Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

SOC: 13-1031 O*NET: 13-1031.00
Median Salary
$76,790
per year
Job Growth
📉 -5.1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
21.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4

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.

What does a 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.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$47,810
10th percentile
Early Career
$60,100
25th percentile
Median
$76,790
50th percentile
Experienced
$95,990
75th percentile
Top Earners
$112,150
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$47,810
25th
$60,100
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$76,790
Mean: $78,770
75th
$95,990
90th
$112,150
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • Salary range spans $64,340 from entry level to top earners
  • Middle 50% earn between $60,100 and $95,990
  • Salary spread is 46.7% around the median, showing high variation
  • Total national employment: 305,020 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:356,100

Top Industries

Finance and Insurance73.6%
Insurance Carriers and Related Activities72.5%
Insurance Carriers40.2%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:-5.1%
Annual Openings:21,100

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)356,100
Current
2034 (Projected)337,900
-5.1%
-18,200
Employment Change
-5.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: Decline

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 50 locations
Florida
28,450 jobs$66,8601.46x
Texas
25,930 jobs$80,2200.95x
California
23,160 jobs$90,9000.65x
Ohio
17,210 jobs$60,2501.57x
New York
16,780 jobs$82,1400.89x
Arizona
14,840 jobs$63,2402.35x
Georgia
14,580 jobs$71,7501.52x
Pennsylvania
12,670 jobs$77,7501.07x
Illinois
11,750 jobs$74,4100.98x
New Jersey
9,630 jobs$85,9601.14x
North Carolina
8,410 jobs$74,8300.87x
Wisconsin
7,250 jobs$76,6601.25x
Virginia
6,820 jobs$77,0000.85x
Michigan
6,540 jobs$77,3800.75x
Colorado
6,530 jobs$75,1201.14x

Understanding the Data

Location Quotient (LQ):

  • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
  • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
  • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average

Data Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

Key Growth Factors

  • Employment decline projected

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Active Listening
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Judgment and Decision Making
74%
#6
Writing
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Social Perceptiveness
54%
#9
Monitoring
46%
#10
Active Learning
40%

Skills Overview

Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.7
74%
Writing
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Social Perceptiveness
basic2.7
54%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:
Sort by:

Reading Comprehension

advanced
Importance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0

Active Listening

advanced
Importance94%
skills
4.7/5.0

Critical Thinking

intermediate
Importance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0

Speaking

intermediate
Importance80%
skills
4.0/5.0

Judgment and Decision Making

intermediate
Importance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0

Writing

intermediate
Importance66%
skills
3.3/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced
Importance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0

Social Perceptiveness

basic
Importance54%
skills
2.7/5.0

Monitoring

basic
Importance46%
skills
2.3/5.0

Active Learning

basic
Importance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers100%
5 shared skills
Urologists100%
5 shared skills
Audiologists100%
5 shared skills
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists100%
5 shared skills
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates100%
5 shared skills
Neurologists100%
5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Must Have:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
Learn on the Job:
  • Writing
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Complex Problem Solving

Mid Career

Expected:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking

Senior Level

Mastery Required:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making

Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
  • Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
  • Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
  • Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Technology Intensity
Very High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires expert digital literacy

1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Microsoft Access

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

Apple Safari

🔥 Hot Tech

Mozilla Firefox

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Office software

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft PowerPoint

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Excel

🔥 Hot Tech

Zoom

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Word

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
Apple Safari
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Zoom
Microsoft Word

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

  • Vendor-specific software certifications
  • Industry-recognized technology credentials
  • Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

  • LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
  • Coursera - University-level programs
  • Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
  • Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
  • Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
  • Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

  • Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
  • Can you meet moderate physical demands?
  • Do you enjoy some team team environments?
  • Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Analysis & Evaluation (4)General Responsibilities (11)Planning & Development (1)Management & Supervision (2)
1

Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
100%
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform
2

Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
98%
Analysis & Evaluation97% perform
3

Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
96%
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform
4

Investigate and assess damage to property and create or review property damage estimates.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
94%
Analysis & Evaluation91% perform
5

Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
92%
General Responsibilities88% perform
6

Interview or correspond with claimants, witnesses, police, physicians, or other relevant parties to determine claim settlement, denial, or review.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
90%
General Responsibilities85% perform
7

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.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
88%
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform
8

Adjust reserves or provide reserve recommendations to ensure that reserve activities are consistent with corporate policies.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
86%
General Responsibilities79% perform
9

Resolve complex, severe exposure claims, using high service oriented file handling.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
84%
General Responsibilities76% perform
10

Pay and process claims within designated authority level.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
82%
Planning & Development73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
  • 33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
  • Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

💡 Career Planning Tips

  • Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
  • Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
  • Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
  • Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators professionals typically have a CEI Holland code and highly value support

CConventional
EEnterprising
IInvestigative

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Stress Tolerance

Critical

Stress Tolerance

Importance Level4.65

Integrity

Critical

Integrity

Importance Level4.63

Dependability

Critical

Dependability

Importance Level4.61

Attention to Detail

Critical

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.57

Initiative

Critical

Initiative

Importance Level4.53

Independence

Very Important

Independence

Importance Level4.44

Complete Work Styles Profile

Stress Tolerance
4.7
Integrity
4.6
Dependability
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.6
Initiative
4.5
Independence
4.4
Achievement/Effort
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Persistence
4.4
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

  • While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
  • Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
  • Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
  • Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years

Preparation Level

Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Training:

Significant preparation with related work experience

💼 Experience Requirement

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed

Common pathways to gain experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • Several years of work experience
  • Professional certifications often required
4

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore educational programs that can help you become a Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators.

Browse Training Programs →