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Senior Surety Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr Surety Underwriter

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

UFG is hiring for a Sr. Surety Underwriter who is actively working towards building and maintaining a profitable mix of new and existing surety business by developing and maintaining strong working ...

The Senior Surety Underwriter's primary responsibility is to underwrite individual surety risks through a demonstration of the following skills and abilities: * Fundamental Surety Underwriting.

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Senior Surety Underwriter information

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$37K

$106.6K

$133.5K

How much do senior surety underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior surety underwriter in the United States is $106,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior surety underwriter do?

A Senior Surety Underwriter evaluates and analyzes the financial strength and creditworthiness of companies or individuals seeking surety bonds. They assess risks, set bond terms, and determine whether to approve or deny applications for contract, commercial, or court bonds. In addition to reviewing documentation and financial statements, they often negotiate terms with clients, maintain relationships with agents and brokers, and ensure compliance with regulations. Senior Surety Underwriters typically have several years of experience and possess strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.

What are some common challenges faced by senior surety underwriters, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Surety Underwriters often encounter challenges such as evaluating complex financial statements, assessing the risk of unfamiliar industries, and balancing the needs of clients with the company's risk appetite. Staying updated on market trends and regulatory changes is crucial for accurate risk assessment. Building strong relationships with agents and clients can help underwriters gain deeper insights into businesses, while collaborating with internal teams ensures well-rounded decision-making. Leveraging advanced analytical tools and continuing professional development are key strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior surety underwriter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Surety Underwriter, you need deep knowledge of surety products, risk assessment, and financial analysis, often backed by a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with underwriting software, financial modeling tools, and industry certifications such as AFSB (Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding) are typically required. Strong negotiation, relationship-building, and decision-making skills are vital for interacting with clients and brokers. These competencies ensure accurate risk evaluation, profitable portfolios, and effective client management in a competitive insurance market.

What is the difference between Senior Surety Underwriter vs Surety Underwriter?

AspectSenior Surety UnderwriterSurety Underwriter
Experience LevelTypically 5+ years in underwritingEntry to mid-level experience
ResponsibilitiesComplex risk assessment, mentorship, decision-making authorityInitial risk evaluation, basic underwriting tasks
CredentialsOften requires professional certifications (e.g., CPCU)May require relevant insurance licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentSenior roles in large insurance companies or brokersEntry to mid-level roles in similar settings

The main difference between a Senior Surety Underwriter and a Surety Underwriter lies in experience, responsibilities, and decision-making authority. Senior underwriters handle complex cases, mentor junior staff, and often hold advanced certifications, whereas entry-level underwriters focus on basic risk assessments. Both roles operate within the same industry and work environment, but the senior position involves greater expertise and leadership.

More about Senior Surety Underwriter jobs

What cities are hiring for Senior Surety Underwriter jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Surety Underwriter job openings:

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

The most popular types of Surety Underwriter jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Surety Underwriter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Surety Underwriter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Surety Underwriter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,601 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

$103K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

UFG is hiring for a Sr. Surety Underwriter who is actively working towards building and maintaining a profitable mix of new and existing surety business by developing and maintaining strong working relationships with the agency force. Demonstrate strong analytical skills to evaluate risks for acceptability within their higher authority and company underwriting parameters. Independently Underwrite more complex submissions. Make regular agency visits and calls to assess growth and profitability of agents in their territory. Prospect and appoint new quality agents in the territory. Visit current and potential contractor's place of business to better assess acceptability and quality of the accounts.
The ideal candidate will be located in one of the following locations: Washington, Oregon or Idaho.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate successful growth of business independently and responsibly utilize the higher authority granted.
  • Underwrite more complex submissions independently.
  • Independently underwrite new submissions and existing accounts with the assistance from mentors. Evaluate and assess financial status, credit standing, and organization profile to analyze and determine acceptability of the risk within framework of UFG underwriting policies and procedures.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with agents/brokers.
  • Oversee a book of contract surety business within defined territory. Meet production, marketing, and profitability goals and develop marketing plan using the territory management tool.
  • Upload and update file information electronically and purge obsolete data per department guidelines.
  • Handles all confidential information with discretion.
  • Provide high quality customer service in all interactions with internal and external customers.
  • Request underwriting information from agencies. Review and process information received.
  • Perform annual review of accounts including financial analysis, obtaining current bank line of credit letters, preparing profiles, and recommendation of line of authority.
  • Instruct, assign, and review work completed by support staff.
  • Create record of communications concerning activities per department standards.
  • Provide training, direction, and assistance to underwriters, associate underwriters, and underwriter trainees.
  • Stay current on industry information regarding trends, competition, pertinent laws and legal occurrences, etc., and share the information with the department.

Job Specifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree, or combination of education and surety experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, finance or accounting preferred.

Certifications/Designations:
  • Certified, or working towards, AFSB designation.
  • Must have a valid and current drivers' license and must have acceptable driving record in accordance with Company practice.
  • Employees are expected to participate in continuing education throughout their careers.

Experience:
  • 5+ years of contract surety underwriting experience.

Working Conditions:
  • General office environment.
  • Up to 25% of travel is required, by accompanying surety representatives to visit agency force and contract accounts. Overnight trips included.
  • May be exposed to weather conditions, and/or results and debris of adverse weather conditions, during agency/contract visits.

Pay Transparency Statement:
UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $103,222, - $136,105 annually, which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data.
In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:
  • Annual incentive compensation
  • Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
  • Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
  • Retirement plans with employer contributions
  • Generous time-off program
  • Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security.

This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.