Accountant vs Insurance Underwriter: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Accountant
Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Insurance Underwriter
Evaluate insurance applications and set policy terms and premiums.
Accountant earns more on average — the national median is $2,310/year (3%) higher than a Insurance Underwriter. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Accountant vs Insurance Underwriter — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Insurance Underwriter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $116,321 | Accountant +$6,435 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $97,453 | Accountant +$2,060 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $112,876 | Accountant +$4,321 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $91,022 | Accountant +$3,546 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $86,961 | Accountant +$1,329 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $107,567 | Accountant $1,162 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £63,807 | Accountant $1,553 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$109,558 | Accountant $14,944 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Insurance Underwriter earn more?+
A Accountant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $81,370/year for a Insurance Underwriter — a difference of $2,310 (3%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Insurance Underwriter?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Insurance Underwriter demand is growing at 5% YoY. Accountant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Insurance Underwriter?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Excel.
Which is harder to automate — Accountant or Insurance Underwriter?+
Accountant has a lower AI automation risk (78% vs 82%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.