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Contract Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Merchants Bonding Company

Sr. Contract Underwriter

Fulton, MD · Hybrid

$96K - $113K/yr

Job Purpose The Senior Contract Underwriter manages complex accounts, drives high-quality underwriting decisions, and strengthens agency relationships. This role requires sound judgment, strategic ...

Core Specialty

Contract Surety Underwriter

Dallas, TX · On-site

As a Contract Surety Underwriter, you will be responsible for development of contract surety business in a defined territory. You will play a critical role in the production and underwriting of ...

Core Specialty

Contract Surety Underwriter

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

- As a Contract Surety Underwriter, you will be responsible for development of contract surety business in a defined territory. You will play a critical role in the production and underwriting of ...

Swiss Re

Contract Surety Underwriter - CorSo

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$156K - $234K/yr

Underwrite contract surety bonds in alignment with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Surety Group underwriting guidelines, assessing risk acceptability and strategic fit * Manage daily bid and final bond ...

Swiss Re

Contract Surety Underwriter - CorSo

Boston, MA · On-site

$156K - $234K/yr

Underwrite contract surety bonds in alignment with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Surety Group underwriting guidelines, assessing risk acceptability and strategic fit * Manage daily bid and final bond ...

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$32.5K

$78.9K

$139.5K

How much do contract underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract underwriter in the United States is $78,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract underwriter?

A Contract Underwriter is a financial professional who evaluates and assesses loan applications, insurance policies, or other financial risks for a company on a contract or freelance basis. They analyze credit history, financial statements, and other relevant data to determine risk levels and ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines. Unlike in-house underwriters, they often work independently or for third-party firms, providing services to lenders or insurers as needed. Their goal is to mitigate risk while facilitating responsible lending or coverage decisions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a contract underwriter?

As a Contract Underwriter, your typical day involves reviewing applications, evaluating potential risks, and determining appropriate terms and premiums for various contracts, such as insurance policies or financial agreements. You will analyze supporting documents, communicate with brokers or clients to clarify details, and ensure all agreements comply with regulations and company guidelines. Collaboration is often required with legal, sales, and risk management teams to ensure comprehensive risk assessment. These responsibilities help maintain the integrity of the underwriting portfolio and support the business’s long-term financial goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract underwriter?

To thrive as a Contract Underwriter, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of contract law and risk assessment, often supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk modeling tools, and sometimes certifications such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) are highly beneficial. Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills help underwriters interact effectively with clients and internal teams. These competencies are crucial to accurately evaluate risk, ensure compliance, and make sound underwriting decisions that protect the company’s interests.

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Contract Underwriter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Underwriter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 69% Physical, 11% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,878 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Territory Contract Underwriter

Merchants Bonding Company

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Purpose:

The Territory Contract Underwriter plays a key role in driving profitable growth within an assigned territory through risk evaluation, relationship management, and strategic collaboration. This role requires advanced underwriting judgment, proactive relationship development, and a demonstrated ability to contribute to production goals with minimal oversight. The associate is expected to make thoughtful underwriting decisions on complex cases, build agency partnerships, and influence outcomes through high-quality analysis and interpersonal agility.

Responsibilities:

Underwriting Analysis & Risk Evaluation (50%)

  • Reviews and underwrites contract surety submissions within assigned authority, applying sound judgment and seeking input from colleagues when collaboration can enhance decision quality.
  • Conducts thorough analysis of contractor financial statements, project exposure, and credit reports to assess risk and inform underwriting decisions.
  • Prepares well-reasoned underwriting positions for referral or review. Anticipates potential concerns and proactively addresses them within recommendations.

Agency and Market Development (40%)

  • Leads account discussions and decision-making during agency meetings, jobsite visits, and presentations.
  • Develops strategic relationships with key agency partners to grow premium and ensure consistent pipeline.
  • Manages agency interactions, including resolving service issues and collecting market intelligence.

Leadership & Development (10%)

  • Establishes and pursues quarterly and annual production goals in collaboration with manager.
  • Takes ownership of territory-level initiatives and outcomes, using data and feedback to refine strategies.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred. Fields of study such as business, finance, accounting, or economics are especially relevant.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in contract surety underwriting or equivalent financial risk evaluation role.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial strength, identify key risk indicators, and apply underwriting guidelines.
  • Experience leading agency relationships and representing underwriting decisions in client-facing environments

BENEFITS AT MERCHANTS

At Merchants, we value balancing the needs of our associates and their families. We're proud to offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance and support your personal and professional growth. In addition to competitive pay, bonus programs, and paid-time off, here are just a few of the amazing benefits:

  • Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities with 37.5 hour work week
  • Free health insurance option
  • Paid volunteer time off with matching gift program
  • Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources
  • Discover more benefits at https://www.merchantsbonding.com/careers#nav-link-3

MERCHANTS BONDING COMPANY

Join the Merchants team and experience the difference of working for a surety-only company. At Merchants, we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and we're committed to the success of our associates and customers by creating an inclusive culture that sets us apart and drives our success.

Our company is built on a foundation of providing common sense solutions and first-class experiences. From underwriting to claims and technology to marketing, every department and team collaborates together to achieve our common goal to be the most trusted team in surety.

Learn more about building your career at Merchants by visiting www.merchantsbonding.com/careers.

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