Civil Engineers vs Insurance Underwriters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Civil Engineers professionals earn $19,710 more per year than Insurance Underwriters professionals — that's 24.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $138,020 for Insurance Underwriters.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Insurance Underwriters$51,640 – $138,020
$51,640$160,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Insurance Underwriters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $51,640 | +$14,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $63,070 | +$15,720 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $79,880 | +$19,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $104,820 | +$23,470 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $138,020 | +$22,970 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $90,830 | +$16,220 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Insurance Underwriters
107,820
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Best Cities for Insurance Underwriters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $106,380 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $103,270 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,860 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $98,500 |
| Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT | $98,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Insurance Underwriters?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $19,710 (24.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
What is the salary range for Insurance Underwriters?
Insurance Underwriters salaries range from $51,640 (10th percentile) to $138,020 (90th percentile), with a median of $79,880.
How many Civil Engineers and Insurance Underwriters jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 107,820 Insurance Underwriters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Insurance Underwriters to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Insurance Underwriters earns $79,880. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS