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Insurance Actuarial Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Director, Actuarial FP&A

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$195K - $250K/yr

Job Family Actuarial About Us At Transamerica, hard work, innovative thinking, and personal ... Our insurance, retirement, and investment solutions help people make the most of what's important ...

Director, Actuarial FP&A

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท Hybrid

$195K - $250K/yr

Job Family Actuarial About Us At Transamerica, hard work, innovative thinking, and personal ... Our insurance, retirement, and investment solutions help people make the most of what's important ...

Our insurance, retirement, and investment solutions help people make the most of what's important ... Typical assignments in the Actuarial function include an introduction to the business, product ...

Showing results 21-40

Insurance Actuarial information

See Iowa salary details

$95.3K

$134.2K

$160.6K

How much do insurance actuarial jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance actuarial in Iowa is $134,235.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an insurance actuarial?

Insurance actuaries are professionals who use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty in the insurance industry. They help insurance companies design policies, determine premiums, and ensure that the company can meet future claims. Actuaries play a critical role in evaluating the likelihood of events such as accidents, illnesses, or natural disasters and in helping insurers remain financially stable. Their work helps protect both the company and its policyholders from unexpected losses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insurance actuarial, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Insurance Actuarial, you need strong mathematical, statistical, and analytical skills, typically supported by a degree in actuarial science, mathematics, or a related field, along with progress toward professional actuarial certifications. Proficiency with actuarial modeling software (such as SAS, R, or Prophet), spreadsheet tools, and data analysis systems is essential. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help actuaries interpret complex data and present findings clearly to stakeholders. These capabilities are vital for accurately assessing risk, developing sound insurance products, and supporting business decision-making.

What are some of the common challenges faced by insurance actuaries when analyzing new products or markets?

Insurance actuaries often encounter challenges such as limited historical data, rapidly changing regulations, and evolving customer behaviors when analyzing new products or entering unfamiliar markets. These factors can make it difficult to develop accurate pricing models and risk assessments. Actuaries must collaborate closely with underwriting, product development, and data analytics teams to gather insights and adapt their methodologies. Staying updated on industry trends and regulatory changes is also essential for successfully navigating these challenges.

What is the difference between Insurance Actuarial vs Insurance Underwriting?

AspectInsurance ActuarialInsurance Underwriting
Primary FocusRisk assessment and pricing modelsEvaluating individual applications and approving policies
Required CredentialsActuarial certifications (e.g., SOA, CAS)Typically no formal certifications, but industry experience valued
Work EnvironmentData analysis, statistical modeling, forecastingAssessing applications, client interaction, decision-making
Industry UsageUsed across insurance companies for product developmentUsed in underwriting departments for policy issuance

Insurance Actuarial and Insurance Underwriting roles are both vital in the insurance industry but focus on different aspects. Actuaries analyze data to develop pricing models, while underwriters evaluate individual applications to approve policies. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the insurance sector.

Do insurance actuaries make good money?

Insurance actuaries typically earn high salaries due to their specialized skills in risk assessment and statistical analysis. Entry-level salaries often start around $60,000 to $80,000 annually, with experienced professionals earning over $150,000, especially those with professional certifications like the ASA or FSA. The profession offers strong earning potential and job stability in the insurance industry.

What are popular job titles related to Insurance Actuarial jobs in Iowa?

For Insurance Actuarial jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Insurance Actuarial jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Insurance Actuarial jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Insurance Actuarial job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,235 per year, or $64.5 per hour.

Actuarial Internship (Summer 2027)

Principal Financial Group

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

What You'll Do
Are you looking for an opportunity to expand your technical skills, communication skills, and industry knowledge? If so, consider joining the Principal internship program and provide actuarial services and support to the many different lines of business we have here!
Projects and responsibilities vary based on business need, but here are a few examples of what previous interns have accomplished:
  • Cluster Modeling Project - efficient method of compressing a model with the goal of improving the runtime.
  • Updating experience studies - looking through our data to identify the frequency and severity of our claims across demographic groups. Findings directly affect the pricing of our products by setting assumptions based on both our internal experience and industry-wide experience.
  • SAS Asset Reporting Tool - help us understand why things are changing from projection to projection, allowing us to better analyze future performance from block to block.
  • Analysis of Foreign Exchange Rates - explore the impact of fluctuations in foreign currencies on Principal's international insurance and retirement businesses. This work helps our international business to improve its strategy around how we handle the complex risks of the global marketplace.
  • Other responsibilities could include: identifying model elements most likely to be impacted by the economic environment, designing and running test scenarios, analyzing results, and summarizing findings.
Benefits you'll receive through this internship:
  • Learn from and work with credentialed actuaries, including an assigned mentor.
  • Meaningful and challenging work at a company that values authenticity and encourages curiosity.
  • Small group meetings with Senior Actuarial Leadership.

Make sure to navigate over to our Actuarial Careers Page for videos and testimonies from our previous interns.
Who You Are
  • Current enrollment at a college/university or completed degree with focused studies in actuarial science, statistics, mathematics or related majors.
  • Ability to pass actuarial exams and a dedication to pursue an FSA with the Society of Actuaries.
  • Knowledge of actuarial mathematics, including probability, statistics, numerical analysis and compound interest.
  • Collaborative communication skills and an eagerness for continuous learning.
Skills That Will Help You Stand Out
  • At least one actuarial exam completed and passed.
  • Knowledge of Excel, database, or actuarial modeling tools.
  • Informal or formal leadership experience.

Salary Range Information
Salary ranges below reflect targeted base salaries. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.
Salary Range
$24 - $29 / hour
Time Off Program
Paid company holidays and any time off required in your state.
Pension Eligible
No
Additional Information
Our Internship Culture
Join an established program that provides hands-on experiences for 200+ interns each year! You'll learn new skills with dedicated teams and mentors, build your professional network and collaborate across a global Fortune 500 company. We care about offering you diverse experiences and exciting challenges that push you to reach for bigger life goals, all while enjoying our flexibility and work life balance. Join us for events such as our Executive Speaker Series, gain career direction, and much more! https://www.principal.com/about-us/careers/internships
Internship Stipend
You will receive a lump sum stipend of $4,000. This amount is intended to support incidental expenses you may incur as part of your internship. The Company will provide a tax gross-up on this stipend as a financial benefit, but is not intended to compensate for all tax liabilities.
Work Environments & Location
This role is located at our world headquarters in Des Moines, IA. We offer the ability for in-office, and hybrid (blending at least three office days in a typical workweek) work arrangements. You'll work with your leader to figure out which option may align best based on several factors.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links.
Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants
Investment Code of Ethics
For Principal Asset Management positions, you'll need to follow an Investment Code of Ethics related to personal and business conduct as well as personal trading activities for you and members of your household. These same requirements may also apply to other positions across the organization.
Experience Principal
At Principal, we value connecting on both a personal and professional level. Together, we're imagining a more purpose-led future for financial services - and that starts with you. Our success depends on the unique experiences, backgrounds, and talents of our interns.
Principal is an Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Posting Window
We will accept applications for 3 full days following the Original Posting Date, after which the posting may remain open or be removed based upon applications received. If we choose to post the job again, we will accept additional applications for at least 1 full day following the Most Recently Posted Date. Please submit applications in a timely manner as there is no guarantee the posting will be available beyond the applicable deadline.
Date First Posted (TTF)
8/10/2026
Latest Post Date: Careers - US
8/10/2026