. The cost of living index in New Mexico is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,500
$-3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,540
$-5,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,950
$-8,050 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Mexico

Percentile NM Salary
10th Percentile $45,198
25th Percentile $56,916
Median (50th) $72,410
75th Percentile $93,000
90th Percentile $117,552

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in New Mexico

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in New Mexico include Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, and Santa Fe. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in New Mexico

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in New Mexico

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in New Mexico? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in New Mexico is $72,410 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $45,198 (10th percentile) to $117,552 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in New Mexico? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,410, a insurance underwriter in New Mexico earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Mexico a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
New Mexico ranks #29 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $46,500, while senior professionals earn $106,950.
How does New Mexico compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. New Mexico's median of $72,410 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($73,967) and Idaho ($73,188).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in New Mexico? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in New Mexico earns approximately $46,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,540. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,950.
What city in New Mexico pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Santa Fe is the highest paying city in New Mexico for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $85,646. Other cities include Albuquerque and Las Cruces.