Do underwriters work long hours?
Underwriting is typically a desk job with a standard 40-hour workweek, although overtime may be required as determined by each underwriting project. Evening and weekend hours are not uncommon. Working with computers and technology is a vital part of underwriting.
Yes, being an underwriter can be stressful.
It's critical for the underwriter to be meticulous and have strong analytical, math, and decision-making skills to recommend the best route. They have a lot of paperwork to look through to make the best-informed decision.
Work environment for underwriters was scored 46.4, while stress levels scored 16.87. Hiring outlook for underwriters significantly underperformed when compared to agents, however (-6.13). A career as an insurance agent has also improved slightly since last year's report.
Typical Work Schedule
Most of the underwriters' work tends to be office-based so the working schedule mostly follow standard business hours of about 40 hours per week.
Instead, the court agreed that underwriters are administrative employees and thus exempt from overtime.
Underwriting—the process by which mortgage lenders verify your assets, check your credit scores, and review your tax returns before they can approve a home loan—can take as little as two to three days. Typically, though, it takes over a week for a loan officer or lender to complete the process.
Introverts will also find themselves very welcome in the insurance industry. Insurance companies need underwriters, claims adjusters, actuaries, agents, and similar positions that provide the kind of independent work introverts thrive on.
If you plan on applying for an insurance underwriter job, you'll need either a bachelor's degree or significant insurance-related work experience. Employers prefer candidates with strong analytical skills, computer skills, decision-making skills, math skills, attention to detail, and exceptional communication.
Underwriter duties and responsibilities
Collect, review and analyze an applicant's relevant history and records. Obtain additional information about an applicant to determine coverage needs. Determine the level of risk for insuring or lending. Offer recommendations on whether or not to approve an application.
A good underwriter is also detail-oriented and has excellent skills in math, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Although a university degree isn't a requirement across the board, some employers may hire you if you have relevant work experience and computer proficiency.
Is there a lot of math in underwriting?
Underwriters employ very specific formulas to determine net operating income, cash flow, debt service coverage ratios and loan to value ratios.
You perform your duties under the supervision of a senior underwriter. At the start of your career, your responsibilities focus on data collection and basic application processing. As you gain experience, you handle more-complex applications and can work independently.

“According to underwriter productivity stats, the typical underwriter has done 2.4 loans per day…they also say the average is at least two and a half to three touches per underwriter per underwriter touches per loan,” Showalter said.
In some industries, they can make six-figure salaries. The average underwriter's salary is $68,217 per year or $32.80 per hour. On the lower end of the salary range, people can make around $46,000, usually those in entry-level positions. On the higher end, underwriters can make $100,000 or more.
Yes, mortgage underwriting is a stressful job.
A mortgage underwriter considers layers of risk. They do not just look at the borrower profile in a vacuum, which can make the job stressful as they attempt to navigate the essential components of the borrower's credit profile in every unique scenario.
Each situation is different, but underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Missing signatures or documents, and issues with the appraisal or title insurance are some of the things that can hold up the process.
Tip #1: Don't Apply For Any New Credit Lines During Underwriting. Any major financial changes and spending can cause problems during the underwriting process. New lines of credit or loans could interrupt this process. Also, avoid making any purchases that could decrease your assets.
You may be wondering how often underwriters denies loans? According to the mortgage data firm HSH.com, about 8% of mortgage applications are denied, though denial rates vary by location and loan type. For example, FHA loans have different requirements that may make getting the loan easier than other loan types.
According to Ellie Mae's most recent data, conventional loans take an average of 51 days to close – 49 days on average for a purchase transaction and 51 days for a refinance. As we've mentioned, the underwriting part of this could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Mortgage lenders have different 'turn times' — the time it takes from your loan being submitted for underwriting review to the final decision. The full mortgage loan process often takes between 30 and 45 days from underwriting to closing.
Can you be denied in underwriting?
Yes. Many lenders use third-party “loan audit” companies to validate your income, debt and assets again before you sign closing papers. If they discover major changes to your credit, income or cash to close, your loan could be denied.
- Chief Underwriter. Salary range: $100,000-$182,500 per year. ...
- Underwriting Director. Salary range: $87,000-$174,000 per year. ...
