Underwriting Specialist Jobs in Ohio
Underwriting Specialist jobs in Ohio are actively sought across insurance carriers, financial services firms, and regional banks, with openings at every level from entry-level analyst through senior underwriter. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati anchor the market, with established employers like Nationwide, Progressive, and Fifth Third Bank consistently hiring across commercial, personal lines, and specialty risk divisions. Demand is strongest in commercial property and casualty, mortgage underwriting, and health and benefits underwriting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This Specialist, Life Underwriting opportunity sits within Nationwide’s Brokerage General Agency (BGA) area, a relationship-driven part of the life insurance business that partners closely with brokerage firms and distribution partners to support new business through the underwriting process.
In this environment, underwriters work on a broad range of life insurance cases and play an important role in evaluating risk, navigating complex case details, and helping move business efficiently from submission through decision. The work combines strong technical underwriting judgment with thoughtful communication and partnership across the case lifecycle.
What makes this team especially distinctive is the nature of the work: it is underwriting in a less automated environment, where associates are expected to think critically, apply judgment, and stay grounded in the nuance of each case rather than relying on a highly standardized process.
The role is especially attractive for underwriters who want meaningful case complexity. The team supports large and sophisticated cases, works under real volume and field pressure, and values underwriters who can balance responsiveness with sound decision-making.
Overall, this is a strong fit for candidates who are energized by challenging work, want exposure to complex brokerage-oriented underwriting, and are looking for a place where strong judgment, partnership, and long-term development are genuinely valued.
This role is open to fully remote work.
This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program.
#LI-LP1
#LI-REMOTE
Job Description Summary
Our underwriters work hard to provide the exceptional customer experience for which Nationwide is known. Actively engaging with our firms and financial professionals to get to know their clients and their needs builds our understanding of the market, what is needed to win business and put our best offer out first.If you thrive working autonomously, making decisions on a variety of impactful issues and continuing to learn and adapt to grow, we want to know more about you!
As a Senior Life Underwriting Specialist, you'll analyze, select and classify applications for life insurance of a more complex nature according to established underwriting policies, practices and standards. You'll coordinate life insurance selection standards according to underwriting practices and procedures to achieve satisfactory mortality and morbidity experience and acceptable administrative results. We'll count on you to use independent judgment based on your underwriting authority and company underwriting standards. You will also likely serve as a referral point for less experienced underwriters and will often have cross distributional experience. You may also represent your distribution on underwriting related projects.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
Receives, evaluates and underwrites, on a medical or non-medical basis more complex applications for life insurance up to their maximum handling limit as approved by the Chief Underwriter. Protects the confidentiality of documentation and information acquired throughout the underwriting process. Works independently, but engages referral points, mentors and staff underwriting and medical staff for complex issues and cases.
Maintains in-depth knowledge of manuals, underwriting materials, rules, regulations, procedures medical factors and practices impacting mortality and morbidity underwriting. Maintains proven understanding of all underwriting administrative systems to conduct business and provides outstanding service to all internal and external customers and field partners.
Evaluates and accesses applications requiring additional evidence of insurability. Determines the need for and authorizes the ordering of, underwriting requirements to include, but not limited to, medical examinations, blood profiles, home office specimens, attending physician reports, inspection reports, client direct interviews, and other essential information.
Develops a strong understanding of the accelerated underwriting process and can apply risk-based decision-making skills to determine the appropriate requirements needed to provide protective value as well as determining appropriate risk class. This may include but not limited to, making fluid-less underwriting decisions as well as the utilization of alternative sources of medical information while maintaining appropriate tolerance for accepting risk.
Consults with other underwriters and accepts referred cases when designated. Suggests innovative solutions, motivates team performance and facilitates open communication to achieve results.
Evaluates, appraises and quantifies data derived from personal or business financial information and establishes insurable interest in keeping with the principle of indemnification. Assists with training other team members in this area
Reaches terms on and coordinates both automatic and facultative reinsurance within the contractual terms and conditions of Nationwide's various reinsurance treaties and product and market practices.
Meets and presents with field partners as needed. Acquires input and feedback during these visits to build a better understanding of partner needs and expectations.
Determines eligibility for temporary insurance and authorizes disbursement of policy refunds if the Temporary Insurance Agreement (TIA)is not eligible. Also authorizes reimbursement for medical records or other fees associated with requirements needed to confirm evidence of insurability.
