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Life Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Life Underwriter

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

Senior Life Underwriter Do you have a medical background and/or previous experience underwriting life insurance? Are you a problem solver with great analytical thinking skills, as well as strong ...

The Life Underwriter is responsible for screening life insurance applications for selection of risks rendering an issue standard, rate, or decline disposition with the guidance of an underwriter or ...

The Life Underwriter is responsible for screening life insurance applications for selection of risks rendering an issue standard, rate, or decline disposition with the guidance of an underwriter or ...

Minimum 4 years of holistic individual Life (or Health for Disability Income) Underwriting experience in the insurance industry with a minimum approval authority of * Completion of or progress ...

New

Minimum 4 years of holistic individual Life (or Health for Disability Income) Underwriting experience in the insurance industry with a minimum approval authority of * Completion of or progress ...

Ideal candidates would have 5+ years of direct carrier individual life underwriting experience, strong performance ratings, excellent risk assessment and documentation skills, ability to quickly ...

Sr Underwriter

$87K - $146K/yr

Symetra has an exciting opportunity to join our Life Underwriting Department as a Senior Life Underwriter . About the role At Symetra, we believe in empowering people to make a meaningful impact-and ...

Preferred work towards Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), or Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification(s) * Ability to read and ...

Preferred work towards Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), or Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification(s) * Ability to read and ...

Underwriter IV

Omaha, NE · Remote

$86K - $114K/yr

Work-life balance with vacation, personal time and paid holidays. See our benefits and perks page ... Underwrite highly complex individual life cases with significant mortality and financial impact ...

Senior Underwriter

$100K - $119K/yr

Prefer work towards Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), or Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification(s) * 5 Years relevant and ...

Senior Underwriter

$100K - $119K/yr

Prefer work towards Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), or Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification(s) * 5 Years relevant and ...

Senior Underwriter

$100K - $119K/yr

Prefer work towards Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Fellow of the Life Management Institute (FLMI), or Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) certification(s) * 5 Years relevant and ...

WI · On-site

$128 - $138/hr

The primary responsibility of the Director, Life Underwriting is to accurately assess medical and financial risk, protecting the mortality results of the organization while also supporting sales.

Participation in, or attainment of, professional/technical studies or designation such as the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Fellow of Life Management Institute (FLMI). Obtainment of AALU ...

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Life Underwriter information

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$62.5K

$82.1K

$104K

How much do life underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for life underwriter in the United States is $82,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by life underwriters when assessing complex insurance applications?

Life Underwriters often encounter challenges when evaluating applications with incomplete information, unusual medical histories, or unique financial situations. They must carefully interpret medical records, assess risk factors, and sometimes request additional documentation to make informed decisions. Working closely with agents, medical professionals, and sometimes directly with applicants, underwriters must balance risk management with customer service. Staying current with industry guidelines and leveraging underwriting software are key to navigating these complexities effectively.

What does a life underwriter do?

A Life Underwriter evaluates applications for life insurance to determine the risks involved in insuring a person. They analyze medical histories, lifestyle factors, financial information, and other personal details to decide whether to approve or deny coverage and what premium rates to offer. Their goal is to ensure that insurance companies accept appropriate levels of risk and remain financially sound. Life Underwriters use specialized guidelines and sometimes work with medical professionals to make informed decisions.

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

To thrive as a Life Underwriter, you need a solid understanding of risk assessment, insurance principles, and medical terminology, often supported by a bachelor’s degree and industry certifications such as FLMI or ALU. Familiarity with automated underwriting systems, actuarial software, and data analysis tools is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for evaluating applications and collaborating with agents. These skills ensure accurate risk evaluation, regulatory compliance, and sound decision-making that support the company's financial stability.

How much do life underwriters make?

The average annual salary for a life underwriter is around $70,000, with salaries typically ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior or specialized underwriters can earn higher wages, and certifications such as the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) can enhance earning potential.

What is the difference between Life Underwriter vs Insurance Underwriter?

