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Catastrophe Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site +1

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

The Catastrophe Modeler will help establish Grinnell Mutual's in-house catastrophe modeling capability and develop a defensible internal view of catastrophe risk. This position qualifies for our ...

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site +1

$89K - $154K/yr

The Catastrophe Modeler will help establish Grinnell Mutual's in-house catastrophe modeling capability and develop a defensible internal view of catastrophe risk. This position qualifies for our ...

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site +1

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

The Catastrophe Modeler will help establish Grinnell Mutual's in-house catastrophe modeling capability and develop a defensible internal view of catastrophe risk. This position qualifies for our ...

As a Catastrophe Risk Modeler, you will utilize your technical expertise in catastrophe risk modeling joining a bright team of experts in risk modeling, analytics, research and development. This ...

As a Catastrophe Risk Modeler, you will utilize your technical expertise in catastrophe risk modeling joining a bright team of experts in risk modeling, analytics, research and development. This ...

As a Catastrophe Risk Modeler, you will utilize your technical expertise in catastrophe risk modeling joining a bright team of experts in risk modeling, analytics, research and development. This ...

Evaluate third-party catastrophe models (e.g., RMS, Verisk, CoreLogic) and contribute to the development of internal risk assessments. * Analyze large datasets (e.g., exposure data, claims data ...

Use vendor catastrophe modeling software to provide price indications for reinsurance alternative structures. * Collaborate with junior team members in basic aspects of property (re)insurance and ...

This is an opportunity to move beyond traditional catastrophe modeling and become a strategic business partner who influences underwriting decisions, reinsurance strategy, and executive-level ...

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Catastrophe Modeler information

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How much do catastrophe modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for catastrophe modeler in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get into catastrophe modelling?

To become a catastrophe modeler, typically a bachelor's degree in fields like actuarial science, mathematics, engineering, or related areas is required. Gaining experience with catastrophe modeling software such as RMS or AIR, developing strong analytical skills, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this specialized field.

What are catastrophe modelers?

Catastrophe modelers are professionals who use specialized computer models to estimate the potential financial impact of natural and man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and terrorism. They analyze geographic, structural, and historical data to predict the likelihood and severity of catastrophic events. Their work helps insurance companies, reinsurers, and other organizations assess risk, set premiums, and develop strategies to manage large-scale losses. Catastrophe modelers play a critical role in the insurance and risk management industries by providing insights that inform decision-making and disaster preparedness.

How does a Catastrophe Modeler typically collaborate with underwriters and actuaries during the risk assessment process?

Catastrophe Modelers work closely with underwriters and actuaries to analyze and interpret risk data for natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. They provide model outputs and explain the underlying assumptions, helping underwriters assess potential exposures and price insurance products accurately. Regular meetings and data-sharing sessions are common, ensuring that all parties are aligned on risk profiles and mitigation strategies. Effective communication skills are essential, as modelers must translate complex technical results into actionable insights for decision-making.

What is the difference between Catastrophe Modeler vs Actuary?

AspectCatastrophe ModelerActuary
Required CredentialsTypically requires degrees in risk management, statistics, or related fields; certifications like CPCU or ARM are commonRequires degrees in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science; professional certifications such as ASA, FSA, or ACAS are essential
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in insurance companies, consulting firms, or risk modeling firms; focused on analyzing natural disasters and large-scale risksIn insurance companies, consulting firms, or government agencies; focused on financial risk assessment and insurance pricing
Industry UsageUsed mainly in property and casualty insurance, reinsurance, and risk managementUsed across insurance, pension planning, and financial services

While both roles involve risk analysis and require strong quantitative skills, Catastrophe Modelers focus on modeling natural disaster risks using specialized software, whereas Actuaries assess financial risks and pricing strategies, often with a broader scope of insurance products.

What does a catastrophe modeler do?

A catastrophe modeler analyzes data to predict the financial impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. They develop and run complex models using specialized software to assess risk exposure for insurance companies and other organizations, often requiring knowledge of statistics, meteorology, and risk management. Their work helps inform underwriting decisions and risk mitigation strategies.

How much does cat modelling pay?

Catastrophe modelers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of catastrophe modeling software and risk assessment techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Catastrophe Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Catastrophe Modeler, you need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and risk analysis, typically supported by a degree in a quantitative field such as actuarial science or engineering. Familiarity with catastrophe modeling software (e.g., RMS, AIR), GIS tools, and programming languages like Python or SQL is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing disaster risks, supporting insurance decisions, and communicating complex findings to stakeholders.

How much do catastrophe modelers make?

