underwriter.

Working as an underwriter involves a high degree of analytical focus, regular collaboration with financial teams, and a structured office environment. The sections below outline the typical day-to-day reality.

Because risk varies greatly across industries, underwriting roles are often highly specialised. Focus areas dictate the types of models used and the regulations that must be followed.

Common types of underwriters include:

• Insurance underwriter: Evaluates applications for property, casualty, health, or life insurance, determining the coverage limits and premium rates for individual or corporate clients.
• Mortgage underwriter: Reviews loan applications for homebuyers, analysing credit history, income, and property appraisals to ensure the loan meets banking guidelines.
• Commercial underwriter: Focuses on business risks, such as liability, corporate fleets, or cyber security, which often require complex, bespoke risk modelling.
• Reinsurance underwriter: Works on an institutional level, helping insurance companies themselves share and mitigate massive risks by underwriting portions of their portfolios.

In Switzerland, an underwriter's salary can vary significantly based on the industry, their level of expertise, and the complexity of the risks they manage. Entry-level underwriters typically start with a base salary that reflects their educational background and initial training phase.

As they gain experience and take on larger or more complex portfolios—such as commercial real estate or specialised medical underwriting—their earning potential typically increases. Senior underwriters who manage high-value corporate accounts often command higher salaries.

The average salary for an underwriter is 93’500 CHF per year, which is approximately 7’800 CHF per month. Pay often depends on the specific employer, the region within Switzerland, and additional factors like annual performance bonuses. 

Entering the underwriting profession in Switzerland usually requires a strong numerical and analytical background. Many candidates enter the field with a university degree in finance, economics, business administration, or mathematics.

Alternatively, it is common to progress into underwriting through vocational training, such as completing a commercial apprenticeship (KV) followed by specific diplomas from the Swiss Insurance Association (VBV/AFA). Employers highly value candidates who demonstrate continuous learning and a strong grasp of market regulations. Many employers now use digital screening as a first step; learning how to navigate a video interview can give you a competitive edge.

Typically, junior underwriters start by handling standard, low-risk cases under supervision, gradually taking on more complex portfolios as they gain experience.

education routes:

• University degree: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, finance, or a related field provides the analytical foundation heavily favoured by large financial institutions.
• Federal diplomas: Completing a Swiss federal diploma in insurance (Versicherungsfachausweis) is a highly respected route that provides practical, industry-specific knowledge.
• Commercial apprenticeship: Starting with a basic commercial apprenticeship in the insurance or banking sector allows candidates to gain practical experience before specialising in underwriting.

Some of the qualities of an underwriter include:

• Computer skills: as an underwriter, you perform complex statistical analysis requiring computer software knowledge. Every industry has specific software for underwriters to use in statistical analysis. It helps to know spreadsheet software and other complex statistical tools.
• Analytical skills: as an underwriter, you require exceptional analytical skills to determine an applicant’s risks. With analytical skills, you examine every factor and assess applications appropriately before determining whether to approve or reject them.
• Mathematical skills: as an underwriter, you require an aptitude for maths. While the computation is done using computers, your maths skills help you verify the accuracy of the computations and make informed decisions. Your aptitude for maths also helps you determine the appropriate rate for insurance claims and the premiums that clients should pay.
• Communication skills: as an underwriter, you liaise with various professionals to make informed decisions. You require communication skills to communicate with stakeholders. It is vital to ask the right questions and talk to clients professionally and respectfully. Sometimes, you negotiate with customers, which requires confidence and exceptional communication ability.

There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as an underwriter:

✓ Exciting jobs with well-known companies.
✓ A reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters.
✓ Attractive employment conditions and good social benefits.
✓ Continuing education courses and personal development opportunities.
✓ Clear information in the myRandstad app.
✓ Do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.

your professional development budget as an underwriter at randstad.

If you work as an underwriter for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTraining program from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad consultant is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can also acquire additional language skills or job-specific knowledge all during your working hours as an underwriter.

Have you found your dream job as an underwriter? Not only qualifications and certificates determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:

Here you will find frequently asked questions about working as an underwriter.