AspectLife UnderwriterInsurance Underwriter
CredentialsTypically requires insurance licensing, certifications like FLMI or FALUSimilar credentials, often including insurance licenses and certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based, assessing individual life insurance applicationsOffice-based, evaluating various insurance policies including life, health, or property
Industry UsageCommonly used in life insurance companies and agenciesUsed across multiple insurance sectors, including life, health, and property
Comparison Search IntentHigh overlap in job functions and industry terminologyOften compared due to similar roles in insurance underwriting

Life Underwriters and Insurance Underwriters share many credentials, work environments, and industry usage. While Life Underwriters focus specifically on life insurance policies, Insurance Underwriters may evaluate a broader range of insurance products. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, making them closely related in the insurance industry.

Is it hard to be a life insurance underwriter?

Being a life insurance underwriter requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of insurance policies and medical assessments. The role can be challenging due to the need to evaluate risk accurately and make decisions quickly, often under tight deadlines. Certification and experience can help improve proficiency and job performance.

How do I become a life insurance underwriter?

To become a life insurance underwriter, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as finance, economics, or business. Gaining experience in insurance or risk assessment and obtaining professional certifications like the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) can improve job prospects. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of insurance policies are essential for success in this role.
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Who are the top companies hiring for Life Underwriter jobs?

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What states have the most Life Underwriter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Life Underwriter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Life Underwriter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,099 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Sr. Life Underwriter

FBL Financial Group

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Senior Life Underwriter
Do you have a medical background and/or previous experience underwriting life insurance? Are you a problem solver with great analytical thinking skills, as well as strong organizational skills? Are you a go-getter with high initiative, a positive attitude and a lifelong learner? If so, this Senior Life Underwriter opportunity could be a fit for you!
Who We Are: With Farm Bureau Financial Services, our client/members can feel confident knowing their family, home, cars and other property are protected. We value a culture where integrity, teamwork, passion, service, leadership and accountability are at the heart of every decision we make and every action we take. We're proud of our more than 80-year commitment to protecting the livelihoods and futures of our client/members and creating an atmosphere where our employees thrive.
What You'll Do: As a Senior Life Underwriter, you will be responsible for the total case management of all applications assigned. This position involves reviewing applications, examinations, laboratory and other test results, medical and financial records, all documents required to comply with state and federal regulations and determining suitability. Familiarity with Accelerated Underwriting and interpreting underwriting data is desirable. You will work independently, with support from the assistants, but also may consult with other underwriters, Medical Director, reinsurance companies and experts in other disciplines such as accounting and legal. As a Senior Life Underwriter, you must adhere to department policies and procedures and comply with government regulations. There are times where this role would be responsible for training our agency force in the participation of seminars, and agency or statewide meetings.
What It Takes to Join Our Team:
  • College degree or equivalent plus 5 years of life insurance experience preferred.
  • FLMI, FALU and CLU designation(s) preferred (or currently working towards).
  • Keep current with changes in the industry and risk selection.
  • Familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office software preferred.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Must have life underwriting experience and/or a medical background.
  • Must be able to work from our office located in West Des Moines, IA (hybrid home/office work schedule)

What We Offer You: When you're on our team, you get more than a great paycheck. You'll hear about career development and educational opportunities. We offer an enhanced 401K with a match, low-cost health, dental, and vision benefits, and life and disability insurance options. We also offer paid time off, including holidays and volunteer time, and teams who know how to have fun. Add to that an onsite wellness facility with fitness classes and programs, a daycare center, a cafeteria, and for many positions, even consideration for a hybrid work arrangement. Farm Bureau....where the grass really IS greener!
If you're interested in joining a company that appreciates its employees, provides growth and professional development opportunities, and offers great benefits, we invite you to apply today!
Work Authorization/Sponsorship: At this time, we are not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future, such as additional or permanent work authorization. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent basis. We are not able to sponsor now or in the future, or take over sponsorship of, an employment visa or work authorization for this role. For example, we are not considering candidates with OPT status.