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Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Programs Underwriter

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

Programs and Insurance Knowledge, Principles, & Practice: Develops and applies deep expertise in program and insurance principles to deliver a world-class client experience, collaborating with agents ...

Sr Life Underwriter II

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

As a Sr. Life Underwriter II you will underwrite new business life insurance policies within predetermined monetary guidelines, in accordance with Farm Bureau policy and in compliance with government ...

Showing results 21-40

Insurance Underwriter information

See Iowa salary details

$26.3K

$58.5K

$98.6K

How much do insurance underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance underwriter in Iowa is $58,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,300.00 and $78,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an insurance underwriter do?

An insurance underwriter evaluates applications for insurance coverage and determines the level of risk involved in insuring a person or asset. They review information such as application forms, medical records, and financial documents to decide whether to offer insurance and at what premium rate. Underwriters play a crucial role in helping insurance companies set appropriate coverage terms and minimize potential losses. Their work ensures that the company remains profitable while providing fair and accurate coverage to clients.

What are some common challenges insurance underwriters face in balancing risk and customer satisfaction?

Insurance underwriters often face the challenge of assessing risks accurately while maintaining competitive offerings that satisfy clients. Striking the right balance can be difficult, as being too cautious may result in lost business, while being overly lenient can lead to unprofitable claims. Underwriters must stay current with industry trends, regulations, and risk assessment tools, and they frequently collaborate with agents and actuaries to ensure sound decisions. Effective communication and analytical skills are essential to navigate these competing demands and to help build long-term client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an insurance underwriter?

To thrive as an Insurance Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of finance and risk assessment, often supported by a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related fields. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk management systems, and relevant certifications like Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and negotiation skills help underwriters explain policies and collaborate effectively with agents and clients. These skills are vital for accurately assessing risk, ensuring profitability, and maintaining strong client relationships in the insurance industry.

What is an insurance underwriter?

Insurance underwriters evaluate insurance policy applications, assess the risk, and make recommendations for coverage and premium pricing to insurance issuers. As an insurance underwriter, you use computer software and specific criteria to assess risk and establish pricing and research other factors such as market trends and equity values to provide data to support your recommendations. You determine if the policy will likely be a good financial investment for the insurance provider.

What qualifications do I need for insurance underwriting?

Insurance underwriters typically need a bachelor's degree in fields such as finance, economics, or business. Relevant skills include strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and knowledge of insurance policies and risk assessment. Professional certifications like the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Insurance Underwriter vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance UnderwriterClaims Adjuster
Primary RoleAssess risk and determine policy termsEvaluate insurance claims and determine payouts
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPCU are commonOften requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like AIC or CPCU are beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, analyzing data and risk factorsField and office-based, investigating claims and interviewing claimants
Industry UsageUsed across insurance companies for policy issuanceUsed for claims processing and settlement

Both roles are integral to the insurance industry, with underwriters focusing on risk assessment before policy issuance, and claims adjusters handling claims after a loss occurs. While their work environments and responsibilities differ, they often require similar credentials and certifications, making them closely related career paths within insurance companies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Insurance Underwriter jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Insurance Underwriter job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Underwriter jobs in IA? For Insurance Underwriter jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Insurance Underwriter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,500 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Production Underwriter - REMOTE

United Fire & Casualty Company

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

UFG Insurance is expanding its responsive, trusted, and knowledgeable middle market / construction underwriting team. If you want to be a part of a collaborative team, thrive on cultivating strong agency partnerships, driving profitable growth, and impacting the success of the organization all while working in a remote opportunity, we want to talk with you!
What To Expect:
  • Profitably underwrite complex new and renewal business
  • Manage a portfolio to achieve profit and premium plans
  • Achieve production goals through marketing and pipelining new business opportunities
  • Represent UFG in the marketplace
  • Collaborate with multiple business units
  • Work with an amazing team in a remote opportunity for an organization that values the impact you make!
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package including 401k, cash balance pension plan, discretionary time off, benefits are effective on your first day of employment.

What It Takes:
  • 5+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience in middle market and construction segments
  • Demonstrated ability to execute underwriting strategy
  • Proven track record of growing a profitable book of business
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Established relationships with key distribution partners
  • Solution-focused

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.