Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Also called: Claims Adjusters and Investigators
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.
Also called: Accident Investigator, Adjuster, Adjustment Clerk, Auto Claims Adjuster (Automotive Claims Adjuster), Auto Damage Claims Adjuster (Automotive Damage Claims Adjuster), Benefit Authorizer
Median pay
$78,000
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$48,850 – $117,040
People employed
324,230
Holland code
CEI
Conventional · Enterprising · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 7.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary in every state →
What claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators do
- 01Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
- 02Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.
- 03Pay and process claims within designated authority level.
- 04Investigate, 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.
- 05Verify and analyze data used in settling claims to ensure that claims are valid and that settlements are made according to company practices and procedures.
- 06Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
- Insurance Underwriters93% · +4%
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts86% · group pay
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents85% · −20%
- Accountants and Auditors84% · +7%
- Compliance Managers81% · group pay
Change into claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Insurance Underwriters93% · $81,370
- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts86% · $81,100
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents83% · $62,370
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs82% · $54,210
- Compliance Managers81% · $141,900
Majors that lead here
- Health/Medical Claims Examiner
- Insurance
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.