Interprets electrocardiogram tracings received as evidence for life insurance applications. Consults with Medical Director on cases where physician input is required.
Consults with Chief Underwriter, Staff Underwriting, Underwriting Consultants, Senior Underwriters and the Medical Director as the need arises.
Supports and assists in meeting goals and objectives for varying territories, special agent programs and contests.
Resolves challenges with effective solutions while maintaining focus on improving time service, quality of application submissions and underwriting quality
Handling up to $5,000,000 for life, up to $750,000 sign off for morbidity underwriting, and ability to sign off on exceptions for Intelligent Underwriting.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Reporting Relationships: Reports to Underwriting Manager or Director
Typical Skills and Experiences:
Education: Undergraduate studies in medical related discipline, marketing, insurance, risk management, economics, finance or business management preferred.
License/Certification/Designation: LOMA Level 1 Certificate (LOMA 280, LOMA 290) preferred. Participation in, or attainment of, professional/technical studies or designation such as ALMI (ALU Level 1 Cert, ALU 201, 202, LOMA 320, 335).
Experience: Five years of life underwriting experience
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Proven foundation for basic financial underwriting. Ability to evaluate the life financial supplement, understand more sophisticated beneficiary situations, e.g., buy/sell agreements, beneficiaries other than immediate family, foreign risks. In-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and non-medical risks. For investment life, proven knowledge of independent distribution systems.
Relationships: Very comfortable negotiating offers and calling out on offers that are other than applied for to explain reasons to the advisor or sales leader.
Basic knowledge of products and reinsurance - is comfortable and has relationships with our facultative reinsurance partners. Advanced ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, with all contacts, including policyholders, applicants, field sales personnel, managers and associates in other operational departments. Exhibits creativity by bringing innovative ideas to problem solving and continually offering new ways to achieve desired objectives and results through effective decision making. Collaborates to resolve complex problems. Ability to analyze performance and financial operating reports to assess cause and effect relationships, and make recommendations providing assistance, knowledge, leadership and improving and influencing overall team efficiency. Constructively resolve customer issues, and within the team and cross-functional areas. Ability to set work priorities that conform to time service and quality standards. Demonstrates resilience.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resources Business Partner.
Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions:
Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)
Working Conditions: Normal office environment and may have the option to work from home. Non-standard hours and some travel may be required.
ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
We currently anticipate accepting applications until 08/28/2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more.
Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.
This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states. Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf
NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:
We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule. The national salary range for Specialist, Underwriting - Life : $88,000.00-$164,000.00 The expected starting salary range for Specialist, Underwriting - Life : $88,000.00 - $132,000.00- Job Category Underwriting
- Position Type Full Time
- Posted 2026-08-12T17:10:03.349336+00:00
- Location(s)
- Ohio
- United States - Remote
- Line of Business
- Entity
- Recruiter
- Hiring Manager
- Experience Level
- Req ID 099783
This Specialist, Life Underwriting opportunity sits within Nationwide’s Brokerage General Agency (BGA) area, a relationship-driven part of the life insurance business that partners closely with brokerage firms and distribution partners to support new business through the underwriting process.
In this environment, underwriters work on a broad range of life insurance cases and play an important role in evaluating risk, navigating complex case details, and helping move business efficiently from submission through decision. The work combines strong technical underwriting judgment with thoughtful communication and partnership across the case lifecycle.
What makes this team especially distinctive is the nature of the work: it is underwriting in a less automated environment, where associates are expected to think critically, apply judgment, and stay grounded in the nuance of each case rather than relying on a highly standardized process.
The role is especially attractive for underwriters who want meaningful case complexity. The team supports large and sophisticated cases, works under real volume and field pressure, and values underwriters who can balance responsiveness with sound decision-making.
Overall, this is a strong fit for candidates who are energized by challenging work, want exposure to complex brokerage-oriented underwriting, and are looking for a place where strong judgment, partnership, and long-term development are genuinely valued.
This role is open to fully remote work.
This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program.
#LI-LP1
#LI-REMOTE
Job Description Summary
Our underwriters work hard to provide the exceptional customer experience for which Nationwide is known. Actively engaging with our firms and financial professionals to get to know their clients and their needs builds our understanding of the market, what is needed to win business and put our best offer out first.If you thrive working autonomously, making decisions on a variety of impactful issues and continuing to learn and adapt to grow, we want to know more about you!
