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Chief Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Underwriter - Affordable Housing

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$93K - $110K/yr

Collaborate with the Deputy Chief Underwriter to ensure compliance with the company's underwriting policies and procedures. * Critically review borrower credit information, third-party reports, and ...

Reporting to the Chief Underwriting Officer A&H, you will be a key contributor to the overall management, growth, and profitability of our business. * Lead our entry into new products and markets ...

Specialty Senior Underwriter

Berkeley Heights, NJ · On-site

$102K - $121K/yr

Reporting to the Chief Underwriting Officer A&H, you will be a key contributor to the overall management, growth, and profitability of our business. * Lead our entry into new products and markets ...

Reporting to the VP - Underwriting & Chief Underwriting Officer, this full-time position will review, evaluate and analyze exposures and coverages in the Professional Liability, Directors & Officers ...

Reporting to the VP - Underwriting & Chief Underwriting Officer, this full-time position will review, evaluate and analyze exposures and coverages in the Professional Liability, Directors & Officers ...

Execute additional projects and duties as directed by the Subject Matter Expert (SME), Underwriter, or Deputy Chief Underwriter (DCU). Handle all underwriting tasks for assigned deals, coordinating ...

Execute additional projects and duties as directed by the Subject Matter Expert (SME), Underwriter, or Deputy Chief Underwriter (DCU). Handle all underwriting tasks for assigned deals, coordinating ...

Execute additional projects and duties as directed by the Subject Matter Expert (SME), Underwriter, or Deputy Chief Underwriter (DCU). Handle all underwriting tasks for assigned deals, coordinating ...

Underwrite loan modifications that require significant changes from original structure for closed loans in Asset Management. * Assist Underwriting Analysts, Senior Underwriters, and Deputy Chief ...

As our VP, Chief Underwriting Officer, you will report directly to the BFM President and be a key member of the senior leadership team. You will oversee the product to align with our strategy, have ...

Responsibilities The Chief Underwriting Officer is responsible for providing strategic direction ... exceed underwriter authority. Qualifications * 10+ years' equivalent experience in energy ...

Responsibilities As our VP, Chief Underwriting Officer, you will report directly to the BFM President and be a key member of the senior leadership team. You will oversee the product to align with our ...

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Chief Underwriter information

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$115K

$192.8K

$371K

How much do chief underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief underwriter in the United States is $192,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $257,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Chief Underwriter do?

A Chief Underwriter is responsible for overseeing an organization's underwriting policies, risk assessment strategies, and approval processes. They ensure that underwriting guidelines align with company goals while maintaining compliance with regulations. Additionally, they analyze financial data and market trends to refine risk management strategies. Chief Underwriters also lead underwriting teams, provide training, and collaborate with other departments to optimize business performance. Their role is critical in balancing risk and profitability for the company.

What does a chief underwriter do?

A chief underwriter oversees the underwriting department, evaluating and approving insurance applications to assess risk and determine policy terms. They develop underwriting policies, manage a team of underwriters, and ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Chief Underwriter position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Underwriter, you need deep expertise in risk assessment, financial analysis, regulatory compliance, and a solid background in insurance or lending, generally supported by an advanced degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with underwriting software platforms, data analytics tools, and up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal regulations is crucial for informed decision-making. Strong leadership, negotiation abilities, and strategic communication skills set outstanding Chief Underwriters apart. These competencies are vital to effectively evaluate risk, lead underwriting teams, and ensure the organization's portfolio remains profitable and compliant.

Will underwriters be replaced by AI?

Chief underwriters and other underwriting professionals use AI tools to assist in risk assessment and decision-making, but AI is not expected to fully replace human underwriters. Human judgment remains essential for complex cases, ethical considerations, and nuanced evaluations in the underwriting process.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Chief Underwriters in the insurance industry can earn annual salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000, especially with extensive experience, leadership roles, and bonuses. High-level executive positions such as CEOs, investment bankers, and specialized surgeons also often reach or surpass this income level, typically requiring advanced skills, certifications, and significant responsibility.

What is the highest paid underwriter?

