Business & Finance South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in South Carolina

The median insurance underwriter salary in South Carolina is $69,295 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$69,295
vs National
$-8,565
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,295 per year, insurance underwriters in South Carolina earn $8,565 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $69,295 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $43,254, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,496 — a $69,242 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $81,753.

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 South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $44,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,350 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% 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

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $43,254
25th Percentile $54,468
Median (50th) $69,295
75th Percentile $89,000
90th Percentile $112,496

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in South Carolina? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in South 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 South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,295, a insurance underwriter in South Carolina earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $44,500, while senior professionals earn $102,350.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. South Carolina's median of $69,295 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($70,074) and Iowa ($69,295).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in South Carolina earns approximately $44,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $69,420. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $102,350.
What city in South Carolina pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $81,753. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.