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Underwriter Trainee Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Underwriter

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$99K - $117K/yr

Are you an underwriting professional who thrives in high-stakes, transformative environments? Do you find satisfaction in mitigating risk, identifying opportunities, and shaping the course of a ...

E&S Underwriter

Madison, WI · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

MGT is hiring for an E&S Underwriter. This is not a plug-and-play underwriting role. It's an opportunity to join a small, highly empowered team building a modern E&S platform in one of the fastest ...

Senior Underwriter

Madison, WI · Remote

$100K - $119K/yr

Are you an underwriting professional who thrives in high-stakes, transformative environments? Do you find satisfaction in mitigating risk, identifying opportunities, and shaping the course of a ...

Senior Underwriter, Public Entity

Madison, WI · On-site

$99K - $117K/yr

Description Join a high-impact underwriting team focused on building and growing a profitable, diversified Public Entity and Education portfolio. In this role, you will combine technical underwriting ...

As an Underwriting Associate within PNC's Statement Spreading organization, you may be based in Pittsburgh, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Cleveland, OH; Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; Dallas, TX; Kalamazoo ...

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Underwriter Trainee information

See Madison, WI salary details

$32.8K

$79.5K

$140.6K

How much do underwriter trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwriter trainee in Madison, WI is $79,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $87,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwriter trainee?

An Underwriter Trainee is an entry-level professional who learns how to evaluate risks and determine appropriate insurance coverage and premiums under the supervision of experienced underwriters. Their training involves learning about insurance policies, analyzing applications, assessing potential risks, and making recommendations based on company guidelines. This role serves as a starting point for a career in underwriting, providing foundational knowledge and practical experience in the insurance industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underwriter trainee?

To thrive as an Underwriter Trainee, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk assessment tools, and proficiency in Excel are commonly required, and industry certifications like CPCU can be advantageous. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and manage multiple priorities. These skills are essential to accurately assess risk, make informed decisions, and contribute to the overall profitability and integrity of the insurance company.

What are some typical challenges an underwriter trainee might encounter during their first year on the job?

As an Underwriter Trainee, one common challenge is learning to balance risk assessment with client needs, while adhering to company policies and regulatory requirements. Trainees often need to quickly develop a strong understanding of underwriting guidelines and how to apply them to real-world cases, which can be complex and varied. Additionally, adapting to a fast-paced environment and effectively collaborating with senior underwriters, brokers, and agents requires strong communication and organizational skills. Overcoming these challenges is an important part of gaining confidence and proficiency in the role.

What is the difference between Underwriter Trainee vs Underwriter?

AspectUnderwriter TraineeUnderwriter
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, training programsExperience, certifications like CPCU or ARM often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised tasksIndependent decision-making, client interaction
Employer & Industry UsageInsurance companies, entry-level rolesInsurance companies, experienced roles
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level underwriting rolesUnderstanding experienced underwriting positions

The main difference between an Underwriter Trainee and an Underwriter is experience level. Trainees are in training, focusing on learning the basics, while Underwriters have gained experience and handle complex risk assessments independently.

How do you become an underwriter trainee with no experience?

To become an underwriter trainee with no experience, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in fields like finance, business, or economics. Entry-level roles often require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with computer software such as Excel; some companies may also offer training programs or on-the-job learning to develop underwriting skills.

How much do beginner underwriter trainees make?

Beginner underwriter trainees typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and company. Entry-level roles often include training on underwriting software and risk assessment, with salaries increasing as skills and experience grow.

What do underwriter trainees do?

Underwriter trainees assist in evaluating insurance applications by reviewing risk factors, analyzing data, and determining policy eligibility. They learn to use underwriting guidelines and may work under the supervision of experienced underwriters to develop their skills in assessing risk and making coverage decisions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwriter jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Underwriter jobs in Madison, WI are:

What are popular job titles related to Underwriter Trainee jobs in Madison, WI?

For Underwriter Trainee jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underwriter Trainee jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Underwriter Trainee jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Underwriter Trainee jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Underwriter Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Underwriter Trainee job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 77% In-person, 15% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,492 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Transportation Underwriter

Madison, WI • On-site


West Bend Mutual Insurance Company
Insurance Services • 1 - 5K employees

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 315 rated insurance

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$75K - $93K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Transportation Underwriter
Job Locations US-WI-West Bend | US-WI-Madison | US-WI-Appleton | US-Remote | US-Remote
ID 2026-3705
Category Underwriting Full-Time Remote/Hybrid Remote
Company Overview

Recognized as aMilwaukee Journal SentinelTop Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We're committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

Job Summary

We are growing at West Bend! Our Commercial Lines Underwriting team plays a critical role in our journey towards profitable growth. Our Underwriters are relationship focused with strong communication skills, motivated, and work in a fast-paced team environment. West Bend is an industry leading carrier that works solely through the independent agency system. We are looking for a highly experienced Transportation Underwriter to join our dynamic team!

Work Location

This position offers both remote and hybrid work locations. Candidates who reside within 50 miles of an office location (West Bend, Madison, Appleton) will be offered a hybrid work schedule. Candidates who are fully remote (beyond 50 miles) may occasionally be asked to travel to an office location for in-person engagement activities such as team meetings, training and corporate events.

The internal deadline to apply is 8/14/26.

Responsibilities & Qualifications
    Meet agency profitability and production objectives for an assigned group of agencies by underwriting new commercial business, renewal policies and policy endorsements.
  • Understand and evaluate exposures related to individual risks through continued mentoring involvement.
  • Integrate these functions within the workflow of a Commercial Underwriter.
  • Assist in the analysis of individual agency and book of business results to determine if any corrective actions are needed.
  • Support the Commercial Enterprise Division and the Regional Sales Manager in identifying corrective measures needed to assure an underwriting profit.
  • Help in establishing specific action plans where needed and assist in communicating these effectively with agents.
  • Assist the Regional Sales Manager in developing written premium goals at an agency and book of business level.
  • Support achievement of these goals by promoting the benefits of our product line to agencies by personal visits, regular telephone contact and appropriate promotional mailings.
  • Provide territory performance reports and action plans to leadership as needed.
  • Participate in agency meetings, events and with loss control representatives during service calls and prospect service.
  • Participate and/or lead practice group, coordinate and document meetings.
  • May maintain and develop customized reports for loss control representatives to share with accounts. Communicate effectively with agencies in the development of underwriting and exposure information and supports attainment of written premium goals by providing exceptional service.
  • Act as a source of reference for underwriting support staff, assistant underwriters, associate underwriters and others.
  • Provide guidance and mentoring support to underwriter I and/or II as needed.

Preferred Experience and Skills

  • Five years of experience in commercial transportation underwriting
  • Analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Mentoring skills

Preferred Education and Training

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Insurance or related field
  • Completion of Associate in Underwriting program and CPCU coursework
Salary Statement

The salary range for this position is $75,101-$93,876.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Benefits

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:

  • Medical & Prescription Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life and Accidental Death & Disability
  • Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Match
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates
  • Bonus eligible based on performance
  • West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.
EEO

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.

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