Business & Finance Virginia (VA) Rank #11 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Virginia

The median insurance underwriter salary in Virginia is $84,867 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$84,867
vs National
+$7,007
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Virginia (2026)

Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Virginia falls in the middle of the pack for insurance underwriter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $84,867 per year, insurance underwriters in Virginia earn $7,007 more than the national median of $77,860.

Virginia's cost of living is near the national average at 104%, meaning insurance underwriter salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Virginia is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $52,974, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $137,776 — a $84,802 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Virginia for this role is Arlington, where the median reaches $106,668.

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 Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $54,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $125,350 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,500
+$4,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,020
+$7,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$125,350
+$10,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $52,974
25th Percentile $66,708
Median (50th) $84,867
75th Percentile $109,000
90th Percentile $137,776

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Virginia

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Virginia? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Virginia is $84,867 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $52,974 (10th percentile) to $137,776 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,867, a insurance underwriter in Virginia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
Virginia ranks #11 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $54,500, while senior professionals earn $125,350.
How does Virginia compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. Virginia's median of $84,867 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($89,539) and Oregon ($85,646).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in Virginia earns approximately $54,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,020. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $125,350.
What city in Virginia pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $106,668. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.