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Underwriting Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Underwriting Associate information

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How much do underwriting associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for underwriting associate in California is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an underwriting associate?

Underwriting associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who support underwriters in evaluating and processing insurance applications or loan requests. They assist in gathering and reviewing applicant information, assessing risk factors, and preparing documentation necessary for decision-making. Their work ensures that underwriters have accurate data to determine whether to approve or deny coverage or loans, and under what terms. Underwriting associates often interact with agents, clients, and other departments to facilitate a smooth underwriting process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underwriting associate?

To thrive as an Underwriting Associate, you need a strong understanding of risk assessment, analytical skills, and knowledge of insurance principles, often supported by a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with underwriting software, data analysis tools, and sometimes certifications such as CPCU or AU is highly valuable. Attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational skills help you excel in evaluating applications and collaborating with clients and colleagues. These skills ensure accurate risk evaluation, efficient workflow, and compliance with industry standards, leading to sound business decisions and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges underwriting associates face when balancing risk assessment with client expectations?

Underwriting Associates often need to carefully evaluate the risk profile of applicants while also considering the business objectives and maintaining positive relationships with clients or brokers. A common challenge is ensuring thorough risk analysis under tight deadlines, especially when clients expect quick decisions. Balancing the need for accuracy and compliance with internal policies, while also providing responsive service, requires strong organizational and communication skills. Collaborating closely with senior underwriters and other departments can help manage these challenges and ensure informed, fair decisions.

Is underwriting a hard career?

Underwriting is a detail-oriented role that requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of insurance or financial products. It can be challenging due to the need to assess risk accurately and make decisions under pressure, but it also offers opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

Is underwriting an entry level position?

Underwriting associate positions are often entry-level roles that require basic knowledge of insurance or finance, strong analytical skills, and attention to detail. Many employers provide on-the-job training, and some roles may prefer candidates with a relevant degree or certification, such as the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP).

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwriting jobs in California?

The most popular types of Underwriting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Underwriting Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Underwriting Associate job openings:

Underwriting Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underwriting Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,031 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Underwriting Team Manager

Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc.

San Diego, CA • Remote

$125K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2000, Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is a privately owned, full-service national lender, offering Wholesale, Correspondent, Renovation and Reverse residential mortgages. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Plaza employs a network of sales associates to serve its clients nationwide.
Plaza is dedicated to building quality, long-term relationships with its mortgage broker and correspondent clients by offering comprehensive programs and exceptional customer experience.

Responsible for managing the underwriting process and providing leadership and support for their team. Serves as resource to the National Wholesale Division for underwriting and credit policy questions. Accountable for analyzing and evaluating consumer home loan applications and supporting documentation to assess Borrowers' credit worthiness. Types of consumer loan applications include Conventional Conforming and Non-Conforming loan amounts, FHA, VA and USDA residential first mortgages. Recommends approval or denial of credit applications and provides written and verbal decisions and documentation to support the lending decision.

Job Duties:

  • Work directly with Junior and Senior Underwriters by providing training and daily support
  • Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of Underwriters
  • Motivate and coach underwriting department in achieving National Wholesale Division goals
  • Monitor reports for the purpose of identifying positive and negative trends in productivity within the underwriting department
  • Oversee pipeline to ensure loans are approved and then cleared-to-close within the expected turn-times
  • Manage the underwriting team and substantiate they adhere to all Plaza’s Policy & Procedures, and that loans are processed in compliance with all underwriting guidelines
  • Engage in verbal and written communication with clients and Sales Team
  • Effectively communicate to the underwriting department about company changes to policy and procedures
  • Provide guidance to Underwriting Team Leads regarding how to effectively manage their teams(if applicable)
  • Knowledge of FNMA, and FMLMC documentation and general guidelines/standards essential. Additionally, experience with FHA, VA and USDA required
  • Ability to act as FHA DE and/or VA Automatic and SAR Underwriter
  • May be asked to second sign loan decisions for lower-level authority underwriters.
  • Act as underwriting resource for the National Wholesale Division
  • Assist in resolving National Wholesale Division post-closing suspense issues
  • Evaluate and analyze complex income tax returns to establish qualifying income
  • Participate in developing process improvements and efficiencies as an ongoing best practice
  • Conduct periodic loan-level audits to ensure compliance with all company quality standards
  • Assess and evaluate underwriter scorecard for efficiency gains; guide team members when required
  • Coach underwriting team on their job performance and complete annual performance reviews by their due date
  • Lead, guide, mentor, and train entire underwriting team
  • Work with AVP, Regional Underwriting Manager on setting monthly goals
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with (AUS) automated underwriting systems
  • Working knowledge of loan program products and services, and policies essential
  • Demonstrated skill in monitoring and overseeing loan production pipeline
  • Ability to understand and make recommended changes to standard operating procedures
  • Thorough grasp of state and federal regulations is required as well as a solid understanding of: HMDA, Regulation Z, Regulation B; working knowledge of the FHLMC, FNMA guidelines; based on lending authority, working knowledge of FHA, VA and USDA
  • Experience with Loan Origination Systems (LOS) such as Calyx Point, Ellie Mae, Integra and, Encompass
  • Knowledge of paperless file environment and image software repository
  • Proficiency with computer systems including MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook), Internet Browsers, and email functions required
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Superior customer service skills
  • Ability to efficiently and consistently produce accurate work
  • Solid organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Capability of multi-tasking in fast-paced environment with heavy volume of transactions
  • Proven aptitude to work in both a team and individual environment
  • Sound judgment skills essential to make quick decisions within written policy and standard operating procedures
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; College degree preferred
  • Previous team lead, supervisory, or commensurate experience desired
  • Current Underwriting experience in the mortgage industry is a must

Work Environment: This is a remote position Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PT

Compensation and Benefits:

Estimated Rate of Pay:

$125,000 annually
This position is full-time; exempt.
The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

In addition, Plaza offers a competitive benefits package; including medical/dental/vision, paid time off and holidays, 401(k), life and pet insurance. Plaza also offers additional benefits such as Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness insurance, and Flexible spending accounts along with a variety of discounted services.

Plaza is an EEOC employer and follows all federal, state, and local laws relating to fair employment.
Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is committed to preventing, stopping and remedying all forms of discrimination that occur in its workplace. Managers are accountable for keeping Plaza's workplace free from discrimination and ensuring that Plaza provides equal employment opportunity for all in the workforce and for those seeking to become members of Plaza's workforce.
Plaza's employees are protected by laws designed to protect employees from discrimination on the bases of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs. Plaza's employees are also protected against retaliation if they engage in a protected activity, whistleblowing, or the exercise of any appeal or grievance right provided by law.
This information is provided by Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. as a courtesy to its mortgage professional clients and the public and is meant for instructional purposes only. None of the information provided is intended to be legal advice in any context. Plaza does not guarantee, warrant, ensure or promise that information provided is accurate. Terms and conditions of programs and guidelines are subject to change at any time without notice. Any unauthorized use or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited. This is not a commitment to lend. ® 2024 Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. Plaza Home Mortgage and the Plaza Home Mortgage logo are registered trademarks of Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. Plaza NMLS 2113
Please find our updated Privacy Policy at:
https://www.plazahomemortgage.com/privacypolicy/
Cigna’s Transparency in Coverage link for Plaza’s careers site.
https://www.cigna.com/legal/compliance/machine-readable-files
Plaza NMLS 2113
https://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

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