Business & Finance Wisconsin (WI) Rank #32 of 50

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Wisconsin

The median insurance underwriter salary in Wisconsin is $71,631 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $77,860.

Median Salary
$71,631
vs National
$-6,229
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Insurance Underwriter Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter compensation. Insurance Underwriter salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $71,631 per year, insurance underwriters in Wisconsin earn $6,229 less than the national median of $77,860.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $71,631 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $77,860 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: insurance underwriters at the 10th percentile earn $44,712, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $116,288 — a $71,576 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, 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 Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level insurance underwriter earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,800 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $44,712
25th Percentile $56,304
Median (50th) $71,631
75th Percentile $92,000
90th Percentile $116,288

Insurance Underwriter Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for insurance underwriters in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Insurance Underwriter in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

Risk AssessmentAnalytical SkillsInsurance RegulationsUnderwriting SoftwareDecision-MakingAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance Underwriter Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Insurance Underwriter make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median insurance underwriter salary in Wisconsin is $71,631 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $77,860. Salaries range from $44,712 (10th percentile) to $116,288 (90th percentile).
How much does a Insurance Underwriter make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,631, a insurance underwriter in Wisconsin earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for insurance underwriters? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #32 out of 50 states for insurance underwriter pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level insurance underwriters earn $46,000, while senior professionals earn $105,800.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for insurance underwriter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for insurance underwriters is Hawaii at $132,362. Wisconsin's median of $71,631 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nebraska ($71,631) and Texas ($71,631).
What is the entry-level insurance underwriter salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level insurance underwriter in Wisconsin earns approximately $46,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,800.
What city in Wisconsin pays insurance underwriters the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for insurance underwriters, with a median salary of $77,860. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.