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Catastrophe Modeling Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

Operate catastrophe modeling platforms such as Moody's RMS, Verisk/AIR, or similar tools. * Produce recurring portfolio, cedant, and event-response analytics, including AAL, PML, OEP/AEP curves, tail ...

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$89K - $154K/yr

Operate catastrophe modeling platforms such as Moody's RMS, Verisk/AIR, or similar tools. * Produce recurring portfolio, cedant, and event-response analytics, including AAL, PML, OEP/AEP curves, tail ...

Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance

CAT MODELER

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$53.50 - $69.25/hr

Operate catastrophe modeling platforms such as Moody's RMS, Verisk/AIR, or similar tools. * Produce recurring portfolio, cedant, and event-response analytics, including AAL, PML, OEP/AEP curves, tail ...

Berkley

Actuarial Analyst

Urbandale, IA · Hybrid

Participate in enterprise risk management initiatives, including support for catastrophe management, economic capital modeling, internal rate of return studies, etc. * Provide tools and analysis in ...

Berkley

Actuarial Analyst

Urbandale, IA · Hybrid

Participate in enterprise risk management initiatives, including support for catastrophe management, economic capital modeling, internal rate of return studies, etc. * Provide tools and analysis in ...

Berkley

Actuarial Analyst

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Participate in enterprise risk management initiatives, including support for catastrophe management, economic capital modeling, internal rate of return studies, etc. * Provide tools and analysis in ...

United Fire Group

AVP - Property

Cedar Rapids, IA

... CAT modeling, ceded re, product development, region leadership, business units, segments, risk ... Responsible for adhering to property catastrophe strategy and aggregation management and execution ...

All JobsCatastrophe Modeling JobsCatastrophe Modeling Jobs in Iowa

Catastrophe Modeling information

See Iowa salary details

$20

$37

$71

How much do catastrophe modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for catastrophe modeling in Iowa is $37.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.38 and $40.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in catastrophe modeling, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in catastrophe modeling often encounter challenges such as managing large and complex datasets, staying current with emerging risks (like climate change), and communicating technical findings to non-technical stakeholders. Addressing these requires strong analytical skills, ongoing professional development, and effective collaboration with underwriters, actuaries, and risk managers. Building expertise in specialized software and maintaining open communication channels with other teams can help overcome these obstacles and contribute to successful risk assessments.

What is catastrophe modeling?

Catastrophe modeling is the process of using computer models to estimate the potential losses that could result from natural or man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or terrorist attacks. These models analyze historical data, scientific research, and current exposure information to predict the likelihood and potential severity of catastrophic events. Insurers, reinsurers, and other organizations use catastrophe modeling to assess risk, price insurance policies, and prepare for possible large-scale losses.

How much do catastrophe modelers make?

Catastrophe modelers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry sector. Senior professionals with specialized skills in risk analysis and modeling tools like RMS or AIR can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000.

How to Get a Job in Catastrophe Modeling

The qualifications you need to obtain a job in catastrophe modeling include a bachelor’s degree in a science field related to catastrophes, such as geology, meteorology, or environmental science. Insurance-specific degrees, such as actuarial sciences, are also acceptable. Advanced degrees in actuarial science, math, or another catastrophe-related field may help you stand out in the job market. Practice using industry software to run data analysis to become proficient with the application. Some start their careers in entry-level positions in the insurance industry to learn about risk evaluation before moving into catastrophe modeling.

How to get into catastrophe modelling?

To enter catastrophe modeling, candidates typically need a background in fields like actuarial science, engineering, or mathematics, along with strong analytical and programming skills in tools such as Python or R. Gaining experience through internships, certifications like the Associate in Catastrophe Risk Management (ARM), and understanding insurance and risk assessment principles can improve job prospects in this specialized field.

What is the difference between Catastrophe Modeling vs Actuary?

