Underwriter Jobs in California
Underwriter jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in insurance carriers, mortgage lending, and commercial real estate finance, with openings from entry-level analyst roles through senior and specialty underwriter positions. The largest hiring hubs are Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where employers like Farmers Insurance, Pacific Mutual, and Wells Fargo maintain substantial underwriting operations. Mortgage, commercial lines, and life and health underwriting are consistently the most in-demand specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Position Summary:
Analyzes new and existing personal lines business to evaluate degree of risk and potential exposure; accepts, rejects, or modifies coverage; underwrites policies and establishes appropriate premiums according to underwriting authority and guidelines as provided under Company Policies and in compliance with current legislation.
Geo-Salary Information:
An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process
State specific pay scales for this role are as follows:
- $44,466.00 to $77,881.00 (NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA)
- $40,424.00 to $70,801.00 (NV, OR, AZ, CO, WY, TX, ND, MN, MO, IL, WI, FL, GA, MI, OH, VA, PA, DE, VT, NH, ME)
- $36,381.00 to $63,721.00 (UT, ID, MT, NM, SD, NE, KS, OK, IA, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, KY, IN, SC, NC, WV)
- In CA: Typical hiring range is $55,056.15 to $67,290.85
The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills and location.
Essential Job Functions:
- Obtains and utilizes pertinent information such as inspection reports, motor vehicle reports, photographs, comprehensive loss reports, registration information, and other third party data to evaluate a personal lines risk and determine acceptability. Reviews endorsements, renewals and other information for existing accounts and re-evaluates the policy in order to determine changes in risk, premium or acceptability per Company guidelines. Ensures accurate and timely processing of updates.
- Influences sales by providing exceptional service and building strong relationships with agents. Helps manage the sales process through assisting agents in placing new business and retaining existing customers.
- Keeps abreast of underwriting developments, products and changes within the Company as well as the industry. Identify opportunities where the Company can position itself more competitively in the marketplace and make significant improvements in pricing and underwriting.
- Participates as a project team member where duties may include: contributing to overall project objectives, completing individual deliverables and providing expertise.
- Other duties as assigned by Leader.
- Regular attendance at work on a full-time schedule of at least 8 hours and 40 hours per week.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
Experience:
- 6 months related experience and formal underwriting training
- Or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
Knowledge and Skills:
- Effective and diplomatic verbal and written communication skills to correspond with agents, insureds, marketing and claims personnel concerning policies, coverage, etc.
- Work is of moderate technical complexity, calling for general knowledge of underwriting standards, philosophy and practices.
- Ability to analyze complex data to assist in decision making.
- Requires independent judgment to make decisions beyond the scope of established guidelines and parameters of underwriting, having a moderate to significant impact on the Company in terms of costs, revenue, and customer and agent relations.
- Requires critical attention to detail and strong organizational skill.
- Effective listening skills.
- Professional and effective phone communication skills.
Why choose a career at Mercury?
At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it. Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life. We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.
We offer many great benefits, including:
- Competitive compensation
- Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
- Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
- Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
- 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
- Engaging work environment
- Promotional opportunities
- Education assistance
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Company recognition program
- Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more
Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Pay Range: USD $44,466.00 - USD $77,881.00 /Yr.
See All 82 Underwriter Jobs in California
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Find Underwriter JobsUnderwriter Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Underwriter Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Risksmith Insurance Services18

- Chubb5

- Great American Insurance5

- Travelers4

Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance56
- Banking & Financial Services15
- Agriculture & Farming3
- Technology & Software3
- Construction & Real Estate2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in underwriter jobs across California.
- Active California insurance license or eligibility to obtain one upon hire
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field
- Experience reviewing and analyzing risk for commercial or personal lines
- Proficiency with underwriting platforms and policy management systems
- Strong knowledge of California-specific insurance regulations and compliance requirements
- Professional designation such as CPCU, AU, or CUL preferred for senior roles
Underwriter Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an underwriter in California?
Most underwriter roles in California require a bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field, plus a California Department of Insurance license for positions that involve binding coverage. Property and casualty underwriters typically need a P&C license, while life and health underwriters need the corresponding California license. Many employers also value professional designations like CPCU or AU, which candidates can pursue through the Institutes while working.
How much do underwriters make in California?
Underwriters in California earn a median of about $95,320 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,070 for the lowest 10% to over $162,640 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire underwriters in California?
Employers hiring underwriters in California right now include Risksmith Insurance Services, Chubb, and Great American Insurance, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large concentration of insurance carriers, regional banks, and mortgage lenders means steady hiring across both commercial and personal lines underwriting functions statewide.
Which California cities have the most underwriter jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Walnut Creek have the most underwriter openings in California. Los Angeles drives volume through its large insurance carrier offices and mortgage market, San Francisco reflects demand from commercial lending and specialty risk in the tech and biotech sectors, and Sacramento is anchored by state agency contractors and mid-size regional insurers headquartered in the capital region.
Are there remote underwriter jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields. Underwriting is largely desk-based and document-driven, making it well suited to remote arrangements. About 26% of underwriter openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting a broader industry shift since carriers invested heavily in remote infrastructure. Mortgage and commercial lines underwriting roles tend to have the highest share of fully remote positions.
How can I get hired as an underwriter in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an underwriting assistant or analyst role, which large California-based carriers like Farmers Insurance and regional mortgage lenders routinely use to develop in-house talent. Candidates moving from adjacent roles such as loan processor, claims adjuster, or insurance customer service representative have a strong conversion rate. Obtaining a California Department of Insurance license before applying, even without industry experience, gives early-career candidates a meaningful edge over unlicensed applicants.
Where can I find and apply to underwriter jobs in California?
You can find and apply to underwriter jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across insurance, mortgage, and commercial lending. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the employer. No profile creation is required to search and apply.
See All 82 Underwriter Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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