How Much Do Mortgage Underwriters Make? Find Out Now!6 min read
Mortgage underwriters are responsible for approving or denying mortgage loans. They review loan applications and supporting documentation to determine if borrowers meet the guidelines set by the lender. Mortgage underwriters typically earn a salary, but may also be paid an hourly wage or commission.
The median annual salary for mortgage underwriters was $62,042 in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,854, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,664.
Mortgage underwriters typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some jobs may require a master’s degree. They also must have several years of experience in the mortgage industry.
Table of Contents
How Much Do Mortgage Underwriters Make
Mortgage underwriters are highly skilled professionals responsible for assessing the risk of a potential borrower. They often have to review a borrower’s financial documents, including credit reports, income statements, and bank statements. The salary of a mortgage underwriter will vary greatly depending on the number of years of experience, the type of company they work for, and the market they are located in. On average, mortgage underwriters can expect to make anywhere between $50,000 and $90,000 a year. Those with more experience and in larger markets may be able to make up to $100,000 or more per year. With experience and the right market, some underwriters may even be able to earn six figure salaries.
Qualifications & Responsibilities of Mortgage Underwriters
Mortgage underwriters are professionals who assess the risk of a mortgage loan application and decide whether or not to approve the loan. They are responsible for evaluating the creditworthiness of an applicant and the value of the collateral offered to secure the loan. Mortgage underwriters must have a thorough understanding of the mortgage industry and the various regulations that govern it.
A mortgage underwriter must have a college degree in a related field, such as finance, economics, or banking. Most employers prefer to hire mortgage underwriters who have a Master’s degree, although it is not required. Additionally, mortgage underwriters must be licensed in the state in which they work.
Mortgage underwriters must have a deep understanding of the various regulations and laws that govern the mortgage industry. They must be able to evaluate loan applications, review credit reports, and determine the applicant’s ability to repay their loan. They must be able to analyze the value of collateral and the creditworthiness of an applicant.
Mortgage underwriters must be skilled in decision making, problem solving, and communication. They must be able to explain complex information in a way that is easy to understand. Additionally, they must be able to provide sound risk analysis and make decisions that are in the best interest of the lender.

Mortgage underwriters must also have excellent organizational skills. They must be able to manage a large workload efficiently and effectively. They must be able to prioritize tasks and ensure that the loan process is completed in a timely manner.
The salary of a mortgage underwriter can vary significantly depending on the size of the company and the location of the job. Generally, mortgage underwriters earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually. Experienced mortgage underwriters can earn as much as $100,000 or more per year.
Overall, mortgage underwriters are responsible for evaluating the creditworthiness of an applicant and the value of the collateral offered to secure the loan. They must possess a strong understanding of the mortgage industry and the various regulations that govern it. Additionally, they must be skilled in decision making, problem solving, and communication. If you possess these qualifications, you may be well suited for a career as a mortgage underwriter.
Factors Influencing Mortgage Underwriter Salaries
Mortgage underwriting is a complicated, yet essential, role in the process of applying for a loan. Mortgage underwriters must determine the risk of providing a loan to a potential borrower. As a result, mortgage underwriters are highly sought after and can command higher salaries than many other financial professionals. But what factors influence mortgage underwriter salaries?
Location is a major factor that influences mortgage underwriter salaries. Geographic location can play a major role in the amount of money a mortgage underwriter can earn. For example, mortgage underwriters working in major cities like New York or Los Angeles can expect to make significantly more than their counterparts in smaller markets.
The size of the employer is also an important factor. Bigger organizations typically have larger budgets, which means they can afford to pay higher salaries to their mortgage underwriters.
Experience is also a major factor that influences a mortgage underwriter’s salary. The number of years a mortgage underwriter has been working in the industry will directly impact the amount of money they can earn. The more experience a mortgage underwriter has, the more they can expect to make.
Education is another factor that can influence mortgage underwriter salaries. The more educated a mortgage underwriter is, the higher the salary they can expect to receive.
Finally, the type of mortgage underwriting job can also influence salaries. Some mortgage underwriting positions require more specialized skills and experience than others, which can result in a higher salary.

In conclusion, there are many factors that influence mortgage underwriter salaries. Location, employer size, experience, education and job type are all important factors that can affect how much a mortgage underwriter earns. By understanding these factors, mortgage underwriters can maximize their earning potential and ensure they receive the salary they deserve.
Average Salary of Mortgage Underwriters
Mortgage underwriters are an integral part of the mortgage process, helping to ensure that borrowers are able to secure the loans they are seeking. As such, mortgage underwriters are highly sought after and can command a good salary. But how much do mortgage underwriters make?
The average salary for a mortgage underwriter is around $68,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly higher than the median salary for all occupations, which is approximately $63,000. However, the pay range for mortgage underwriters can vary significantly depending on experience, location and employer.
Mortgage underwriters can command higher salaries when they have specialized experience and skills. For example, those with a background in financial analysis or accounting may be able to negotiate higher pay. Certain geographic areas may also pay higher wages for mortgage underwriters. For example, those in the San Francisco Bay area may be able to command more than those in more rural areas.
In addition to salary, many mortgage underwriters receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses, commissions and other benefits. These can range from performance-based bonuses to signing bonuses. Many mortgage underwriters are also eligible for health insurance, retirement benefits and other benefits.
Overall, the average salary for a mortgage underwriter is quite competitive and those with specialized experience and skills can make even more. For those looking to pursue a career in mortgage underwriting, the potential for a lucrative salary makes it an attractive option.
Conclusion
As of May 2019, the average annual salary for mortgage underwriters was $85,811, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of earners made more than $119,040, while the bottom 10 percent earned less than $54,660.
Mortgage underwriters play a vital role in the homebuying process, ensuring that loan applicants meet all the necessary requirements. They use their knowledge of the market and financial regulations to make sound decisions that protect both the borrower and the lender.
Mortgage underwriting is a complex and important job, and those who do it well can earn a good salary. If you’re interested in a career in mortgage underwriting, be sure to research the job requirements and market conditions before making your decision.