- Underwriting Manager. Salary range: $92,000-$125,500 per year. ...
- Casualty Underwriter. ...
- Group Underwriter. ...
- Property Underwriter. ...
- Field Underwriter. ...
- Production Underwriter.
- Maintain underwriting discipline. With increased competition pressures on price, terms and conditions are inevitable. ...
- Think outside the box. ...
- Strive for a human connection. ...
- Set yourself apart.
The average underwriter in California makes $75,667 annually. The average hourly rate for an underwriter is $36.38/hr. This compares to the national average underwriter salary of $61,751.
Job Outlook
Employment of insurance underwriters is projected to decline 4 percent from 2021 to 2031.
Yes, mortgage underwriting is a good career.
Because this role is within the banking and finance industries, there is much opportunity for high-income levels and upward growth, making it a good career option for people motivated by money and career growth.
- Analytical skills.
- Good maths and statistics skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- IT skills.
- Good judgement.
- Negotiation and interpersonal skills.
In a full-time job as an insurance underwriter, you would work standard office hours, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to work evenings and weekends during busy periods. Part-time hours and job share opportunities are sometimes available.
With travel time cut out, underwriters can work more efficiently and meet with their clients more frequently.
While most loans do get approved, mortgage underwriters do deny some loans based on different factors. It all depends on whether they think you can repay the loan. Loan approval can also vary depending on where you live and the loan type you're applying for.
Do underwriters call your job?
An underwriter or a loan processor calls your employer to confirm the information you provide on the Uniform Residential Loan Application. Alternatively, the lender might confirm this information with your employer via fax or mail.
While your net income accounts for your taxes and other deductions, your gross income does not. Lenders look at your gross income when determining how much of a monthly payment you can afford.
The Three C's
After the above documents (and possibly a few others) are gathered, an underwriter gets down to business. They evaluate credit and payment history, income and assets available for a down payment and categorize their findings as the Three C's: Capacity, Credit and Collateral.
Standards may differ from lender to lender, but there are four core components — the four C's — that lender will evaluate in determining whether they will make a loan: capacity, capital, collateral and credit.
- The debt-to-income ratio (total expenses divided by gross income) is used in underwriting personal loans, credit card applications, and mortgages.
- The housing expense ratio (housing-relating expenses divided by gross income) is used in underwriting mortgages.
Underwriters Cannot Directly Ask You Anything
It is important to note that underwriters should not be in actual contact with you. All questions and discussions should be handled through your lender or loan officer. An underwriter talking to you directly, or even knowing you personally, is a conflict of interest.
Yes, a mortgage lender will look at any depository accounts on your bank statements — including checking accounts, savings accounts, and any open lines of credit. Why would an underwriter deny a loan? There are plenty of reasons underwriters might deny a home purchase loan.
Depending on the reason behind losing your job, you may still be able to purchase property. However, it is also likely that the lender will delay closing or cancel your approval of a type of mortgage loan .
Most underwriters work full time. Underwriters work in an office setting during regular business hours. They spend much of their time alone at a computer, most often working on applications but sometimes handling customer inquiries. Some property and casualty underwriters travel to assess properties in person.
An insurance underwriter typically works to evaluate risks on behalf of an insurance company, ultimately reviewing insurance applications and choosing to either accept or reject the risks involved in each case.
Is being an underwriter worth it?
Underwriting is a great career for those pursuing a role in the finance or insurance fields. Underwriters typically make a high salary with room to advance in the role.
The average Underwriter in the US makes $74,117. The average bonus for an Underwriter is $3,000 which represents 4% of their salary, with 100% of people reporting that they receive a bonus each year.
The average underwriter's salary is $68,217 per year or $32.80 per hour. On the lower end of the salary range, people can make around $46,000, usually those in entry-level positions. On the higher end, underwriters can make $100,000 or more.
- Maintain underwriting discipline. With increased competition pressures on price, terms and conditions are inevitable. ...
- Think outside the box. ...
- Strive for a human connection. ...
- Set yourself apart.