As a Senior Life Underwriting Specialist, you'll analyze, select and classify applications for life insurance of a more complex nature according to established underwriting policies, practices and standards. You'll coordinate life insurance selection standards according to underwriting practices and procedures to achieve satisfactory mortality and morbidity experience and acceptable administrative results. We'll count on you to use independent judgment based on your underwriting authority and company underwriting standards. You will also likely serve as a referral point for less experienced underwriters and will often have cross distributional experience. You may also represent your distribution on underwriting related projects.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
Receives, evaluates and underwrites, on a medical or non-medical basis more complex applications for life insurance up to their maximum handling limit as approved by the Chief Underwriter. Protects the confidentiality of documentation and information acquired throughout the underwriting process. Works independently, but engages referral points, mentors and staff underwriting and medical staff for complex issues and cases.
Maintains in-depth knowledge of manuals, underwriting materials, rules, regulations, procedures medical factors and practices impacting mortality and morbidity underwriting. Maintains proven understanding of all underwriting administrative systems to conduct business and provides outstanding service to all internal and external customers and field partners.
Evaluates and accesses applications requiring additional evidence of insurability. Determines the need for and authorizes the ordering of, underwriting requirements to include, but not limited to, medical examinations, blood profiles, home office specimens, attending physician reports, inspection reports, client direct interviews, and other essential information.
Develops a strong understanding of the accelerated underwriting process and can apply risk-based decision-making skills to determine the appropriate requirements needed to provide protective value as well as determining appropriate risk class. This may include but not limited to, making fluid-less underwriting decisions as well as the utilization of alternative sources of medical information while maintaining appropriate tolerance for accepting risk.
Consults with other underwriters and accepts referred cases when designated. Suggests innovative solutions, motivates team performance and facilitates open communication to achieve results.
Evaluates, appraises and quantifies data derived from personal or business financial information and establishes insurable interest in keeping with the principle of indemnification. Assists with training other team members in this area
Reaches terms on and coordinates both automatic and facultative reinsurance within the contractual terms and conditions of Nationwide's various reinsurance treaties and product and market practices.
Meets and presents with field partners as needed. Acquires input and feedback during these visits to build a better understanding of partner needs and expectations.
Determines eligibility for temporary insurance and authorizes disbursement of policy refunds if the Temporary Insurance Agreement (TIA)is not eligible. Also authorizes reimbursement for medical records or other fees associated with requirements needed to confirm evidence of insurability.
Interprets electrocardiogram tracings received as evidence for life insurance applications. Consults with Medical Director on cases where physician input is required.
Consults with Chief Underwriter, Staff Underwriting, Underwriting Consultants, Senior Underwriters and the Medical Director as the need arises.
Supports and assists in meeting goals and objectives for varying territories, special agent programs and contests.
Resolves challenges with effective solutions while maintaining focus on improving time service, quality of application submissions and underwriting quality
Handling up to $5,000,000 for life, up to $750,000 sign off for morbidity underwriting, and ability to sign off on exceptions for Intelligent Underwriting.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Reporting Relationships: Reports to Underwriting Manager or Director
Typical Skills and Experiences:
Education: Undergraduate studies in medical related discipline, marketing, insurance, risk management, economics, finance or business management preferred.
License/Certification/Designation: LOMA Level 1 Certificate (LOMA 280, LOMA 290) preferred. Participation in, or attainment of, professional/technical studies or designation such as ALMI (ALU Level 1 Cert, ALU 201, 202, LOMA 320, 335).
Experience: Five years of life underwriting experience
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Proven foundation for basic financial underwriting. Ability to evaluate the life financial supplement, understand more sophisticated beneficiary situations, e.g., buy/sell agreements, beneficiaries other than immediate family, foreign risks. In-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and non-medical risks. For investment life, proven knowledge of independent distribution systems.
Relationships: Very comfortable negotiating offers and calling out on offers that are other than applied for to explain reasons to the advisor or sales leader.
