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Principal Data Analyst Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Compliance Advisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$104K - $150K/yr

Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD) is a limited-purpose broker-dealer supporting Principal ... Leverage data to provide in-depth analysis and reporting to help guide decision-making processes ...

Compliance Advisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$104K - $187K/yr

What You'll Do Principal is hiring for a Compliance Advisor to provide support to our Broker-Dealer ... Leverage data to provide in-depth analysis and reporting to help guide decision-making processes ...

Compliance Advisor

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$104K - $187K/yr

What You'll Do Principal is hiring for a Compliance Advisor to provide support to our Broker-Dealer ... Leverage data to provide in-depth analysis and reporting to help guide decision-making processes ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Data Analyst information

See Iowa salary details

$31.9K

$77.6K

$127.7K

How much do principal data analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal data analyst in Iowa is $77,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $91,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal data analyst?

Principal Data Analysts are senior-level professionals who lead complex data analysis projects within an organization. They are responsible for interpreting large datasets, designing analytical models, and providing strategic insights to guide business decisions. In addition to technical expertise, they often mentor junior analysts, collaborate with stakeholders, and help set data strategy. Principal Data Analysts typically have extensive experience and a deep understanding of both data science and the industry in which they work.

What is the difference between Principal Data Analyst vs Data Scientist?

AspectPrincipal Data AnalystData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related field; strong analytical skillsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Computer Science, or related; programming skills often emphasized
Work EnvironmentBusiness-focused, analyzing data to inform decisions, often within corporate teamsResearch and development environment, building models, exploring data, often in tech or research firms
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in finance, healthcare, retail, and corporate sectorsPrevalent in tech, e-commerce, and research organizations

The main difference between a Principal Data Analyst and a Data Scientist lies in their focus and skill set. Principal Data Analysts typically concentrate on interpreting data to support business decisions, while Data Scientists often develop predictive models and algorithms. Both roles require strong analytical skills and relevant education, but Data Scientists usually have more programming expertise and a focus on machine learning. Understanding these distinctions helps organizations hire the right talent for their data needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal data analyst?

To thrive as a Principal Data Analyst, you need advanced expertise in data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization, often backed by a degree in a quantitative field and several years of experience. Mastery of tools such as SQL, Python or R, business intelligence platforms, and data warehousing systems is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Certified Analytics Professional (CAP). Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set top analysts apart, enabling them to translate complex data into actionable business insights. These competencies are essential for driving data-driven decision-making and leading analytical projects that align with organizational goals.

What does a principal data analyst do?

A Principal Data Analyst often plays a key role in cross-functional projects by acting as the primary liaison between data teams and business stakeholders. They lead the design and execution of complex analyses, ensuring that project requirements are clearly understood and data-driven insights align with organizational goals. This role involves collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, and executives to translate business questions into actionable analytical solutions, while also mentoring junior analysts and establishing best practices. Their strategic input is critical to shaping data-driven decision-making across departments.
Infographic showing various Principal Data Analyst job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,621 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

$143K - $229K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 304 rated insurance


Job description

Job Description

The Principal Data Scientist will serve as the principal lead to provide accurate and quality analyses that translate data in sound organizational decisions. In this role you will provide strategic thought leadership and partner with other functional areas to deliver collaborative work products that align with divisional and enterprise strategy. You will own delivery of multiple large and/or complex data science and engineering projects.

What You'll Do

  • Lead in the development and testing of hypotheses across all functional data sets

  • Lead requirements gathering sessions with business and technical staff to distill technical requirement from business requests

  • Define and implement integrated data models, allowing integration of data from multiple sources

  • Design and develop scalable, efficient data pipeline processes to handle data ingestion, cleansing, transformation, integration, and validation

  • Define and implement data stores based on system requirements and consumer requirements

  • Design and develop models to understand and solve multiple complex business solutions using a variety of methods including data mining, statistical analysis, predictive modeling and analysis, stochastic modeling, pattern recognition, probability analysis, and network analysis

  • Design and implement production models leveraging technologies such Python, and R

  • Leverage existing data sets and engineer new data sets including development of SQL queries, data integration and resolution of data quality issues

  • Apply advanced conceptual understanding of Big Data systems to data set engineering and analytic model implementation

  • Lead development and reviews of complex analytic models and algorithms

  • Identify actionable insights, suggest recommendations, and influence business direction by effectively communicating results to cross functional groups

  • Document and test analytic processes including performance and thorough data validation and verification

  • Engage with enterprise business areas to incorporate feedback into audit process including but not limited to Payment Integrity, SIU, Provider, Behavioral Health, Med Policy, Claims, Pharmacy
  • Articulate analytic methods and drive business outcomes with responsible business areas
  • Consult with executive level leadership across the organization- with responsibility to drive CoC ideation for Commercial and Medicare
  • Informally lead other analysts and synthesize information and make recommendations to executive leadership
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree (where required)

  • 8+ years of experience in related field.

  • In lieu of degree, 10+ years of experience in related field.

  • Strong Analytic/Data Science skills:

  • Experience with Snowflake

  • Experience building AI Agents

  • Understand Bell curve analysis

  • Incorporate Industry benchmarks into analysis

  • Perform outlier detection

  • Strong healthcare experience with Payment Integrity/FWA business knowledge is required

  • understanding of FWA concepts, CMS guidelines, Medical/Reimbursement Policy are all strongly preferred

Salary Range

At Blue Cross NC, we take great pride in a fair and equitable compensation package that reflects market-price and our starting salaries are typically planned near the middle of the range listed. Compensation decisions are driven by factors including experience and training, specialized skill sets, licensure and certifications and other business and organizational needs.Our base salary is part of a robust Total Rewards package that includes an Annual Incentive Bonus*, 401(k) with employer match, Paid Time Off (PTO), and competitive health benefits and wellness programs.

*Based on annual corporate goal achievement and individual performance.

$143,616.00 - $229,786.00

Skills

Big Data, Complex Data Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Engineering, Data Mining, Data Modeling Techniques, Data Science, Data Visualization, Machine Learning (ML), Predictive Analytics, Predictive Modeling, Python (Programming Language), Statistical Analysis, Statistical Models

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JOB ALERT FRAUD: We have become aware of scams from individuals, organizations, and internet sites claiming to represent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in recruitment activities in return for disclosing financial information. Our hiring process does not include text-based conversations or interviews and never requires payment or fees from job applicants. All our career opportunities are published on https://bcbsnc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/BCBSNC. If you have already provided your personal information that you suspect is fraudulent activity, please report it to your local authorities. Any fraudulent activity should be reported to: HR.Staffing@BCBSNC.com.


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