Insurance adjusters, often referred to as claims adjusters, assess property damage so that an insurance company can decide whether to honor a claim and what amount to pay. They also examine claims on life insurance and health insurance policies. Adjusters do not make these decisions themselves; instead, they gather evidence by interviewing witnesses, gathering documentation and taking photographs. A job as a claims adjuster often requires only a high school diploma.

National Average Pay

As of 2021, insurance adjusters earned an average of $32.75 per hour and $68,130 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of claims adjusters reported hourly pay ranging from $22.15 to $35.87, and annual pay that ranged from $46,080 to $74,620. The highest-paid 10 percent of these workers reported earning $49.71 or more per hour and $103,390 or more per year.

Pay by Location

The highest average pay for insurance adjusters was reported in the District of Columbia, where the average salary was $89,830 in 2021. New Jersey was the highest-paying state with an average adjuster salary of $86,730, followed by Connecticut at $81,800.

Pay by Employer

The majority of claims adjusters are employed directly by insurance carriers, and earned an average income of $68,130 as of 2021. Those employed by brokerages reported similar earnings, an average of $65,040 per year. However, government agencies also employ claims adjusters to examine cases in which the government may need to offer support to those suffering property damage. As of 2021, adjusters working for state governments averaged $63,630, while those employed by the federal government averaged $79,830 per year.

Job Outlook

Between 2020 and 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for insurance adjusters to deline at a rate of 3 percent, significantly slower than the 6 percent of average job growth expected across all U.S. occupations for the period.

The majority of new jobs are expected to occur in the health insurance industry as more and more Americans are expected to receive coverage. Jobs in property insurance are expected to decline, but should be best in areas of the country that regularly experience natural disasters such as wildfire, hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes.

Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $103,390 ($49.71/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $68,130 ($32.75/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $42,120 ($20.25/hour)