Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
SOC Code: 13-1031Also known as:
Accident Investigator, Adjuster, Adjustment Clerk, Benefit Authorizer, Bodily Injury Claims Adjuster
Median Annual Salary
$76,790
-5.1% growth (2024-2034)
21K
Openings/Year
356K
Current Jobs
What 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.
💰 Salary
$76,790
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-5.1%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
21K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
356,100
Projected Employment (2034)
337,900
Related Careers
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Insurance claims and policy processing clerks
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Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Judgment and Decision Making
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Interview or correspond with claimants, witnesses, police, physicians, or other relevant parties to determine claim settlement, denial, or review.
- Enter claim payments, reserves and new claims on computer system, inputting concise yet sufficient file documentation.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators:
Insurance
2,147 degrees awarded •
75 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 265 | A |
| 2 | Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | 17 | A |
| 3 | Boston University | Boston, MA | 7 | A |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison, WI | 119 | B+ |
| 5 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 114 | B+ |
| 6 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 17 | B+ |
| 7 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | Columbus, OH | 9 | B+ |
| 8 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | 2 | B+ |
| 9 | University of Missouri-Columbia | Columbia, MO | 75 | B |
| 10 | University of Iowa | Iowa City, IA | 73 | B |
| 11 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | Columbia, SC | 62 | B |
| 12 | Kansas State University | Manhattan, KS | 45 | B |
| 13 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | 42 | B |
| 14 | Eastern Kentucky University | Richmond, KY | 36 | B |
| 15 | University of Kansas | Lawrence, KS | 25 | B |
| 16 | University of Mississippi | University, MS | 25 | B |
| 17 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | 10 | B |
| 18 | Baylor University | Waco, TX | 7 | B |
| 19 | Washburn University | Topeka, KS | 6 | B |
| 20 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | 4 | B |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators make?
The median annual salary for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators is $76,790.
What education do claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators need?
Most claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Insurance.
Is becoming claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators a good career choice?
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators is projected to see -5.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 21,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators?
Top colleges for aspiring claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators include
University of Georgia, Columbia University in the City of New York, Boston University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Florida State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators?
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators may also be known as: Accident Investigator, Adjuster, Adjustment Clerk, Benefit Authorizer, Bodily Injury Claims Adjuster, Bodily Injury Claims Examiner, Claims Account Specialist, Claims Adjuster, Claims Adjustor, Claims Agent, Claims Analyst, Claims Approver, Claims Auditor, Claims Consultant, Claims Examiner, Claims Inspector, Claims Investigator, Claims Processor, Claims Representative, Claims Service Adjustor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.