The highest paid underwriters are typically senior or specialized professionals such as senior underwriters or underwriting managers in the insurance or financial sectors, with top earners often making over $150,000 annually. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and company size, with some executive-level underwriters earning significantly more through bonuses and profit sharing.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Chief Underwriter, and how does this role interact with other departments?

As a Chief Underwriter, you are responsible for establishing and refining underwriting policies, leading risk evaluation for complex cases, and approving or rejecting large or atypical applications. You will collaborate closely with teams such as sales, actuarial, claims, and compliance to ensure that underwriting decisions align with the organization’s risk appetite and business goals. Regular interaction with senior management is also expected, especially for developing strategies and responding to market trends or regulatory changes. This role offers the chance to shape policy, mentor junior underwriters, and drive overall profitability for the company.

More about Chief Underwriter jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Underwriter jobs? Cities with the most Chief Underwriter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chief Underwriter jobs? The most popular types of Chief Underwriter jobs are:
What states have the most Chief Underwriter jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Underwriter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Chief Underwriter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $192,837 per year, or $92.7 per hour.
Senior Underwriter - Affordable Housing

Senior Underwriter - Affordable Housing

Berkadia

Brentwood, TN • On-site

$93K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for the opportunity to make an impact?
The Senior Underwriter is responsible for analyzing and underwriting complex commercial real estate loan applications across a diverse range of assets. Additionally, the Senior Underwriter collaborates to establish operational processes that ensure efficient and timely execution of these transactions.
Berkadia's mortgage banking platform is consistently ranked among Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD's top lenders and is seamlessly integrated with our investment sales and servicing platforms to provide superior client service. Let the strongest research, technology, capital relationships, and a nationwide network of industry professionals propel you to the next stage of your commercial real estate career. Be Backed by the Best. Be Berkadia.
We Innovate to shape the future of CRE, so in this role you will:
Responsibilities:
  • Provide training and mentoring to underwriters, analysts, processors, and other team members as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Deputy Chief Underwriter to ensure compliance with the company's underwriting policies and procedures.
  • Critically review borrower credit information, third-party reports, and property financial and physical data to assess whether the borrower and property meet program requirements.
  • Draft and finalize the underwriting submission package, detailing the transaction's strengths and weaknesses, discussing risks and mitigants, and requesting any necessary waivers.
  • Offer support and guidance during the closing process to ensure alignment with the major credit terms of the transaction.
  • Stay updated on programs, policies, and legislation, including participating in regular training with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and other funding providers.
  • Engage in process improvements and technological enhancements to facilitate smooth deal execution.
  • Other duties as assigned.

We Stand for Excellence, so to achieve success in this role you should have:
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in affordable housing including LIHTC, Section 8, etc.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of products, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
  • Exhibit exceptional credit judgment and decision-making skills, with proven technical expertise in underwriting, structuring, and closing complex transactions.
  • Requires the ability to work independently with strong project management skills, excellent accuracy and attention to detail, and adaptability to industry changes.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

We believe People Matter, so we offer benefits that go beyond:
  • Monthly paid volunteer hours and donation matching to benefit our communities
  • Employee Resource Groups that help you grow with us
  • Fertility and family planning services
  • Up to 12-weeks of fully paid parental leave
  • Mental health care, including free counseling sessions:
  • We'll help you fund your learning journey with generous tuition reimbursement
  • Pet insurance discounts
  • And more!

Be the Next Big Thing. Be Berkadia.
#LI-HG1 #LI-HYBRID
Berkadia, as an equal opportunity employer, celebrates our employees' unique differences, which we believe drives personal and company-wide innovation and creates a people-first culture where your career can take the long view. To achieve these goals, we are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, domestic partner status, military and veteran status, disability, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state and local laws.
In keeping with our commitment, Berkadia takes the necessary steps to provide a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, as well as access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation to take part in the interview process, please contact talentacquisition@berkadia.com.
You have rights under Federal and State employment laws. No question in this Application is intended to elicit information in violation of any such law, nor will any information obtained in response to any question be used in violation of any such law. If you apply for this role, you are acknowledging Berkadia's Application Policy and Berkadia's Privacy Policy. Please click the following links for more information about: EEOC, Employee Rights under the FMLA, EPPA.