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Life Insurance Underwriter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Life Underwriter

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$96K - $114K/yr

Senior Life Underwriter Do you have a medical background and/or previous experience underwriting life insurance? Are you a problem solver with great analytical thinking skills, as well as strong ...

Sr Life Underwriter II

West Des Moines, IA · 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 ...

We realize every one of life's interactions is an opportunity to help someone reach that potential. This is why we treat even the smallest details of life and banking with careful thought and ...

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Life Insurance Underwriter information

See Iowa salary details

$58.7K

$77.1K

$97.7K

How much do life insurance underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for life insurance underwriter in Iowa is $77,113.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,500.00 and $79,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a life insurance underwriter do?

A Life Insurance Underwriter is responsible for evaluating applications for life insurance policies. They assess the risk of insuring individuals by reviewing medical histories, financial information, and lifestyle factors. Based on their analysis, they decide whether to approve or deny coverage and determine the appropriate premiums for each applicant. Their goal is to ensure that the insurance company maintains a balanced risk portfolio while providing fair coverage to clients.

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

To thrive as a Life Insurance Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in finance, business, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk assessment tools, and knowledge of industry standards such as LOMA or ALU certifications are typically required. Excellent decision-making, communication, and customer service skills help underwriters effectively evaluate applications and explain complex decisions to clients or agents. These competencies ensure accurate risk evaluation, compliance with regulations, and maintaining profitable portfolios for insurance companies.

What are some typical challenges life insurance underwriters face when assessing complex applications?

Life Insurance Underwriters often encounter challenges when evaluating applications with incomplete medical histories, ambiguous financial documentation, or unique risk factors such as rare medical conditions or hazardous occupations. These cases require thorough investigation, effective communication with applicants and medical professionals, and careful application of underwriting guidelines. Balancing risk assessment with customer service and regulatory compliance can also be demanding, but it provides valuable opportunities for professional growth and problem-solving.

What is the difference between Life Insurance Underwriter vs Claims Adjuster?

AspectLife Insurance UnderwriterClaims Adjuster
Required CredentialsInsurance licenses, underwriting certificationsClaims adjusting licenses, insurance knowledge
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, analytical settingField or office, investigative role
Employer & Industry UsageInsurance companies, underwriting departmentsInsurance companies, claims departments

While both roles are vital in the insurance industry, a Life Insurance Underwriter primarily assesses risk and determines policy eligibility, whereas a Claims Adjuster evaluates claims after a loss occurs. The underwriter focuses on preventing losses through risk analysis, while the adjuster handles claims processing and settlement. Both roles require insurance knowledge and licensing, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Life Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Life Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Life Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Life Insurance Underwriter jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Life Insurance Underwriter jobs in IA? For Life Insurance Underwriter jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Life Insurance Underwriter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,113 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Sr. Life Underwriter

Farm Bureau Financial Services

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$97K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Senior Life Underwriter Do you have a medical background and/or previous experience underwriting life insurance? Are you a problem solver with great analytical thinking skills, as well as strong organizational skills? Are you a go-getter with high initiative, a positive attitude and a lifelong learner? If so, this Senior Life Underwriter opportunity could be a fit for you! Who We Are: With Farm Bureau Financial Services, our client/members can feel confident knowing their family, home, cars and other property are protected. We value a culture where integrity, teamwork, passion, service, leadership and accountability are at the heart of every decision we make and every action we take. We're proud of our more than 80-year commitment to protecting the livelihoods and futures of our client/members and creating an atmosphere where our employees thrive. What You'll Do: As a Senior Life Underwriter, you will be responsible for the total case management of all applications assigned. This position involves reviewing applications, examinations, laboratory and other test results, medical and financial records, all documents required to comply with state and federal regulations and determining suitability. Familiarity with Accelerated Underwriting and interpreting underwriting data is desirable. You will work independently, with support from the assistants, but also may consult with other underwriters, Medical Director, reinsurance companies and experts in other disciplines such as accounting and legal. As a Senior Life Underwriter, you must adhere to department policies and procedures and comply with government regulations. There are times where this role would be responsible for training our agency force in the participation of seminars, and agency or statewide meetings. What It Takes to Join Our Team: College degree or equivalent plus 5 years of life insurance experience preferred. FLMI, FALU and CLU designation(s) preferred (or currently working towards). Keep current with changes in the industry and risk selection. Familiarity with Windows and Microsoft Office software preferred. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must have life underwriting experience and/or a medical background. Must be able to work from our office located in West Des Moines, IA (hybrid home/office work schedule) What We Offer You: When you're on our team, you get more than a great paycheck. You'll hear about career development and educational opportunities. We offer an enhanced 401K with a match, low-cost health, dental, and vision benefits, and life and disability insurance options. We also offer paid time off, including holidays and volunteer time, and teams who know how to have fun. Add to that an onsite wellness facility with fitness classes and programs, a daycare center, a cafeteria, and for many positions, even consideration for a hybrid work arrangement. Farm Bureau....where the grass really IS greener! If you're interested in joining a company that appreciates its employees, provides growth and professional development opportunities, and offers great benefits, we invite you to apply today! Work Authorization/Sponsorship: At this time, we are not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future, such as additional or permanent work authorization. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent basis. We are not able to sponsor now or in the future, or take over sponsorship of, an employment visa or work authorization for this role. For example, we are not considering candidates with OPT status.