Finance · Phoenix, AZ

Underwriter Salary in Phoenix, AZ (2026)

Median Underwriter salary in Phoenix is approximately $86,700/year — 2.0% above the US national average.

Salary breakdown — Phoenix

$86,700
median annual salary
Hourly (40 hr/week, 52 wk)
2,080 hours/year
$42
Biweekly (26 paychecks)
$3,335
Monthly
$7,225
Annual (gross)
$86,700
vs Arizona state average
State avg: $85,000
+$1,700
vs US national
National median: $85,000
+$1,700

After-tax estimate

$63,594
estimated take-home/year
Gross salary
$86,700
Federal tax (~14%)
−$12,138
FICA (7.65%)
−$6,633
Arizona state tax
~5% effective
−$4,335
Estimated take-home
$63,594
Monthly take-home
$5,300
For exact take-home, use our Phoenix Paycheck Calculator.
Underwriter salary in similar-cost cities
CityCost mult.Estimated annualvs Phoenix
Philadelphia, PA1.02×$86,700+$0
Atlanta, GA1.02×$86,700+$0
Tampa, FL1.02×$86,700+$0
Henderson, NV1.02×$86,700+$0
Reno, NV1.02×$86,700+$0

Underwriter salaries in Phoenix, AZ

The estimated median Underwriter salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $86,700/year, working out to approximately $42/hour at full-time, $3,335 per biweekly paycheck, or $7,225/month before taxes. Phoenix's cost-of-living multiplier of 1.02× national reflects local prices, housing costs, and employer concentration in this metro area.

Compared to the Arizona state average for this role ($85,000), Phoenix pays about $1,700 more. This typically reflects how the metro area's cost of living and employer density differ from the state as a whole.

Take-home pay in Phoenix

Of the gross $86,700, you take home roughly $63,594 after:

  • Federal income tax (~14% effective at this income)
  • FICA — Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45% = 7.65%
  • Arizona state income tax (~5% effective)
  • Phoenix has no local income tax

That works out to about $5,300/month after-tax — useful for budgeting rent (typically 25–35% of net income), savings (15–20% target), and other expenses. For an exact calculation including 401(k), HSA, and your filing status, use our Phoenix Paycheck Calculator.

What affects your actual pay

  • Experience: entry-level often 25–35% below median; senior roles 40–60%+ above.
  • Specific employer: top-tier employers in Phoenix pay 10–25% above market for the same role.
  • Industry: a Software Engineer at a tech company in Phoenix typically out-earns one at a non-tech employer.
  • Negotiation: simply negotiating an offer can shift comp by 5–15%.
  • Education and credentials: degrees and licenses (especially for healthcare, legal, engineering) can move comp by 15–30%.
  • Remote vs in-office: many Phoenix employers now base pay on cost of living, with remote workers in cheaper metros paid less.

Related calculators

Underwriter Salary in Arizona — state-level average. Salary Calculator — convert hourly ↔ annual. Phoenix Paycheck Calculator — exact take-home. Income Tax Calculator — federal tax with brackets. Investment Calculator — long-term portfolio growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median Underwriter salary in Phoenix?
The estimated median Underwriter salary in Phoenix, Arizona is $86,700 per year, or approximately $42/hour at standard full-time. Phoenix sits 2.0% above the US national average for this role.
Phoenix vs Arizona state — what's the salary difference?
Phoenix: $86,700. Arizona state average for Underwriter: $85,000. Difference: +$1,700 (2.0%). City-level pay typically reflects the metro area's cost of living and concentration of employers.
Does Phoenix have a city income tax?
No, Phoenix has no separate city income tax. Only federal income tax, FICA, and Arizona state tax apply (roughly 5% effective state rate at this income).
Does this account for cost-of-living differences?
Yes — the city multiplier reflects Phoenix's cost of living relative to the US average. Phoenix's multiplier is 1.02× national. For comparison: San Francisco ~1.45×, NYC ~1.32×, mid-tier metros ~1.00×, low-cost metros ~0.85–0.90×. Higher local cost generally means employers pay more to attract talent.
What's the after-tax take-home for Underwriter in Phoenix?
Estimate: $63,594/year after federal income tax (~14% effective), FICA (7.65%), Arizona state tax (~5.0% effective), and Phoenix local tax (0.00%). For exact numbers, use the Phoenix Paycheck Calculator with your specific 401(k) and deductions.