Hiring Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

What do claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators do?

• 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.

Core tasks, O*NET OnLine, 13-1031.00.

What does it take to become one?

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

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET Job Zone 4, SVP (7.0 to < 8.0). O*NET OnLine.

Employers commonly list experience with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Xactware Xactimate, Microsoft Access, Microsoft PowerPoint for this role.

What do claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators get paid?

BLS OEWS, May 2025 publishes a wage for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators in 90 of the metro areas we publish data for. The median ranges from $60,510 to $105,340 a year depending on the metro, with a midpoint of $78,090. This is what employers pay, place of work, not a single national figure and not what any one person takes home.

BLS OEWS, BLS OEWS, May 2025, SOC 13-1031.

What does hiring one cost?

The same as any role: tier, not location or salary, sets the fee. Across all six tiers the published range is $6,240 to $54,340 per search. For scale, the highest median any metro we publish data for pays claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators is $105,340 a year, place of work (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A contingency firm hiring at that level would bill roughly $21,068 to $31,602 on the first year salary alone, 20 to 30%.

Frequently asked

How fast can a claims adjuster search fill?

Typically 23 to 35 days, and typically 2 to 3x faster than a contingency search, per our recruiting partner's published figures. Both are typical rather than guaranteed.

What if the hire does not work out?

A 45-day replacement guarantee, at 50% off a repeat search for the same role.