References
- https://www.comparably.com/salaries/salaries-for-underwriter
- https://www.wagehourlitigation.com/2016/03/a-risk-worth-taking/
- https://www.mpamag.com/us/news/general/the-underwriter-shortage-could-derail-your-2021/241590
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/underwriter/satisfaction/
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/is-being-an-underwriter-stressful/
- https://www.quickenloans.com/learn/how-often-does-an-underwriter-deny-a-loan
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/g/Highest-Paying-Insurance-Underwriter-Jobs
- https://homeguides.sfgate.com/mortgage-lenders-verify-employment-before-closing-96178.html
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/insurance-underwriters.htm
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/020915/how-do-i-become-underwriter.asp
- https://myhome.freddiemac.com/blog/homeownership/20171204-4Cs-qualifying-mortgage
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewdepietro/2019/07/31/heres-how-much-underwriters-make-in-every-state/
- https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/denied-credit-for-home-loan/
- https://www.usbank.com/home-loans/mortgage/first-time-home-buyers/mortgage-underwriting-process.html
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Career/Entry-Level-Insurance-Underwriter/What-Is-How-to-Become
- https://rew-online.com/understanding-the-math-behind-commercial-mortgage-underwriting/
- https://www.truity.com/career-profile/insurance-underwriter
- https://careercenter.bauer.uh.edu/blog/2020/12/09/insurance-underwriter/
- https://targetjobs.co.uk/insurance-underwriter-job-description
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Career/how-to-become-underwriter_KO14,25.htm
- https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/insurance-underwriter
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Wells-Fargo/salaries/Underwriter
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/q/qualifying_ratios.asp
- https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/underwriter-job-description
- https://myaolcc.com/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-underwriter-after-insurance-courses/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-to-do-if-your-mortgage-loan-application-is-denied
- https://curbelolaw.com/what-happens-if-i-lose-my-job-before-closing-on-a-mortgage/
- https://moneytips.com/how-often-does-an-underwriter-deny-a-loan/
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/the-best-and-worst-jobs-in-america--youll-be-surprised-where-insurance-agents-rank-22125.aspx
- https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2021/10/28/three-tips-for-new-insurance-underwriters/
- https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2015/06/09/4-tips-for-the-successful-underwriter/
- https://www.gcu.edu/blog/business-management/how-become-insurance-underwriter
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/do-underwriters-make-good-money/
- https://www.indeed.com/career/insurance-underwriter/salaries
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/is-mortgage-underwriting-a-stressful-job/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/what-is-underwriting
- https://www.chase.com/personal/mortgage/education/financing-a-home/what-percentage-income-towards-mortgage
- https://www.flexjobs.com/remote-jobs/insurance-underwriting
- https://themortgagereports.com/22079/bank-statements-3-things-mortgage-lenders-dont-want-to-see
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/08/insurance-underwriting.asp
- https://www.zippia.com/underwriter-jobs/salary/california/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/how-long-from-underwriting-to-closing
- https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/how-long-does-underwriting-take/
- https://www.insuremypath.org/blog/best-jobs-shy-people-introverts
- https://work.chron.com/underwriting-job-13470.html
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/is-mortgage-underwriting-a-good-career/
- https://riverbankfinance.com/blog/top-10-mortgage-mistakes-that-slow-down-the-home-loan-process/
- https://www.accusystem.com/definitions/back-office-staff/
- https://riskandinsurance.com/insurance-underwriters-miss-face-to-face-meetings-but-not-for-the-reasons-youd-think/
- https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-an-underwriter
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/underwriter/job-market/
- https://riskandinsurance.com/will-technology-replace-underwriters/
- https://www.onlinedegree.com/careers/finance/underwriter/
- https://www.findlaw.com/legalblogs/law-and-life/can-a-mortgage-underwriter-really-ask-me-that/
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/is-underwriting-a-dying-career/
- https://etchedactuarial.com/actuary-vs-underwriter/
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/is-underwriting-a-good-career
- https://learn.org/articles/Mortgage_Underwriter_Certification_and_Training_FAQs.html
- https://www.zippia.com/answers/can-an-underwriter-make-100k/
- https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/underwriter
- https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/careers-insurance-underwriting
- https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/my-career-options/job-profiles/insurance-underwriter
- https://themortgagereports.com/72583/how-long-does-underwriting-take
- https://blog.movement.com/2023/01/18/3-cs-mortgage-underwriting/