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Entry Level Actuary Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Actuary information

See Iowa salary details

$106.1K

$123.8K

$129.1K

How much do entry level actuary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level actuary in Iowa is $123,834.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,400.00 and $128,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level actuary?

Entry level actuaries are professionals who use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess risk and uncertainty, typically in the insurance and finance industries. They usually have a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related field and have passed one or more actuarial exams. Entry level actuaries assist in tasks such as pricing insurance policies, forecasting future events, and analyzing data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work under the supervision of experienced actuaries while they gain more experience and complete additional certification exams.

What does an entry level actuary do?

As an entry-level actuary, your duties focus on using statistics to predict the likelihood of specific outcomes, most often in relation to the insurance industry. You use mathematical analysis to calculate risk, make projections, and come up with pricing for financial products, investments, life insurance, and other forms of insurance coverage. Entry-level actuaries first undergo training as actuarial assistants, associate actuaries, or actuarial trainees. Your duties in these positions include analyzing data, creating equations and algorithms for specific calculations, and making reports that you submit to a supervising actuary. Trainees often perform initial research to find data for actuarial calculations.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can an entry level actuary expect in their first year?

As an entry level actuary, you'll typically work on tasks such as data analysis, preparing reports, validating data for accuracy, and assisting with the development of actuarial models. You may also support senior actuaries in calculating premiums, reserves, and risk assessments using statistical software. Collaboration is common—expect to interact with other actuarial team members, underwriters, and sometimes IT or finance departments to gather data and ensure accurate reporting. Many employers also offer structured training and study support for actuarial exams, which is a key part of early career development in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level actuary, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Actuary, you need strong analytical and mathematical abilities, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or a related field, and progress on actuarial exams. Familiarity with statistical software, Excel, and actuarial modeling tools such as SAS or R is important, as are credentials from organizations like the SOA or CAS. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you interpret data and explain complex findings to non-technical stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing risk and contributing valuable insights to business decisions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Actuary vs Actuary?

AspectEntry Level ActuaryActuary
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree and passing 1-3 actuarial examsRequires additional exams passed, often 3+ exams, and professional certification (e.g., ASA, FSA)
Work EnvironmentEntry-level roles in insurance, consulting, or finance firms, focusing on data analysis and basic modelingMore advanced responsibilities, including complex modeling, risk assessment, and decision-making
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies for entry-level positionsUsed across similar industries, with increased responsibilities and leadership roles

The main difference between an Entry Level Actuary and an Actuary is experience and certification level. Entry level roles focus on learning and basic tasks, while actuaries have advanced credentials and handle complex analyses. Progression from entry-level to fully credentialed actuary involves passing exams and gaining experience.

More about Entry Level Actuary jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Actuary jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Actuary jobs in Iowa are:

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For Entry Level Actuary jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Actuary jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Actuary jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Actuary jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Actuary job openings:

Entry Level Actuary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Actuary job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 64% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,834 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Summer 2027 P&C Actuarial Internship

Nationwide Insurance and Financial Services

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$23 - $50/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

As a team member in Finance at Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, the opportunities are endless! Let Nationwide help create your career journey! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Job Description Summary

Job Description

PROPERTY & CASUALTY ACTUARIAL PROGRAMS

At Nationwide®, we don’t just fill positions. We embrace personalities - people with a passion for action and a unique perspective. We value different viewpoints, experiences and cultural backgrounds because we believe that diverse ideas inspire people to connect. And what’s the result? A more well-rounded Fortune 100 company with associates who reflect the members and markets we serve.

We offer a wide range of actuarial opportunities in pricing, research and reserving, supporting personal, commercial and agribusiness lines of insurance. Actuaries interact with business units such as underwriting, claims and sales to make fully- informed business decisions in the interest of our members. Programs for your success.

Actuarial Summer Internship Program

For 12 weeks, our Actuarial Summer Internship program gives interns the opportunity to enhance their classroom knowledge with real-world applications in one of Nationwide’s actuarial departments.

This program helps interns discover their own desire to pursue an actuarial career - all while earning competitive compensation. After successfully completing the program, interns are strongly considered for future full-time positions.

Actuarial Program Nationwide offers a full-time, competitive Actuarial Program that supports professional development through the Casualty Actuarial Society exam process.

This program reimburses participants for exam fees, study materials and professional designations, and provides generous study hour benefits and time off so you can sit for exams. You’ll also have the opportunity to receive raises for passing those exams.

We’re looking for our future leaders

And we mean it. If you’re passionate about becoming an actuary and believe you have the potential to be something great, let’s talk.

Qualifications:

  • Participants should have advanced skills in mathematics and statistics or have a background in modeling, programming or quantitative analysis
  • Knowledge of current insurance trends preferred
  • Experiences that demonstrate leadership qualities
  • Communication and analytical skills
  • The ability to think strategically and critically

Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program. At its sole discretion, Nationwide determines whether to offer sponsorship for qualifying positions based on business need and budget. However, it is not usually available for entry level roles.

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Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment.

The national hourly pay range for Nationwide Internships is: $23 - $50

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