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Life Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$70 - $102/hr

This role is designed for an experienced individual life underwriter who can independently evaluate complex cases, including impaired risk, while delivering timely, customer-focused underwriting ...

$90 - $130/hr

Identifies and orchestrates updates to the Life Underwriting Guide. * Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned. * Interprets normal electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG). * Identifies and ...

Sr. Underwriter

Lansing, MI · On-site

$99K - $118K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Senior Associate, Underwriter

$100K - $119K/yr

Evaluate life insurance applications and accurately classify mortality risk using medical and ... Communicate underwriting requirements, application updates, reinsurance considerations ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

$70 - $102/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Underwrite individual life insurance cases, including impaired risk, with an anticipated independent approval authority of $3 million.

  • Analyze medical, financial, and non-medical information to make sound underwriting decisions within assigned authority.

  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with key distributors, independent agents, BGAs, and internal sales partners.


Protective Life rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 315 rated insurance


Job description

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.

Wehelp protect our customers against life’s uncertainties.Regardless ofwhere you work within thecompany, you’ll behelping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.

We are seeking an Underwriting Consultant to join our Life Underwriting team in a fully remote capacity. This role is designed for an experienced individual life underwriter who can independently evaluate complex cases, including impaired risk, while delivering timely, customer-focused underwriting decisions.

You will play an important role in assessing medical, financial, and non-medical risk, supporting service standards, and maintaining strong working relationships with internal partners and key distributors in the independent agent and brokerage marketplace.

Key Responsibilities
  • Underwrite individual life insurance cases, including impaired risk, with an anticipated independent approval authority of $3 million.
  • Analyze medical, financial, and non-medical information to make sound underwriting decisions within assigned authority.
  • Evaluate requirements as they are received and determine appropriate risk classification in accordance with underwriting guidelines.
  • Communicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally to internal and external customers.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with key distributors, independent agents, BGAs, and internal sales partners.
  • Manage an assigned caseload while meeting production, quality, and time-service standards.
  • Partner with internal teams to support business objectives, case placement, and a positive customer experience.
  • Organize work effectively and deliver timely, accurate results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Perform other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications Required Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 6 years of life insurance underwriting experience.
  • Proven ability to underwrite large and complex cases, including impaired risks
  • Experience working within the independent agent / brokerage (BGA) distribution channel
  • Demonstrated decision-making authority on higher face amounts and complex risk profiles
Preferred Credentials
  • Industry coursework commensurate with experience
  • Progress toward or completion of industry designations such as FALU, FLMI, CLU, or equivalent coursework
  • Experience supporting distribution partners, including independent agents and BGAs
  • Experience with larger face amount individual life cases
  • Continued professional development aligned with life underwriting expertise
Core Competencies
  • Strong analytical and risk assessment skills
  • Ability to make sound underwriting decisions in a dynamic environment
  • Strong communication and relationship management skills
  • Customer-focused approach to underwriting and service delivery
  • Ability to manage a sizeable caseload while maintaining quality and productivity
  • Strong organization, prioritization, and time-management skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Working knowledge of PC applications and underwriting systems
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Why Join Us?
  • Fully remote role with national exposure and impact
  • Opportunity to work on high-value, complex underwriting cases
  • Collaborative environment with strong partnership between underwriting and distribution
  • Career growth through advanced casework, mentorship, and leadership opportunities

$70,000 - $102,000 a year

Protective’s targeted salary range for this position is $70,000 to $102,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees.

Employee Benefits:

We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g. paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.

Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability

If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email eric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.

Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.

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