Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

SOC code 13-1031 · O*NET-SOC 13-1031.00 · Considerable preparation needed · Business and finance

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$78,000

a year

Hourly

$37.50

per hour

10th$48,850Median$78,00090th$117,040

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$80,470

$38.69 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,160 – $98,030

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$48,850 – $117,040

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

324,230

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $48,850; $23.48/hr
25th percentile: $61,160; $29.40/hr
Median percentile: $78,000; $37.50/hr
75th percentile: $98,030; $47.13/hr
90th percentile: $117,040; $56.27/hr

What do claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators do?

Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.
Pay and process claims within designated authority level.
Investigate, evaluate, and settle claims, applying technical knowledge and human relations skills to effect fair and prompt disposal of cases and to contribute to a reduced loss ratio.
Verify and analyze data used in settling claims to ensure that claims are valid and that settlements are made according to company practices and procedures.
Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability.
Investigate and assess damage to property and create or review property damage estimates.
Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree56%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)13%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree12%
Some College Courses12%

Common questions

How much does a claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators earn?

The national median is $78,000 a year. The full range runs from $48,850 at the 10th percentile to $117,040 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Critical Thinking4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Writing3.6/5
Monitoring3.4/5
Active Learning3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
English Language4.4/5
Administrative3.8/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Law and Government3.3/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
Economics and Accounting3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness.