Business & Finance Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median insurance underwriter salary in Buffalo, NY is $80,974 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 22.4% below the New York state average.

City Median
$80,974
vs State Avg
$-23,358
vs National
+$3,114
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median insurance underwriter salary of $80,974, which is $23,358 below the New York state average of $104,332. Compared to the national median of $77,860, Buffalo pays above average for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for insurance underwriters in Buffalo spans from $50,544 at the 10th percentile to $131,456 at the 90th percentile — a $80,912 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior insurance underwriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,600. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,120
+$3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$119,600
+$4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $50,544
25th Percentile $63,648
Median (50th) $80,974
75th Percentile $104,000
90th Percentile $131,456

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$154,941
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$114,454
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$85,646
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$79,417
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open insurance underwriter positions in Buffalo, NY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Buffalo, New York is $80,974 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $50,544 (10th percentile) to $131,456 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,974, a insurance underwriter in Buffalo earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for insurance underwriter pay? ▼
Buffalo's median insurance underwriter salary of $80,974 is 22.4% below the New York state average of $104,332. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a insurance underwriter salary of $80,974 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a insurance underwriter in Buffalo? ▼
Most insurance underwriter positions in Buffalo 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.