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Contract Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Underwriter will evaluate group risks for existing clients and new group opportunities. This ... Suggest, approve or deny changes to contracts for moderate to complex group accounts. Analyze and ...

CA · On-site

$75K - $165K/yr

Zurich's Large Contract West Region Surety Team is looking for a motivated Contract Surety Underwriter to help us strengthen our portfolio, elevate our client relationships, and make a lasting impact ...

Underwriter

OR · Remote

The underwriter will review regulatory compliance with disclosures, validate data used by an ... contracts, appraisal report and all supporting documentation. This includes but is not limited to:

The underwriter will review regulatory compliance with disclosures, validate data used by an ... contracts, appraisal report and all supporting documentation This includes but is not limited to:

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Contract Underwriter information

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$32.5K

$78.9K

$139.5K

How much do contract underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Underwriter position, and why are they important?

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.

What is a Contract Underwriter job?

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.

More about Contract Underwriter jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Underwriter jobs? Cities with the most Contract Underwriter job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underwriter jobs? The most popular types of Underwriter jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Underwriter jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Underwriter jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Underwriter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,878 per year, or $37.9 per hour.
Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter - Large Contract Surety

Underwriting Specialist OR Executive Underwriter - Large Contract Surety

Zurich Insurance Group

CO • Remote

$75K - $165K/yr

Other

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Join a team where your expertise is valued, your voice is heard, and your career has room to grow. Zurich's Large Contract West Region Surety Team is looking for a motivated Contract Surety Underwriter to help us strengthen our portfolio, elevate our client relationships, and make a lasting impact across the 13 Western States.

This is a highly technical position and requires experience with Surety lines of business.

At Zurich, we foster a collaborative, purpose-driven culture with the backing of a global brand. You'll have the opportunity to:

  • Lead with impact by managing complex large accounts
  • Travel with purpose, approximately 20% across the region
  • Grow your network working with top-tier agents and brokers
  • Make decisions that matter with clear accountability and broad authority

This market-facing role will be within the West region and we're open to talent located anywhere in the following states: Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. You'll play a critical role in managing and expanding a portfolio of domestic and international large accounts while driving business development and retention.

  • Underwriting and analyzing new and renewal business for large contract surety
  • Navigating complex assignments with confidence and autonomy
  • Building and maintaining strategic broker and agency relationships
  • Ensuring compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements

This role will be filled at either the Underwriting Specialist or Executive Underwriter level. The hiring manager will determine the appropriate level based upon the selected applicant's experience and skill set relative to the qualifications listed for this position. 

Underwriting Specialist Required Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area.
    OR 
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 6 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 1 or more years of experience in the Underwriting, Banking, Mortgage, Finance, or Market Facing area.
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an associate degree and 4 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area.
    AND
  • Knowledge of line/s of business and the legal and regulatory guidelines
  • Knowledge of time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 


OR


Executive Underwriter Required Qualifications:
 

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 5 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting or Banking experience
    OR
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 3 or more years of experience in the Underwriting or Market Facing area, Finance, Accounting or Banking experience
    OR
  • Zurich Certified Insurance Apprentice including an Associate Degree and 8 or more years of experience in the Claims or Underwriting Support area
    AND
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Experience working on time restraints for quotes on new and renewal business
  • Experience working in a team environment

 
Preferred Qualifications:
 

  • College Degree Highly preferred
  • Strong Finance and accounting background needed
  • Advanced knowledge and practice of Surety Bonds
  • Established Broker relationships
  • Ability to interact with the C-Suite
  • Ability to investigate and analyze complicated credit assessments, trends, business strategies and organizational character among other aspects of our customers
  • Ability to coherently articulate these strategies and financial concepts formulating fact based conclusions and recommendations.
  • Prior experience managing/growing profitable portfolio of customers
  • Negotiation experience with large, international and national organizations
  • Strong team building and organizational skills

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply-your unique background matters to us. The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The combined salary range for this position is $75,000.00 - $165,000.00. The proposed salary range for the Underwriting Specialist is $75,000.00 - $125,000.00, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%. The proposed salary range for the Executive Underwriter is $100,000.00 - $165,000.00, with Global Specialty Incentive Plan bonus eligibility set at 30%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]

 

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment-so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500.

Join us for a brighter future-for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code 1033.

 

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - California Virtual Office, AM - Arizona Virtual Office, AM - Colorado Virtual Office, AM - Oregon Virtual Office, AM - Washington St Virt. Office, AM - Idaho Virtual Office, AM - Nevada Virtual Office, AM - Utah Virtual Office, AM - Montana Virtual Office
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-WL1 #LI-ASSOCIATE #LI-REMOTE