Quantitative Analyst vs Insurance Underwriter: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Insurance Underwriter
Evaluate insurance applications and set policy terms and premiums.
Quantitative Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $24,280/year (30%) higher than a Insurance Underwriter. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Insurance Underwriter — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Insurance Underwriter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $116,321 | Quantitative +$39,450 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $97,453 | Quantitative +$32,639 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $112,876 | Quantitative +$38,734 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $91,022 | Quantitative +$25,891 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $86,961 | Quantitative +$26,363 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $107,567 | Quantitative +$33,259 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £63,807 | Quantitative +$16,880 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$109,558 | Quantitative +$33,322 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Insurance Underwriter earn more?+
A Quantitative Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $81,370/year for a Insurance Underwriter — a difference of $24,280 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Insurance Underwriter?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Insurance Underwriter demand is growing at 5% YoY. Quantitative Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative Analyst to Insurance Underwriter?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Quantitative Analyst or Insurance Underwriter?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 82%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.