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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Discover your future at Citi
Working at Citi is far more than just a job. A career with us means joining a team of approximately 219,000 dedicated people from around the globe. At Citi, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your career, give back to your community and make a real impact.
Job Overview
Citi is looking for a Senior Credit Underwriter to assess and manage complex credit risk across a portfolio of commercial banking clients, playing a pivotal role in shaping sound lending decisions at one of the world's leading global banks. In this position, you will apply deep financial expertise to evaluate high-value credit exposures, ensure compliance with credit and regulatory standards, and contribute directly to the performance and integrity of Citi's Commercial Banking business. You will work alongside experienced bankers and credit professionals, bringing analytical rigour and strategic judgement to transactions that matter.
Responsibilities
- Assess credit extension requests for new and existing commercial clients, leading the underwriting of complex, higher-value transactions and producing thorough annual credit reviews.
- Conduct detailed financial analysis of companies, including trend analysis, ratio assessment, and interpretation of financial statements to evaluate creditworthiness and repayment capacity.
- Evaluate collateral performance across accounts receivable, inventory, machinery, equipment, and real estate to identify changes in trends and assess secondary repayment sources.
- Monitor borrower compliance through monthly and quarterly reviews, tracking adherence to loan covenants and flagging material deviations to the relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure credit decisions align with Citi's credit policies and regulatory requirements, contributing to satisfactory outcomes in internal and external audits.
- Mentor and train less experienced credit staff across application processing, credit analysis, and loan closing, building team capability and knowledge transfer.
- Conduct industry and geographical research and due diligence to support informed credit decisions and identify emerging risk factors.
- Identify and recommend process improvements that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the credit underwriting function.
Required qualifications & skills
- 10 or more years of experience in credit analysis or underwriting within a financial institution, with direct involvement in loan officer or underwriting responsibilities.
- Advanced ability to read, interpret, and assess company financial statements, cash flow projections, and competitive and industry analysis in the context of credit risk.
- Solid knowledge of intermediate accounting theory and its practical application in the credit underwriting process.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously, maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines in a structured office environment.
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholders and colleagues across business areas.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, including the use of graphs and charts, as well as Moody's financial analysis software.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent university-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
Beneficial skills & qualifications
- A background in credit training programmes, lending, or formal credit officer development within a regulated financial institution.
- A degree in finance or accounting, or a Master's degree in a related field.
- Familiarity with commercial banking products and services across a broad institutional context.
What we offer
At Citi, senior credit professionals gain meaningful ownership over decisions that shape the quality of our commercial lending portfolio. You will operate in a collaborative, performance-focused environment with access to global resources, continuous professional development, and the tools to make a measurable impact from day one.
- A hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, giving you flexibility alongside meaningful team collaboration.
- Strategic influence over credit risk decisions on complex, high-value transactions within Citi's Commercial Banking business.
- Access to learning and professional development resources to deepen your expertise and advance your career at a global financial institution.
- A competitive compensation and benefits package, including financial wellbeing support designed for senior professionals.
- The opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of credit professionals, building lasting impact within the team.
- Wellbeing support and work-life balance provisions that recognise the demands of a senior-level role.
Apply today to bring your credit underwriting expertise to a senior role at Citi, where your assessments will directly influence some of the most consequential commercial lending decisions in the business.
This job description provides a high-level review of the types of work performed. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.
- Working Environment: office setting, minimal travel required.
- Effort: minimal physical effort required.
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Job Family Group:
Risk Management-
Job Family:
Credit Risk-
Time Type:
Full time-
Primary Location:
Chicago Illinois United States-
Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$144,480.00 - $216,720.00
In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.
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Most Relevant Skills
Analytical Thinking, Credible Challenge, Financial Analysis, Governance, Policy, Procedure, and Regulation, Risk Management Lifecycle.-
Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.-
Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Sep 23, 2026-
Automated Processing and AI
We use automated processing, including artificial intelligence, for our legitimate business interests (or our reasonable and appropriate business purposes) to identify and align the candidate's skills and abilities with a specific job opening. Additionally, if you so choose, or consent, we can match your skills and abilities to other suitable roles at Citi.
Importantly, all our hiring processes and decisions, including determining your suitability for a role, are conducted, checked, and decided by individuals. Our automated processing and AI do not involve relying on automatic or autonomous decision-making. Please refer to any Jurisdictional Considerations, with specific provisions for your country (where relevant) for further details.
Illinois residents – AI Notice and Right
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Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See All 79 Underwriter Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Insurance17
- 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 Liberty Mutual Insurance, AXA, and Chubb, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 Peoria 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 62% of underwriter openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 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 79 Underwriter Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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