Insurance Underwriter Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $69,295 (2026)

Insurance Underwriter Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median insurance underwriter salary of $69,295, which is $4,672 below the North Carolina state average of $73,967. Compared to the national median of $77,860, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $69,295 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $80,576 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for insurance underwriters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for insurance underwriters in Winston-Salem spans from $43,254 at the 10th percentile to $112,496 at the 90th percentile — a $69,242 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,500, while senior insurance underwriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,350. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $44,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$44,500

$-5,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$69,420

$-8,580 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$102,350

$-12,650 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$43,254	$46,170	$48,600
25th Percentile	$54,468	$58,140	$61,200
Median (50th)	$69,295	$73,967	$77,860
75th Percentile	$89,000	$95,000	$100,000
90th Percentile	$112,496	$120,080	$126,400

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$43,254

25th Percentile

$54,468

Median (50th)

$69,295

75th Percentile

$89,000

90th Percentile

$112,496

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Winston-Salem

Education

Most insurance underwriter positions require a bachelor's degree. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median insurance underwriter salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $69,295 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $43,254 (10th percentile) to $112,496 (90th percentile).

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,295, a insurance underwriter in Winston-Salem earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for insurance underwriter pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median insurance underwriter salary of $69,295 is 6.3% below the North Carolina state average of $73,967. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a insurance underwriter salary of $69,295 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a insurance underwriter in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most insurance underwriter positions in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina