Business & Finance Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Tennessee

The median insurance underwriter salary in Tennessee 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
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,295 per year, insurance underwriters in Tennessee earn $8,565 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $77,860.

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 Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $69,295 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN 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 Tennessee

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Insurance Underwriters who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $33,055 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Insurance Underwriter Roles in Tennessee?

Get matched with recruiters hiring insurance underwriters in Tennessee at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Tennessee? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,295, a insurance underwriter in Tennessee earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 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 Tennessee compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. Tennessee's median of $69,295 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($69,295) and South Carolina ($69,295).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in Tennessee 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 Tennessee pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $77,860. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.