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Underwriter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kings Mortgage Services

Underwriter

Santa Ana, CA

$85K - $95K/yr

Description The Wholesale Underwriter is responsible for reviewing and evaluating residential mortgage loan applications submitted through third-party brokers to ensure compliance with company ...

Balavant Employee Services Inc

Underwriter

Novato, CA · On-site

The Underwriter is a developing specialty lines professional responsible for evaluating, pricing, and managing E&S commercial lines submissions within a defined scope of authority. This individual is ...

NovaFi Mortgage, Inc.

Underwriter

Santa Ana, CA · On-site +1

Underwriter Department: Operations Employment Type: Full Time Location: Remote Home Office - KMS Description The Wholesale Underwriter is responsible for reviewing and evaluating residential mortgage ...

POINT MORTGAGE CORPORATION

UNDERWRITER

Chula Vista, CA

$0.01 - $0.02/hr

Review, update and run automated underwriting systems to determine risk, salability and reduced documentation for borrowers and review of data accuracy as input in Encompass LP and DU Review ...

First American

Underwriter

Santa Ana, CA

$97K - $130K/yr

What We Do Provides underwriting support and expertise to company personnel, agents, and customer(s), related to the issuance of real estate title insurance commitments and policies. Utilizes ...

DB Insurance US

Underwriter - HYBRID

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Underwriter Location * 222 S Harbor Blvd, #720, Anaheim, CA 92805 Salary * $85,000 - $120,000/year Position Type * Full-Time * Exempt (Salaried) * Monday - Friday * 8:30 am - 5:30 pm * Hybrid after 1 ...

The Hartford

Captives Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $199K/yr

Senior Executive Underwriter - UW07CCExecutive Underwriter - UW07CD We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies.

The Hartford

Captives Underwriter

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $199K/yr

Senior Executive Underwriter - UW07CCExecutive Underwriter - UW07CD We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies.

The Hartford

Captives Underwriter

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $199K/yr

Senior Executive Underwriter - UW07CCExecutive Underwriter - UW07CD We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies.

The Hartford

Captives Underwriter

Walnut Creek, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $199K/yr

Senior Executive Underwriter - UW07CCExecutive Underwriter - UW07CD We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies.

H.W. Kaufman Group

Associate Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Our Associate Underwriters directly service a book of business under the supervision of an Underwriter, offering the opportunity to learn the specialty insurance business and career advancements into ...

The Hartford

Captives Underwriter

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $199K/yr

Senior Executive Underwriter - UW07CCExecutive Underwriter - UW07CD We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies.

The Hartford

Captives Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$124K - $199K/yr

Senior Executive Underwriter - UW07CCExecutive Underwriter - UW07CD We're determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies.

Liberty Mutual

Executive Underwriter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

DescriptionAs an Executive Underwriter specializing in Wholesale Excess & Surplus (E&S) Casualty , you will underwrite policies within delegated authority, exercising sound judgment and analytical ...

Tihinsurance

Inside Underwriter

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$72K - $90K/yr

Underwrite new and renewal business within binding authority and brokerage markets, including evaluating risk,determiningterms, and placing coveragein accordance withcarrier and company guidelines

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All JobsUnderwriter JobsUnderwriter Jobs in California

Underwriter information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$77.8K

$137.7K

How much do underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwriter in California is $77,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,200.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an underwriter do?

An underwriter evaluates the risk of insuring a person, property, or company and decides whether to provide insurance or a loan, and at what terms. They analyze applications, review financial and background information, and use statistical data to determine the likelihood of a loss. Underwriters play a key role in banking, insurance, and mortgage industries, ensuring that risks are carefully assessed to protect their organization from potential losses.

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

To thrive as an Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in finance, business, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Proficiency with underwriting software, risk assessment tools, and industry certifications such as CPCU or ARM is highly valued. Excellent decision-making, negotiation, and communication skills help underwriters effectively assess risk and interact with clients or agents. These skills are essential for accurately evaluating applications, minimizing financial risk, and supporting organizational profitability.

What are some common challenges faced by underwriters in balancing risk assessment and business goals?

Underwriters often face the challenge of thoroughly assessing risk while also supporting their company's business objectives, such as meeting production goals or maintaining client relationships. This requires a careful analysis of data, attention to detail, and effective communication with agents or brokers to clarify information and negotiate terms. Balancing these priorities can be demanding, but successful underwriters develop strong analytical skills and the ability to make judicious decisions under time constraints. Collaboration with other departments, such as claims and sales, is also key to ensuring both risk management and business targets are achieved.

What is the difference between Underwriter vs Actuary?

AspectUnderwriterActuary
Required CredentialsInsurance license, sometimes certifications like CPCUFellowship in SOA or CAS, actuarial exams
Work EnvironmentInsurance companies, underwriting departmentsConsulting firms, insurance companies, financial institutions
Industry UsageCommon in insurance, bankingPrimarily in insurance, pensions, finance
Job FocusAssessing risk for policy approvalAnalyzing statistical data to predict future risks

While both underwriters and actuaries work in the insurance industry assessing risk, underwriters focus on evaluating individual insurance applications and approving policies. Actuaries analyze large data sets to forecast future risks and set premium rates. Their roles complement each other but require different certifications and skill sets.

Do underwriters make a lot of money?

Underwriters typically earn a median annual salary that varies by industry and experience, with many earning between $60,000 and $100,000. Senior or specialized underwriters can earn higher salaries, especially with professional certifications and experience in fields like insurance or banking.

Do you need a degree to be an underwriter?

A degree is not always required to become an underwriter, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in fields like finance, business, or economics. Relevant skills such as analytical ability, attention to detail, and knowledge of insurance or lending practices are also important, and professional certifications can enhance job prospects.

Is it hard to get into underwriting?

Getting into underwriting can be competitive, as it often requires relevant education such as a degree in finance, economics, or related fields, along with strong analytical skills. Entry-level positions may be accessible with internships or certifications like the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), but advancing in the field typically requires experience and industry knowledge.
More about Underwriter jobs

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For Underwriter jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Underwriter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwriter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,846 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Underwriter

Kings Mortgage Services

Santa Ana, CA

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description
 The Wholesale Underwriter is responsible for reviewing and evaluating residential mortgage loan applications submitted through third-party brokers to ensure compliance with company guidelines, investor requirements, and applicable regulations. This role analyzes borrower creditworthiness, income, assets, collateral, and overall loan risk to make sound underwriting decisions while maintaining service level expectations. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Review and analyze loan applications, credit reports, and financial documents to determine borrower eligibility.
  • Assess risk factors associated with mortgage loans, including income verification, debt-to-income ratios, and creditworthiness.
  • Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations as well as company policies throughout the underwriting process.
  • Collaborate with brokers, Account Managers, Account Executives, and other stakeholders to resolve any issues or discrepancies in documentation.
  • Prepare detailed financial reports summarizing findings and recommendations for loan approvals or denials.
  • Experience with Encompass is required
  • Conduct quantitative analysis to evaluate borrower profiles and market conditions impacting loan decisions.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, changes in regulations, and best practices in mortgage underwriting.


Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Active Underwriter designation certificate (DE) required
  • Experience using Encompass required
  • Proven experience in mortgage underwriting or a related field within financial services.
  • Strong knowledge of HUD underwriting guidelines.
  • Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail to ensure accuracy in assessments.
  • Strong communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and clients.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.


Benefits
Kings Mortgage Services, Inc. offers a full suite of benefits including:
  •  Medical Insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) with company match