AspectCatastrophe ModelingActuary
Required CredentialsTypically requires degrees in risk management, insurance, or related fields; certifications like CPCU or ARM are commonRequires a degree in mathematics, statistics, or actuarial science; professional actuarial certifications (e.g., ASA, FSA) are essential
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in insurance, reinsurance, or risk management firms; involves data analysis and modelingIn insurance companies, consulting firms, or government agencies; involves data analysis, financial modeling, and risk assessment
Industry UsageUsed to assess and quantify natural disaster risks for insurance underwriting and risk managementUsed to evaluate financial risks, reserve calculations, and pricing in insurance and pension industries

While both roles involve risk analysis and data modeling, catastrophe modeling focuses specifically on natural disaster risks, whereas actuaries assess a broader range of financial risks. Both careers require strong quantitative skills and work within the insurance industry, but their specific applications and certifications differ.

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 data analysis, typically supported by a degree in engineering, actuarial science, or a related field. Proficiency in modeling software (such as RMS or AIR), programming languages (like Python or R), and familiarity with GIS systems are commonly required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for interpreting data and conveying risk insights to stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing accurate risk assessments that inform insurance, reinsurance, and disaster preparedness strategies.

What does a catastrophe modeler do?

A catastrophe modeler analyzes data to predict the potential impact of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods. They develop and run complex models using specialized software to help insurance companies and risk managers assess and prepare for catastrophic events.

How much does cat modelling pay?

Salaries for catastrophe modeling professionals typically range from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced analysts or managers can earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills in risk assessment and modeling tools.
More about Catastrophe Modeling jobs
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Catastrophe Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Catastrophe Modeling job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,800 per year, or $37.9 per hour.
CAT Modeling Analyst II

CAT Modeling Analyst II

United Fire & Casualty Company

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

UFG has an exciting opportunity for a Catastrophe Modeling Analyst to work with our growing team where this individual will be analyzing property data to determine UFG's view of the catastrophe risk. The major responsibilities will include preparing catastrophe modeling data from various data sources, modeling the data by utilizing catastrophe model/(s), communicating the outcomes and providing recommendations to the senior management team to quantify the risk. The candidate will collaborate with internal customers (direct and assumed businesses) to develop adequate pricing, ratemaking, and exposure management strategies that drive towards profitable growth of the company.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with data engineers and underwriters in gathering the data needed for catastrophe modeling as well as improving data accuracy and completeness; organize, scrub and prepare the data for model ready import files using valuation tools including SQL/Excel.
  • Analyze the risks for data quality, accuracy, and completeness; provide recommendations to management to enhance decision-making.
  • Run analyses using proprietary catastrophe model such as RMS, generate outputs to analyze the loss results and help determine the degree of risks of various perils.
  • Support the underwriting and actuarial teams by interpreting the modeling outputs for growth and rate-making.
  • Prepare analytical reports to understand the portfolio as well as concentration of risks.
  • Assess catastrophe risk arising from direct and assumed business.
  • Perform scenario modeling to analyze the impact of growth or reduction within the existing book.
  • Support improvements efforts to increase consistency, efficiency, and compliance with internal standards.
  • Stay well versed with the continuously changing catastrophe modeling industry and the models.
  • Respond to real-time catastrophic events, prioritizing over all else by computing potential losses as soon as the data is received, and inform the outcome to senior management once computed.
  • Effectively communicate information and results to a variety of technical and non-technical audiences across the organization.

Job Specifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
  • Either a minor concentration or additional degree in Meteorology preferred.

Certifications/Designations:
  • Employees are expected to participate in continuing education throughout their careers.
  • Possess, or working towards, an CCRA, CEEM, and/or ARe certification preferred.

Experience:
  • 6+ years of catastrophe modeling experience.

Working Conditions:
  • General Office Environment.
  • Up to 10% travel for quarterly office visit and occasional conferences.

Skills & Knowledge:
Skills:
  • Advanced proficiency with Excel, Power Point, SQL, Tableau.
  • Advanced analytical, technical, problem solving, time management, critical thinking, and project execution skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to effectively collaborate with multi-disciplinary groups and all organizational levels.
  • Able to work independently and in a team environment

Knowledge:
  • Strong Knowledge of catastrophe modeling software such as RMS and AIR.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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