Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
SOC code 43-9041 · O*NET-SOC 43-9041.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Office and administration
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$49,230
a year
Hourly
$23.67
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$52,920
$25.44 per hour
Middle 50%
$44,270 – $60,490
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$37,560 – $73,590
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
214,260
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $37,560
- $18.06/hr
- 25th percentile
- $44,270
- $21.29/hr
- Median percentile
- $49,230
- $23.67/hr
- 75th percentile
- $60,490
- $29.08/hr
- 90th percentile
- $73,590
- $35.38/hr
What do insurance claims and policy processing clerks do?
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Prepare insurance claim forms or related documents, and review them for completeness.
- Pay small claims.
- Calculate amount of claim.
- Post or attach information to claim file.
- Transmit claims for payment or further investigation.
- Contact insured or other involved persons to obtain missing information.
- Review insurance policy to determine coverage.
- Process and record new insurance policies and claims.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)55%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree21%
- Some College Courses9%
- Post-Secondary Certificate8%
Common questions
How much does an insurance claims and policy processing clerks earn?
The national median is $49,230 a year. The full range runs from $37,560 at the 10th percentile to $73,590 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 claims and policy processing clerks without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension3.5/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Active Listening3.3/5
- Critical Thinking3.3/5
- Writing3.1/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Administrative3.9/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Time Management, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation.