Underwriter Jobs in Illinois
Underwriter jobs in Illinois are concentrated in one of the country's most active insurance and financial services markets, with openings running from entry-level analyst roles through senior and specialty positions across property and casualty, life and health, and commercial lines. Chicago is the dominant hiring center, anchoring demand alongside suburban hubs like Schaumburg and Downers Grove, where major carriers including Allstate, Zurich North America, and CNA Financial have long-established operations. The most in-demand specialties right now are commercial casualty, cyber liability, and mortgage underwriting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- 2960
- Chicago, Illinois
- Underwriting/Reinsurance
- full-time
- Works from an office location
- 14, 15, 16 or 17
- USD $94,000.00/Yr.
- USD $198,000.00/Yr.
Job Description
Established nearly two centuries ago, FM is a leading mutual insurance company whose capital, scientific research capability and engineering expertise are solely dedicated to property risk management and the resilience of its policyholder-owners. These owners, who share the belief that the majority of property loss is preventable, represent many of the world’s largest organizations, including one of every four Fortune 500 companies. They work with FM to better understand the hazards that can impact their business continuity to make cost-effective risk management decisions, combining property loss prevention with insurance protection.
FM Affiliated is looking for a Production Underwriter I to join the Chicago Office. This unique opportunity to be a part of the largest FM Affiliated office is extremely important because the FM Affiliated Production Underwriter I is responsible for both new business production as well as renewal retention while maintaining underwriting profit and protecting the company’s assets. The Production Underwriter demonstrates team leadership and initiative, good judgment, and decision-making skills.
Responsibilities:
The Production Underwriter I must effectively market FM Affiliated products and services to a network of producers with whom long term relationships are developed, maintained, and cultivated. The FM Affiliated production underwriter is responsible for profitable risk selection, negotiation of pricing, terms, and conditions, and using creative underwriting strategies to optimize net retentions that effectively balance both customer and company needs. The Production Underwriter is responsible to coordinate account team resources to provide excellent and responsive services that add value to our broker and customer relationships.
The Production Underwriter I works closely with Account Engineers to review renewal and new business opportunities to ensure proper risk identification, analysis, and assessment in order to ensure the development and growth of a profitable portfolio of business in the Chicago territory. FM Affiliated Production Underwriters primary relationships are with Brokers and reinsurers for insurance-related issues.
Responsibilities include meeting specific profit, production, and retention goals as developed in consultation with Regional and Area manager. Multiple business contacts must be established, and an effective program of calls must be executed averaging 8-10 face-to-face visits a month to ensure high visibility.
New risks must be pre-qualified based on acceptability today and its future potential. This includes a thorough analysis of the broker submission, desired pricing, terms and conditions, financial condition, adequacy of reported values, and loss experience.
The company’s assets must be protected by adhering to company underwriting standards and procedures. This will include determining the amount subject and net capacity commitment, in addition to checking cross liability, managing catastrophe aggregate retentions, negotiating, and purchasing reinsurance and establishing commissions in a manner most advantageous to the company.
Qualifications
- This position requires someone with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- 2-5 Years industry experience (broker/insurance company) as Underwriter for commercial property accounts of varying occupancies and sizes.
- Candidate must also have experience dealing with a variety of occupancies as well as current engineering and underwriting issues such as current property coverages and forms, and/or quickly learn and keep updated on industry state of the art.
- Additionally, this person will be proficient in and have excellent organizational, time management, problem solving, decision making, interpersonal and selling skills and a working knowledge of MS Office products.
The final salary offer will vary based on geographic location, individual education, skills, and experience. The position is eligible to participate in FM’s comprehensive Total Rewards program that includes an incentive plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, well-being programs, a 401(k) and pension plan, career development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, flexible work, and time off, including vacation and sick time.
FM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce.
See All 97 Underwriter Jobs in Illinois
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Find Underwriter JobsUnderwriter Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Underwriter Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance13
- Staffing & Recruiting1
- Banking & Financial Services1
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in underwriter jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois producer license or a license recognized for reciprocity in Illinois
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, risk management, or a related field
- Professional designation such as CPCU, AU, or CU preferred for mid-level roles
- Demonstrated experience reviewing and analyzing commercial or personal lines applications
- Proficiency with underwriting platforms, rating systems, and risk assessment tools
- Strong written communication skills for coverage decisions and broker correspondence
Underwriter Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a underwriter in Illinois?
Most underwriters in Illinois start with a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or risk management and then join a carrier's training program. Illinois does not require underwriters to hold a producer license unless they are also binding or selling coverage, but many employers expect candidates to pursue one through the Illinois Department of Insurance. Professional designations like the CPCU or Associate in Underwriting strengthen long-term career progression and are commonly required at senior levels.
How much do underwriters make in Illinois?
Underwriters in Illinois earn a median of about $89,620 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $59,730 for the lowest 10% to over $161,410 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire underwriters in Illinois?
Employers hiring underwriters in Illinois right now include AXA, Chubb Insurance, and Liberty Mutual Insurance, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of national carrier headquarters and large regional offices, particularly in the Chicago metro and the northwestern suburbs, means the state consistently produces some of the highest underwriter hiring volumes in the country.
Which Illinois cities have the most underwriter jobs?
Chicago, Naperville, and Rosemont lead Illinois for underwriter openings. Chicago dominates because it is home to corporate headquarters and regional offices for major carriers and financial institutions, while suburban markets like Schaumburg and Downers Grove reflect the large campus operations that Allstate, Zurich North America, and similar employers have built outside the city core.
Are there remote underwriter jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. Underwriting is a desk-based, analytical function that translates well to remote work, and the role has seen strong adoption of flexible arrangements across the industry. About 73% of underwriter openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with personal lines and commercial lines roles being the most likely to offer fully remote options compared to specialty or manuscript lines that require closer collaboration.
How can I get hired as a underwriter in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an underwriting trainee or associate underwriter program run by a major Illinois carrier. Allstate, CNA Financial, and Zurich North America have all historically recruited new graduates directly into structured training rotations at their Illinois offices. Candidates coming from insurance customer service, claims, or brokerage roles often make strong lateral moves because they already understand policy structure. Earning an entry-level designation like the Associate in General Insurance before applying gives a resume a concrete advantage over other new candidates.
Where can I find and apply to underwriter jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to underwriter jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across carriers, managing general agents, and financial institutions. Find roles that fit your experience level and specialty and apply directly from the listing.
See All 97 Underwriter Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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