Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

SOC code 13-1032 · O*NET-SOC 13-1032.00 · Medium preparation needed · Business and finance

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage pay

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

Median pay

$78,240

a year

Hourly

$37.61

per hour

10th$58,360Median$78,24090th$101,590

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

Average pay

$78,900

$37.93 per hour

Middle 50%

$65,050 – $91,880

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$58,360 – $101,590

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

11,560

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $58,360; $28.06/hr
25th percentile: $65,050; $31.28/hr
Median percentile: $78,240; $37.61/hr
75th percentile: $91,880; $44.17/hr
90th percentile: $101,590; $48.84/hr

What do insurance appraisers, auto damage do?

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Evaluate practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.
Review repair cost estimates with automobile repair shop to secure agreement on cost of repairs.
Examine damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage.
Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost estimates and recommendations.
Estimate parts and labor to repair damage, using standard automotive labor and parts cost manuals and knowledge of automotive repair.
Determine salvage value on total-loss vehicle.
Arrange to have damage appraised by another appraiser to resolve disagreement with shop on repair cost.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold some college courses — 31% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Some College Courses31%
Post-Secondary Certificate29%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)24%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%

Common questions

How much does an insurance appraisers, auto damage earn?

The national median is $78,240 a year. The full range runs from $58,360 at the 10th percentile to $101,590 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an insurance appraisers, auto damage without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Writing3.8/5
Speaking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Active Listening3.5/5
Critical Thinking3.4/5
Active Learning2.9/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
English Language3.8/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Mechanical3.2/5
Administrative3.1/5
Education and Training3.0/5
Law and Government2.8/5
Mathematics2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation.