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Insurance Underwriting Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Information Providers Inc.

Be Seen First

Insurance Inspector

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $22.50/hr

Our company is Information Providers, Inc and we are a field service company that conducts underwriting surveys of residential and commercial properties for insurance companies throughout 28 states.

Information Providers Inc.

Be Seen First

Insurance Inspector

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Our company is Information Providers, Inc and we are a field service company that conducts underwriting surveys of residential and commercial properties for insurance companies throughout 28 states.

Berkley

Underwriting Assistant

Urbandale, IA

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A ... We are seeking a Surety Underwriting Assistant to provide technical, administrative, and ...

Berkley

Underwriting Assistant

Urbandale, IA

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A ... We are seeking a Surety Underwriting Assistant to provide technical, administrative, and ...

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All JobsInsurance Underwriting JobsInsurance Underwriting Jobs in Iowa

Insurance Underwriting information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$40.4K

$43.7K

How much do insurance underwriting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for insurance underwriting in Iowa is $40,388.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $41,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Insurance Underwriting vs Insurance Claims Adjuster?

AspectInsurance UnderwritingInsurance Claims Adjuster
Primary RoleAssess risk and determine policy eligibility and premiumsEvaluate insurance claims to determine coverage and settlement
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CPCU are commonHigh school diploma or bachelor's; certifications like AIC or CPCU beneficial
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, analyzing data and risk factorsField and office-based, inspecting damages and interviewing claimants
Industry UsageUsed across insurance companies for policy issuanceUsed for claims processing and settlement

Insurance Underwriting and Insurance Claims Adjuster roles are both vital in the insurance industry but focus on different stages. Underwriters assess risk before policy issuance, while claims adjusters evaluate claims after a loss occurs. Both roles require analytical skills and industry knowledge, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are insurance underwriters?

Insurance underwriters are professionals who evaluate the risks of insuring people or assets and determine the terms and pricing of insurance policies. They analyze information provided by applicants, such as health records or property details, and use specialized software and guidelines to assess risk levels. Based on this assessment, underwriters decide whether to approve or reject applications, and set coverage amounts and premiums. Their work helps insurance companies maintain profitability while offering fair coverage to customers.

How does an insurance underwriter typically collaborate with agents and other departments during the policy approval process?

Insurance underwriters frequently work closely with insurance agents, sales teams, and risk assessment departments to evaluate applications and ensure policies meet company guidelines. This collaboration often involves clarifying applicant information, discussing unique or complex risks, and negotiating coverage terms to balance client needs with the insurer's risk tolerance. Effective communication is key, as underwriters must provide timely decisions and clear explanations to support both customer satisfaction and organizational objectives. Teamwork is essential, especially when dealing with high-value or unusual cases that require input from multiple experts.

Is insurance underwriting a good career?

Insurance underwriting is a stable career that involves evaluating risks and determining policy terms, often requiring analytical skills and attention to detail. It offers opportunities for advancement, professional certification, and typically involves standard office hours, making it suitable for those interested in finance and risk management.

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

To thrive as an Insurance Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of risk assessment, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk evaluation tools, and sometimes industry certifications like CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter) is common. Excellent decision-making, communication, and negotiation skills help underwriters collaborate with agents and clients and make sound judgments. These skills ensure accurate risk evaluation, profitable policy decisions, and strong client relationships in a highly regulated industry.

How much do you get paid for an insurance underwriter?

Insurance underwriters typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level underwriters may start lower, while experienced professionals or those in specialized fields can earn higher wages, often supplemented by certifications and advanced skills.

How much do insurance underwriters make on average?

Insurance underwriters earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level underwriters typically start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Certifications and advanced knowledge of underwriting software can also influence salary levels.

What does an insurance underwriter do?

An insurance underwriter evaluates insurance applications to determine the risk level and decide whether to approve coverage and at what premium. They analyze factors such as applicant information, policy details, and industry data, often using specialized software and adhering to company guidelines. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of insurance policies are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Insurance Underwriting jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Insurance Underwriting jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Insurance Underwriting jobs in Iowa? For Insurance Underwriting jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Insurance Underwriting jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Insurance Underwriting jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Insurance Underwriting jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Insurance Underwriting job openings:
Insurance Underwriting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Insurance Underwriting job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,388 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Middle Market Underwriting Leader

Middle Market Underwriting Leader

PHARMACISTS MUTUAL INSURANCE CO

Des Moines, IA

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group has an opening for a Middle Market Underwriting Leader. This role will provide leadership and oversight for the Middle Market underwriting team. Leads and oversees Middle Market underwriting, guiding a team to effectively evaluate, price, and manage complex risks while modeling strong underwriting judgment. Drives development to remain competitive and monitors performance and claims trends to inform actionable strategies that support sustainable growth and portfolio stability. Accountable for P&L results, manages key metrics, and implements corrective actions as needed. Fosters a culture of accountability and excellence through coaching, audits, and governance of underwriting authority. Collaborates cross-functionally with Distribution, Claims, Pricing, and Risk Management, while building strategic partnerships to drive profitable growth. Contributes to identifying emerging risks and opportunities, balancing strategic vision with operational leadership. May lead other underwriting segments, such as Programs and/or Excess and Surplus Lines.  

Middle Market Underwriting Director

  • Leads the Middle Market underwriting portfolio, driving disciplined growth, execution, and sustained performance through strategic portfolio management.
  • Directs the Middle Market strategy, translating company objectives into actionable plans for the portfolio.
  • Oversees and optimizes the operational performance of the Middle Market portfolio, driving alignment with profitability, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements while identifying and implementing improvements to enhance portfolio outcomes.
  • Designs and drives training programs to enhance team capabilities, aligning development efforts with performance goals and business needs.

Assistant Vice President, Middle Market Underwriting

  • Leads the strategic direction of portfolio Middle Market operations, driving sustained profitability, strengthening risk discipline, and advancing enterprise-wide improvements aligned to regulatory and business objectives.
  • In partnership with the VP, Underwriting, shapes and executes the Middle Market strategy, translating company objectives into actionable plans for the portfolio.
  • Oversees the strategic governance and operational performance of the Middle Market portfolio, ensuring alignment with underwriting profitability, risk appetite, and regulatory standards.
  • Sets the strategic vision for training and development, elevating organizational capabilities and shaping performance outcomes across the portfolio.

Essential Functions

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Understands the Middle Market marketplace and agent and customer expectations.
  • Participates in Guidelines Leadership Team to develop underwriting guidelines.
  • Models effective leadership, motivating the team to achieve shared goals while reinforcing professionalism and accountability.
  • Recruits, trains, coaches, and develops underwriting staff.
  • Conducts goal-setting activities and individual performance reviews.
  • Manages department workflow to ensure proper controls and procedures are documented, maintained, and followed.
  • Establishes workload and territory assignments and monitors productivity.
  • Coordinates regular and systematic quality control audits for each assigned staff member.
  • Supports VP, Underwriting with participation in Underwriting and/or cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.
  • Ensures compliance with underwriting guidelines, authority levels, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintains expenses at or below budget for assigned team.
  • Drives innovation and capability enhancements in portfolio management, AI utilization, underwriting processes, and performance metrics by identifying opportunities, developing recommendations, and leading implementation.
  • Uses data and analytics to inform decisions, identify trends, and improve underwriting practices.
  • Stays informed on industry trends, emerging risks, and competitor offerings to enhance underwriting effectiveness.
  • May underwrite complex Middle Market business.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of commercial insurance underwriting.
  • Expert knowledge of commercial policy language.
  • Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with distribution partners and individual account negotiations.
  • Ability to develop, build, and lead highly-effective teams.
  • Demonstrates the skills needed to drive financial performance of the Middle Market portfolio.
  • Demonstrated experience in influencing and leading teams of underwriters.
  • Knowledge of employee management principles including hiring, supervision, training, retention, and performance evaluation.
  • Ability to develop a plan and execute it.
  • Ability to make timely decisions independently, using personal knowledge and discretion.
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Deep problem-solving skills.
  • Work independently and use initiative.
  • Possess critical thinking skills and sound judgment in underwriting decisions.
  • Determine when and how to escalate concerns.
  • Ability to understand and apply laws, rules and regulations.
  • Ability to deal with confidential information.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Interact externally and internally with professionalism and confidence.
  • Possess a high level of executive functioning skills to organize and prioritize work. 
  • Meet finite deadlines and deal with pressure situations.
  • Maintain records; prepare reports/correspondence related to the work.
  • Read, interpret and input data efficiently and accurately.
  • Communicate and work effectively with others (oral and written).
  • Follow oral and written directions.
  • Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation.
  • Knowledge of management information and business systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
  • Utilize computer and related software effectively.

Experience and Education Qualifications 

Middle Market Underwriting Director

  • High School Diploma or equivalent and 20 year of related experience with at least 5 in leadership; or
  • Associate’s Degree or equivalent and 15 years of related experience with at least 3 in leadership; and
  • One of the following industry related certifications: Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), or Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)

OR

  • Bachelor’s Degree and 8 years of related experience with at least 2 in leadership; or
  • Master’s Degree and 6 years of related experience with at least 1 in leadership

Assistant Vice President, Middle Market Underwriting 

  • Bachelor’s Degree and 10 years of related experience with at least 5 years in leadership; or
  • Master’s Degree and 8 years of related experience with at least 3 years in leadership

Preferred Qualifications

  • Successful completion of CPCU or AU designation

Work Environment

  • Hybrid or fully remote work environment designed to provide flexibility, autonomy, and productivity while working from another location
  • Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting
  • Work may involve travel to attend meetings at other locations

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary bonus and access to our benefits package, including:

  • Health, Dental, Vision & Life coverage
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Volunteer Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Hybrid/Remote Work Options
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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