Insurance Underwriter Salary in Charleston, West Virginia
The median insurance underwriter salary in Charleston, WV is $68,517 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the West Virginia state average.
Insurance Underwriter Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)
Charleston offers a median insurance underwriter salary of $68,517, which is $3,115 above the West Virginia state average of $65,402. Compared to the national median of $77,860, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $68,517 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $77,860 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for insurance underwriters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for insurance underwriters in Charleston spans from $42,768 at the 10th percentile to $111,232 at the 90th percentile — a $68,464 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior insurance underwriters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Insurance Underwriter Salary in Charleston by Experience
In Charleston, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Charleston, WV
| Percentile | Charleston |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $42,768 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,856 |
| Median (50th) | $68,517 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $111,232 |
Insurance Underwriter Salary in Other West Virginia Cities
How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Charleston
Education
Most insurance underwriter positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, insurance underwriter employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Charleston
Browse open insurance underwriter positions in Charleston, WV: