FinanceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Insurance Underwriter Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$223,970/yr
Typical range: $188,505 – $249,337
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Insurance Underwriter salary by experience level in San Francisco
Insurance Underwriter Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $85,717 | $7,143 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $110,602 | $9,217 | +29% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $129,036 | $10,753 | +51% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $155,396 | $12,950 | +81% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $223,970 | $18,664 | +161% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $304,710 | $25,393 | +255% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $324,895 | $27,075 | +279% |
Current Salary
$223,970
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $108/hr
Next Level Target
$304,710
Principal · 14
+$81Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
14/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Insurance Underwriter salary in San Francisco, CA?
Staff / Lead Insurance Underwriters in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $224K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Insurance Underwriter make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $224K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $108/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Insurance Underwriter in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Insurance Underwriter in San Francisco, CA earns $189K–$249K/yr.