Basic knowledge of products and reinsurance - is comfortable and has relationships with our facultative reinsurance partners. Advanced ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, with all contacts, including policyholders, applicants, field sales personnel, managers and associates in other operational departments. Exhibits creativity by bringing innovative ideas to problem solving and continually offering new ways to achieve desired objectives and results through effective decision making. Collaborates to resolve complex problems. Ability to analyze performance and financial operating reports to assess cause and effect relationships, and make recommendations providing assistance, knowledge, leadership and improving and influencing overall team efficiency. Constructively resolve customer issues, and within the team and cross-functional areas. Ability to set work priorities that conform to time service and quality standards. Demonstrates resilience.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resources Business Partner.
Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions:
Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)
Working Conditions: Normal office environment and may have the option to work from home. Non-standard hours and some travel may be required.
ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
We currently anticipate accepting applications until 08/28/2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more.
Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.
This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states. Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf
NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:
We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule. The national salary range for Specialist, Underwriting - Life : $88,000.00-$164,000.00 The expected starting salary range for Specialist, Underwriting - Life : $88,000.00 - $132,000.00- Job Category Underwriting
- Position Type Full Time
- Posted 2026-08-12T17:10:03.349336+00:00
- Location(s)
- Ohio
- United States - Remote
- Line of Business
- Entity
- Recruiter
- Hiring Manager
- Experience Level
- Req ID 099783
See All 8 Underwriting Specialist Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Underwriting Specialist JobsUnderwriting Specialist Jobs by City in Ohio
Where Ohio roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Underwriting Specialist Job Market in Ohio
A snapshot from current Ohio openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance
What Ohio Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in underwriting specialist jobs across Ohio.
- Active Ohio insurance producer license or surplus lines license where required by employer
- Bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field
- One to five years of underwriting or risk assessment experience in a relevant line
- Proficiency with underwriting platforms, policy management systems, and Microsoft Excel
- Working knowledge of Ohio insurance regulations and regional market conditions
- Designation progress toward CPCU, AU, or CUW certification preferred by most carriers
Underwriting Specialist Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a underwriting specialist in Ohio?
Most underwriting specialist roles in Ohio require a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or economics combined with relevant industry experience. For positions that involve binding or issuing insurance policies, Ohio requires licensure through the Ohio Department of Insurance, which administers the property and casualty or life and health producer exam depending on the line of business. Many Ohio employers also expect candidates to be actively pursuing a professional designation such as the CPCU or Associate in Underwriting.
How much do underwriting specialists make in Ohio?
Underwriting specialists in Ohio earn a median of about $79,260 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $52,080 for the lowest 10% to over $128,320 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire underwriting specialists in Ohio?
Employers hiring underwriting specialists in Ohio right now include Berkley, Grange Insurance, and Emergent Holdings, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Ohio's concentration of insurance headquarters and large regional financial institutions means openings appear across both specialty carriers and diversified financial services companies throughout the state.
Which Ohio cities have the most underwriting specialist jobs?
Cincinnati, Ohio, and Columbus lead Ohio for underwriting specialist openings. Columbus drives volume as the state capital and home to Nationwide's headquarters along with a dense cluster of regional insurers and financial firms, while Cleveland and Cincinnati add significant hiring through their established banking sectors, regional carriers, and corporate risk management offices that consistently need underwriting talent.
Are there remote underwriting specialist jobs in Ohio?
Yes, and more than most fields. Underwriting is an analytical, desk-based role, which makes it well suited to remote and hybrid arrangements. About 100% of underwriting specialist openings tied to Ohio are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how broadly carriers have adopted flexible work policies since expanding remote operations. Commercial lines and personal lines underwriting are the sub-areas most commonly offered on a fully remote basis.
How can I get hired as a underwriting specialist in Ohio with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to underwriting technician or underwriting assistant roles, which large Ohio carriers like Nationwide and Progressive use as structured pipelines into full underwriting positions. A completed Ohio Department of Insurance producer exam demonstrates seriousness to hiring managers even without field experience. Moving laterally from claims processing, loan origination, or insurance customer service at an Ohio regional bank or carrier is also a well-traveled route into underwriting without a traditional underwriting background.
Where can I find and apply to underwriting specialist jobs in Ohio?
You can find and apply to underwriting specialist jobs in Ohio on Migrate Mate, which lists current Ohio openings from carriers, banks, and financial services firms across the state. Find roles that fit your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 8 Underwriting Specialist Jobs in Ohio
Find roles in Ohio that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Underwriting Specialist Jobs