Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Washington, DC

Washington, District of Columbia$114,000 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Washington

Looking for a Insurance Underwriter job in Washington? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Insurance Underwriter in Washington, DC.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Washington has a strong job market for Insurance Underwriters. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Insurance Underwriter Salary in Washington

Entry Level
$71,060
Median
$114,000
Senior Level
$166,060

Insurance Underwriter salaries in Washington are 52% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Washington is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Risk AssessmentPolicy AnalysisUnderwriting GuidelinesData AnalysisCommunication

Insurance Underwriter Job Market in Washington

Washington, DC is one of America's premier job markets for Insurance Underwriter professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 690K residents, Washington balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Government and Technology sectors create robust demand for Insurance Underwriter talent. The market for Insurance Underwriter positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Insurance Underwriters in Washington

Fannie MaeFreddie MacCapital OneCoStar GroupGEICO

Major employers hiring Insurance Underwriters in Washington include Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Capital One, CoStar Group, and GEICO. The strong financial services presence creates consistent demand for experienced Insurance Underwriter professionals, with competitive compensation packages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Insurance Underwriters in Washington

Living in Washington as a Insurance Underwriter means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (152% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month (44% above the national average of $1,800). Housing costs are manageable for Insurance Underwriter salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,900/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

152
Cost Index (100=avg)
$2.6K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a Insurance Underwriter in Washington

Washington Metro rail system with 6 lines, Metrobus, and commuter rail options. The average commute time is 34 minutes. Metro connects DC to Virginia and Maryland suburbs. Many government and contractor jobs cluster near Metro stations.

Best neighborhoods for Insurance Underwriters in Washington: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Insurance Underwriter professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in District of Columbia

District of Columbia has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Insurance Underwriters

The job outlook for Insurance Underwriters in Washington is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, Washington typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Risk Assessment, Policy Analysis, Underwriting Guidelines, Data Analysis.

Relocating to Washington

Washington has a very high cost of living. Many Insurance Underwriters negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Insurance Underwriter salary in Washington, DC?

The average Insurance Underwriter salary in Washington, DC is $114,000 per year. Entry-level Insurance Underwriters typically start around $71,060, while experienced professionals can earn $166,060 or more. The national average for Insurance Underwriter roles is $75,000.

How many Insurance Underwriter jobs are available in Washington?

Washington has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for Insurance Underwriter professionals. Major employers hiring Insurance Underwriters include Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Capital One, CoStar Group. The Government and Technology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Washington a good city for Insurance Underwriters?

Washington is an excellent choice for Insurance Underwriters. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's government industry creates strong demand for finance & accounting professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Insurance Underwriters in Washington?

Top skills for Insurance Underwriters in Washington include Risk Assessment, Policy Analysis, Underwriting Guidelines, Data Analysis, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Insurance Underwriters in Washington?

Washington's cost of living is significantly above the national average (152% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,600/month. Purchasing power in Washington is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Insurance Underwriters in Washington?

Washington Metro rail system with 6 lines, Metrobus, and commuter rail options. The average commute is 34 minutes. Metro connects DC to Virginia and Maryland suburbs.

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