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Life Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Life Underwriter

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$77 - $103/hr

Description Life Underwriter Amica Life At Amica, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and supportive environment. We all work together to accomplish the common goal of providing the best ...

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 ...

Senior Life Underwriter

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

About the role Analyzes life insurance applications written by financial representatives in all sales regions and assigns the proper risk classification to them within general corporate underwriting ...

Senior Life Underwriter

$100K - $119K/yr

Senior Life Underwriter About Ladder We saw a problem within the life insurance industry: getting covered took too long, involved too much paperwork, and required too many in-person meetings with ...

Senior Life Underwriter

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

About the role Analyzes life insurance applications written by financial representatives in all sales regions and assigns the proper risk classification to them within general corporate underwriting ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sr Underwriter

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$87K - $146K/yr

Review individual life insurance applications and underwrite risks within authorized limits of authority in accordance with department guidelines * Assess medical and non-medical risk in alignment ...

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 ...

Identifies and orchestrates updates to the Life Underwriting Guide. * Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Strong verbal and written communication ...

Underwriter

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

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

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Life Underwriter information

See salary details

$62.5K

$82.1K

$104K

How much do life underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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 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.

More about Life Underwriter jobs

What cities are hiring for Life Underwriter jobs?

Cities with the most Life Underwriter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Life Underwriter jobs?

The most popular types of Life Underwriter jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Life Underwriter jobs?

The top employers for Life Underwriter jobs are:

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, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,099 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

$115K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


MassMutual rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 315 rated insurance


Job description

The Opportunity:
At MassMutual, we're transforming the future of life insurance underwriting through innovation, technology, and an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and advisors. As a Life Underwriter , you will play a critical role in evaluating complex life insurance risks, making sound mortality and financial assessments, and partnering with distribution and account management teams to deliver first-offer, best-offer outcomes. This is an opportunity to leverage your expertise while influencing underwriting strategy, supporting field partners, and helping families secure their financial futures.
Joining our team means becoming part of a collaborative, high-performing organization that values continuous learning, professional growth, and operational excellence. You'll work alongside experienced underwriting professionals, contribute to key strategic initiatives, mentor emerging talent, and help shape the evolution of underwriting through digital transformation and advanced decision-making tools. If you are a customer-focused underwriting leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about balancing risk management with an outstanding customer experience, we invite you to bring your talents to MassMutual and help us continue our mission of helping people protect the ones they love.
The Team:
The team here at MassMutual is composed of experienced underwriters supporting our MassMutual Financial Advisors (MMFA) and MassMutual Strategic Distributor (MMSD) channels. These organizations provide a variety of customer, advisor, and risk management services. The team culture is collaborative, cross-functional, and uses old and new technologies.
The Impact:
  • Evaluate and handle all underwriting aspects of formal & informal life insurance applications
  • Determine whether to accept, modify, or decline a risk through evaluation of an individual's medical history or physical condition, occupational hazard, and financial background.
  • Deliver the best offer first to drive the sale and not just a decision.
  • Provide efficient, quality service to third party firms, their staff and their advisors.
  • Communicate effectively with customers to explain underwriting decisions and facilitate placement of business.
  • Understand underwriting policies, guidelines, practices, and procedures.
  • Influence and champion changes to improve processes while maintaining mortality expectations.
  • Tailor communication style to fit a variety of target audiences, i.e. agency and new business personnel. Foster relationships with advisors and brokerage partners.
  • Provide consultations with third party firms to resolve rate-related questions and discrepancies or risk-related concerns.

The Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • 5+ years life insurance underwriting experience.
  • $5+ million life insurance underwriting authority.

The Ideal Qualifications:
  • 10+ years underwriting experience.
  • $10+ million dollar life insurance underwriting authority.
  • Expert knowledge of all aspects of risk selection (medical, non-medical, financial).
  • Mastery of key underwriting concepts, best practices, and procedures including identifying exposures to loss, material hazards, and implementation of necessary risk management controls.
  • Strong knowledge of UW administrative systems, product rules, Underwriting Guidelines and medical factors impacting mortality and the keen ability to position with agents, brokers, and sales partners.
  • Experience underwriting both term and permanent life insurance.
  • Agency, brokerage distribution, banks or wire house underwriting experience.
  • Reinsurance experience.
  • Industry designations: FMLI, FALU, CLU, ChFC, etc.
  • Demonstrated track record of working with minimal supervision, being a self-starter, and working with others in a team environment.
  • Ability to think critically, problem solve using data to drive toward resolution.
  • Positive, inclusive, agile, and collaborative mindset.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

What You Can Expect at MassMutual:
MassMutual offers the opportunity to do meaningful work within a purpose-driven organization that values long-term impact over short-term outcomes. In this role, you can expect:
Clear areas of ownership and accountability, with work that connects directly to company and customer outcomes
A collaborative environment where perspectives are welcomed
Access to learning, development, and internal networks that support continuous growth and skill-building over time
Employee-led communities and forums that foster connection, learning, and inclusion across the organization
A culture grounded in integrity, responsibility, and stewardship-supported by a company with a strong legacy and a future-focused mindset
#LI-SB1
#LI-Remote
Salary Range:
$115,900-$152,100
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair equitable pay, by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component.
Why Join Us.
We've been around since 1851. During our history, we've learned a few things about making sure our customers are our top priority. In order to meet and exceed their expectations, we must have the best people providing the best thinking, products and services. To accomplish this, we celebrate an inclusive, vibrant and diverse culture that encourages growth, openness and opportunities for everyone. A career with MassMutual means you will be part of a strong, stable and ethical business with industry leading pay and benefits. And your voice will always be heard.
We help people secure their future and protect the ones they love. As a company owned by our policyowners, we are defined by mutuality and our vision to put customers first. It's more than our company structure - it's our way of life. We are a company of people protecting people. Our company exists because people are willing to share risk and resources, and rely on each other when it counts. At MassMutual, we Live Mutual.
MassMutual is an equal employment opportunity employer. We welcome all persons to apply.
If you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact us and share the specifics of the assistance you need.
At MassMutual, we focus on ensuring fair, equitable pay by providing competitive salaries, along with incentive and bonus opportunities for all employees. Your total compensation package includes either a bonus target or in a sales-focused role a Variable Incentive Compensation component. For more information about our extensive benefits offerings please check out our Total Rewards at a Glance.

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