Business & Finance North Carolina (NC) Rank #27 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in North Carolina

The median insurance underwriter salary in North Carolina is $73,967 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$73,967
vs National
$-3,893
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in North Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $73,967 per year, insurance underwriters in North Carolina earn $3,893 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in North Carolina is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $73,967 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $80,399 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in North Carolina is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $46,170, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $120,080 — a $73,910 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in North Carolina for this role is Charlotte, where the median reaches $78,639.

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 North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
$-5,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in North Carolina

Percentile NC Salary
10th Percentile $46,170
25th Percentile $58,140
Median (50th) $73,967
75th Percentile $95,000
90th Percentile $120,080

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in North Carolina? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in North Carolina is $73,967 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $46,170 (10th percentile) to $120,080 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,967, a insurance underwriter in North Carolina earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
North Carolina ranks #27 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $47,500, while senior professionals earn $109,250.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. North Carolina's median of $73,967 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Georgia ($73,967) and Montana ($73,967).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in North Carolina earns approximately $47,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $74,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,250.
What city in North Carolina pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $78,639. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.