Insurance Underwriters
Description OES Code: 21102
Review applications for insurance coverage submitted to the company. They evaluate the potential risk, and accept, reject, or modify the policy according to law or company standards.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $14.66
25th Percentile $12.86
50th Percentile $16.78
75th Percentile $20.14

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $12.75
25th Percentile $13.67
50th Percentile $17.18
75th Percentile $21.98

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Fringe benefits include paid vacations, holidays and sick leave, group life and health insurance, retirement programs, and sometimes profit sharing plans. The workweek is normally 37-1/2 hours; overtime or evening work is rare.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 9,600
Projected Employment 2008 10,300
Percent Change 1998-2008 7.3%
Separations 1998-2008 2,800

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 110
Projected Employment 2006 100
Percent Change 1999-2006 -9.1%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Life Insurance Underwriters usually work in the headquarters office of their company, while Casualty and Liability Underwriters may work in headquarters, regional, or branch offices, usually located in or near major metropolitan areas. Most offices are large, modern, and equipped with the latest office machines and computers. As a general rule, the industry provides good job security because most insurance is considered a necessity regardless of economic conditions. Underwriting is a complex, demanding, and responsible job. Underwriters use considerable judgment in appraising risks, and their decisions are seldom reviewed at a higher level.

Advancement
Continuing education is necessary for advancement. Advancement comes first in the form of increased underwriting authority in one type or line of insurance. The trend is to move away from narrow specialization. No longer does a Fire Underwriter sit at one desk and a Casualty Underwriter sit at another. Instead, in many companies, Underwriters may receive advanced training and become most proficient in one line but will also have full working knowledge of other lines of insurance. Senior Underwriters handle the most complex accounts or may advance to supervisory or managerial positions in branch, regional, or headquarters offices.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Many large companies recruit on college campuses. Trainee positions are also listed with college placement services, public or private employment agencies, and the California Employment Development Department Job Services. Direct application to company personnel departments is also recommended. Announcements of trainee openings are usually posted in insurance company offices.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Employers usually expect trainees to have a bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration or with emphasis on business subjects. Recommended courses include economics, accounting, statistics, commercial law, and insurance principles. Some employers start all trainees in support positions so they can learn each function thoroughly prior to being placed on the job doing actual underwriting work. Underwriters involved in commercial insurance are almost always expected to have both a degree and business experience.

Many schools offer courses in insurance and correspondence study programs are also available; however, insurance companies usually rely on their own training programs to teach Underwriters the basic job-related skills. Training programs combine formal classroom instruction and self-study workbooks with on-the-job training. It requires six months to two years or more to become a journey-level Underwriter, depending on individual performance and the complexity of the work. Most companies hold special seminars to keep experienced Insurance Underwriters up-to-date on new regulations, procedures, and changes in underwriting policy.

Skills & Other Requirements
Underwriting requires an analytical mind, attention to detail, good judgment, and decision-making ability. Although Underwriters deal primarily with facts and figures, they must also be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and must get along well with others.

References
California Occupational Guide #55

Related Occupations: Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, & Investigators, Actuaries

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)