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Underwriting Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Surety Underwriter

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

... Underwriting Trainees, as determined by his/her Manager or Supervisor. * Performs other duties as assigned. Requirement * Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience * Business/Finance ...

Surety Underwriter

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

... Underwriting Trainees, as determined by his/her Manager or Supervisor. * Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Requirement * Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience

Surety Underwriter

Irvine, CA · On-site

$125K/yr

... Underwriting Trainees, as determined by his/her Manager or Supervisor. * Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications Requirement * Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience

Be Seen First

... trainees through credit, income, asset, collateral, and guideline scenarios. · Translate complex underwriting guidelines into practical, easy-to-understand training. · Build and maintain training ...

New

Be Seen First

... trainees through credit, income, asset, collateral, and guideline scenarios. · Translate complex underwriting guidelines into practical, easy-to-understand training. · Build and maintain training ...

New

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Showing results 1-20

Underwriting Trainee information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$77.8K

$137.7K

How much do underwriting trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for underwriting trainee 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 is an underwriting trainee?

Underwriting Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning how to evaluate insurance applications, assess risks, and determine appropriate coverage and premiums. They work under the supervision of experienced underwriters and receive training in company policies, industry regulations, and risk assessment techniques. The goal of an underwriting trainee is to develop the skills necessary to make sound decisions regarding accepting or rejecting insurance applications and to eventually become a fully qualified underwriter.

What kind of training and mentorship can an underwriting trainee expect during their first year?

As an Underwriting Trainee, you can expect a structured onboarding process that combines classroom learning with hands-on experience. Most insurance companies pair trainees with experienced underwriters or mentors who provide guidance on risk assessment, policy review, and client interactions. You’ll likely rotate through different insurance lines to gain a broad understanding of underwriting practices, and participate in team meetings to discuss real cases. This collaborative environment helps you build technical skills and professional networks, laying a solid foundation for advancement within the company.

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

To thrive as an Underwriting Trainee, you need strong analytical skills, 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 Microsoft Excel are typically required, and some employers may value progress toward professional certifications like CPCU. Effective communication, organization, and a willingness to learn help candidates stand out in this entry-level position. These skills and qualities are essential for accurately assessing risks, managing data, and building a successful foundation for a career in insurance underwriting.

What is the difference between Underwriting Trainee vs Underwriter?

AspectUnderwriting TraineeUnderwriter
CredentialsTypically entry-level, may require a degree in finance, insurance, or related fieldProfessional certification often preferred, such as CPCU or similar
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised tasks, learning-focusedDecision-making, risk assessment, independent or team-based
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting in risk evaluation, learning underwriting processesEvaluating risks, approving or rejecting policies

In summary, an Underwriting Trainee is an entry-level role focused on learning and supporting underwriting tasks, while an Underwriter is a fully responsible professional making risk decisions independently.

How do you become an underwriting trainee?

To become an underwriting trainee, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Relevant skills include analytical thinking and attention to detail, and some companies may require or prefer prior internship experience in insurance or finance. On-the-job training is provided, and strong communication skills are beneficial for success in the role.

How much do beginner underwriting trainees make?

Beginner underwriting 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 skills, with salaries increasing with experience and certifications.

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 Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Underwriting Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Underwriting Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,846 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Underwriter Trainee - Environmental

AXIS Capital

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

This is your opportunity to join AXIS Capital - a trusted global provider of specialty lines insurance and reinsurance.  We stand apart for our outstanding client service, intelligent risk taking and superior risk adjusted returns for our shareholders. We also proudly maintain an entrepreneurial, disciplined and ethical corporate culture.  As a member of AXIS, you join a team that is among the best in the industry.

At AXIS, we believe that we are only as strong as our people. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where employees of all backgrounds and from all walks of life feel comfortable and empowered to be themselves. This means that we bring our whole selves to work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic, including age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any basis prohibited by the laws that govern its operations.

Underwriting Trainee - Environmental

Position Summary

AXIS is seeking an ambitious and analytical Underwriting Trainee to join our Environmental team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional interested in developing a long-term career in specialty insurance underwriting.

The Environmental business provides innovative insurance solutions for environmental contractors, environmental consultants, engineers, construction-related risks, and other professional service firms with complex environmental exposures.

As an Underwriting Trainee, you will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced underwriters while developing technical underwriting, risk assessment, broker relationship management, and portfolio management skills.

This position is designed to provide a structured career path toward promotion into an Underwriter role within the DP&E organization.

What You Will Do

Under the guidance of senior underwriters, you will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of specialty commercial insurance underwriting, pricing, and risk selection.
  • Assist in evaluating new and renewal submissions by reviewing loss history, financial information, exposure data, operational details, and account characteristics.
  • Analyze environmental, professional liability, and contractor-related risks to support underwriting decisions.
  • Conduct research on insureds, industries, market trends, and emerging environmental exposures.
  • Prepare underwriting analyses and recommendations for peer review and underwriting discussions.
  • Support the quoting, binding, and policy issuance process.
  • Learn AXIS underwriting guidelines, coverage forms, endorsements, and risk appetite.
  • Assist with renewal reviews, policy changes, endorsements, and premium adjustments.
  • Participate in broker meetings, training sessions, and marketing initiatives alongside experienced underwriters.
  • Develop a foundational understanding of environmental liability, professional liability, and specialty package products.
  • Build strong working relationships with brokers, clients, internal partners, and distribution teams.
  • Gain exposure to portfolio management and profitability analysis while learning how disciplined underwriting drives sustainable growth.

You will build proficiency in:

Core Underwriting Skills

  • Risk assessment and exposure analysis
  • Coverage review and interpretation
  • Underwriting processes, workflows, and systems
  • Pricing methods and rating fundamentals
  • Loss ratio and profitability analysis

Product Knowledge

  • Contractors Pollution Liability
  • Professional Liability
  • Pollution Legal Liability
  • Combined environmental package products
  • Related environmental and specialty casualty coverages

Business Development

  • Broker relationship building
  • Marketing and distribution basics
  • Clear presentation and communication skills
  • Industry networking and professional growth

Qualifications Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Risk Management, Insurance, Economics, Environmental Science, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • 0-1 years of professional experience.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to learn technical concepts and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and desire to build a career in underwriting.

Preferred

  • Internship experience in insurance, engineering, construction, environmental services, or related industries.
  • Coursework or academic background in environmental science, engineering, risk management, or finance.
  • Interest in specialty insurance and environmental risk management.
  • Experience analyzing data and making recommendations based on findings.

For this position, we currently expect to offer a base salary in the range of $70,000 to $95,000. Your salary offer will be based on an assessment of a variety of factors including your specific experience and work location.

In addition, you will be offered competitive target incentive compensation, with awards based on overall corporate and individual performance. On top of this, you will be eligible for a comprehensive and competitive benefits package which includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and much more.

Where this role is based in the United States of America, this role is[Exempt/Non-Exempt]for FLSA purposes.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.