Business & Finance West Virginia (WV) Rank #49 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in West Virginia

The median insurance underwriter salary in West Virginia is $65,402 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$65,402
vs National
$-12,458
State Rank
#49 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in West Virginia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $65,402 per year, insurance underwriters in West Virginia earn $12,458 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in West Virginia is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $65,402 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in West Virginia is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $40,824, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $106,176 — a $65,352 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in West Virginia for this role is Morgantown, where the median reaches $70,074.

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 West Virginia by Experience

In West Virginia, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The cost of living index in West Virginia is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
$-12,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
$-18,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in West Virginia

Percentile WV Salary
10th Percentile $40,824
25th Percentile $51,408
Median (50th) $65,402
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $106,176

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in West Virginia

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in West Virginia include Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in West Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in West Virginia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in West Virginia

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in West Virginia? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in West Virginia is $65,402 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $40,824 (10th percentile) to $106,176 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in West Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,402, a insurance underwriter in West Virginia earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is West Virginia a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
West Virginia ranks #49 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $96,600.
How does West Virginia compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. West Virginia's median of $65,402 ranks #49 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($66,960) and Arkansas ($65,402).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in West Virginia? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in West Virginia earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $65,520. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,600.
What city in West Virginia pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Morgantown is the highest paying city in West Virginia for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $70,074. Other cities include Charleston and Huntington.