Catastrophe modelers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior professionals with specialized skills in risk analysis and modeling tools can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. Certifications in catastrophe modeling or related fields can also influence compensation levels.
More about Catastrophe Modeler jobs
What states have the most Catastrophe Modeler jobs? States with the most job openings for Catastrophe Modeler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Catastrophe Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Catastrophe Modeler jobs are:
Infographic showing various Catastrophe Modeler job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
CAT MODELER

CAT MODELER

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

This role will operate and validate industry-standard catastrophe models, improve exposure data quality, support portfolio and cedant-level catastrophe analytics, and translate results into practical business insights. The position will work closely with Corporate Actuarial, Reinsurance, Pricing, Underwriting, Finance, and Enterprise Risk Management. Initial peril focus will include severe convective storm, winter storm, hurricane, and earthquake. The Catastrophe Modeler will help establish Grinnell Mutualโ€™s in-house catastrophe modeling capability and develop a defensible internal view of catastrophe risk.

This position qualifies for our flexible workplace options. Work at our Grinnell, Iowa, headquarters or from a home office in any of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Grinnell Mutual sponsorship.


  • Operate catastrophe modeling platforms such as Moodyโ€™s RMS, Verisk/AIR, or similar tools.
  • Produce recurring portfolio, cedant, and event-response analytics, including AAL, PML, OEP/AEP curves, tail-risk metrics, scenario results, and accumulation views.
  • Evaluate model assumptions, limitations, and key drivers of results.
  • Help develop and maintain Grinnell Mutualโ€™s internal view of catastrophe risk.
  • Prepare, validate, geocode, and organize exposure data for catastrophe modeling.
  • Identify data gaps and improve exposure data standards for internal portfolios and cedant submissions.
  • Build repeatable tools, reports, queries, and dashboards to improve consistency, efficiency, and auditability.
  • Identify opportunities to use automation, AI-assisted workflows, scripts, or dashboards to streamline modeling and reporting.
  • Support Broker-Assumed Reinsurance, Farm Mutual Reinsurance, Direct Commercial Lines and corporate reinsurance purchasing through modeled loss costs, tail metrics, and scenario testing.
  • Analyze cedant exposure submissions for quoting, limit setting, treaty evaluation, and accumulation management.
  • Partner with underwriting and pricing teams to incorporate catastrophe insights into risk selection, pricing, coverage terms, and portfolio management.
  • Provide catastrophe model outputs for economic capital modeling, stress testing, ORSA reporting, BCAR/rating agency analysis, and enterprise risk management.
  • Translate technical results into clear business implications for leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a quantitative, scientific, or technical field such as actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, meteorology, atmospheric science, earth science, data science, or a related discipline.
  • At least 5 years of hands-on catastrophe modeling experience in property insurance, reinsurance, brokerage, consulting, or analytics.
  • Experience with catastrophe modeling platforms such as Moodyโ€™s RMS, Verisk/AIR, or similar tools.
  • Strong understanding of property insurance, reinsurance, catastrophe model structure, exposure data, financial terms, and model uncertainty.
  • Strong data analysis skills, including advanced Excel and experience working with large exposure datasets.
  • Ability to build repeatable processes in a developing capability area and collaborate across actuarial, underwriting, reinsurance, IT/data, finance, and risk management teams.
  • Present information in a logical, well-strucutred manner to explain recommendations or support the review of information.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple or competing priorities while meeting deadlines. Flexible and adaptable to changing business needs.
  • Proven ability to define problems, gather and analyze data, establish facts, and draw sound conclusions. Skilled at leveraging appropriate resources to develop and implement effective solutions.
  • Prefrered experience with severe convective storm, winter storm, hurricane, earthquake, or other catastrophe perils.
  • Preferred experience supporting reinsurance placement, treaty pricing, accumulation management, or cedant submission analysis.
  • Preferred experience with SQL, Python, R, GIS/geospatial tools, reporting automation tools, or dashboards.
  • Familiarity with rating agency capital models, ORSA, economic capital modeling, or enterprise risk management.
  • Experience with catastrophe model validation, sensitivity testing, model governance, or internal view-of-risk development.
  • Professional designations or coursework such as CCRA, ARe, CPCU, actuarial credentials, or other relevant industry training.
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality and protect propriety information.
  • Demonstrated ability to adhere to all Grinnell Mutual policies and incorporate Grinnell Mutual core values in all areas work.

The salary range for the position is $89,000 - $154,500. For a list of benefits, click here.


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform job duties and responsibilities.

  • This position is physically located in a remote office or at one of Grinnell Mutualโ€™s campuses with a work environment of a typical office setting; noise level is relatively quiet. Requires an individual to sit or stand for long periods of time. 
  • Interacts with many types of people, may encounter resistance, which can be stimulating, yet demanding. Works under externally imposed deadlines with unexpected and frequent interruptions to the workflow making it challenging to anticipate the nature and volume of work to perform and meet established deadlines. 
  • Requires the individual to frequently interact via telephone, video conference, and in-person. 
  • Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force and to lift to 10 pounds. 

This job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned, but rather to give the employee a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of the position. As the nature of the business demands change, so too may the job duties and responsibilities.

Grinnell Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.