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Claims adjuster: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$78,000median pay per year, or $37.50 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $48,850lowest 10% earn less
  2. $61,16025th percentile
  3. $78,000median
  4. $98,03075th percentile
  5. $117,040top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[4]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[5]

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators had a median pay of $78,000 a year in May 2025[1]. A high school diploma is the typical entry education, but BLS projects employment to fall 5.5% from 2025 to 2035[2][3].

Job growth, 2025–35
-5.5%[3]
Openings per year
20,900[6]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[2]

How much do claims adjusters make?

The BLS category is Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators. In May 2025, the median wage was $78,000 a year, or $37.50 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $80,470 a year, or $38.69 an hour[7].

The median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[5]. The median for this job was above that[1][5].

Here is the range across the pay scale:

Point Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[4][8] $48,850 $23.48
25th percentile[4][8] $61,160 $29.40
Median[1] $78,000 $37.50
75th percentile[4][8] $98,030 $47.13
90th percentile[4][8] $117,040 $56.27

A percentile is a boundary. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $48,850[4][9]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9].

These figures cover full-time and part-time workers paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits[10]. About 324,230 people held these wage and salary jobs[11].

Pay by state and city

The District of Columbia had the highest median wage, at $101,150[12]. Among the states, New Jersey came next at $95,690, then Maryland at $95,560, California at $91,790 and Connecticut at $88,330[12]. Nevada had the lowest published median, at $62,730[12].

Texas had the most jobs, with 29,220[13]. Florida had 28,100, California 24,290, New York 17,330 and Illinois 14,210[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA had the highest median at $105,340[14]. Salinas, CA followed at $101,900, then Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA at $99,660[14]. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ had the most jobs, at 14,840, with a median of $95,980[15].

Show median pay in 50 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
District of Columbia[12]$101,150360
New Jersey$95,6909,650
Maryland$95,560n/a
California$91,79024,290
Connecticut$88,3303,190
Alaska$87,670220
New York$87,13017,330
Rhode Island$86,5201,150
Vermont$83,970280
New Hampshire$83,890880
Massachusetts$83,7405,070
Oregon$81,6402,950
Washington$80,7006,180
Alabama$79,7104,040
Hawaii$79,080900
South Dakota$78,9001,030
Michigan$78,8506,640
Texas$78,80029,220
Maine$78,5901,650
Minnesota$78,3505,530
Wisconsin$78,1608,760
Tennessee$78,0106,390
Colorado$77,6205,680
Idaho$77,3401,320
Kansas$77,2904,570
Pennsylvania$77,29013,270
Mississippi$77,100n/a
Illinois$77,01014,210
Florida$76,92028,100
Wyoming$76,400180
Missouri$75,8406,200
Nebraska$75,8303,160
South Carolina$75,3704,130
North Carolina$75,3109,880
Virginia$74,2407,860
Arkansas$73,9202,660
Kentucky$73,8403,670
Indiana$73,5604,340
Georgia$73,320n/a
Iowa$72,6403,930
Delaware$72,370n/a
Oklahoma$71,2604,140
Utah$69,0002,440
Ohio$67,99013,650
New Mexico$67,9301,280
West Virginia$67,2901,340
North Dakota$65,460750
Louisiana$65,2203,340
Arizona$65,11013,830
Montana$63,8601,230
Nevada$62,730n/a

How to become a claims adjuster

BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical education for entry. It lists no work experience and long-term on-the-job training[2]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook profile covers a wider group of occupations than this page, so the training details below come from that wider group[16].

For investigator jobs, a high school diploma is the typical requirement. Some insurance companies prefer people trained as law enforcement officers or private investigators, because of their interviewing skills[20].

Licensing rules differ by state. Some states have few requirements, and others require prelicensing education, a licensing exam, or both[21]. In some states, adjusters who work for insurance companies can work under the company license[22]. Public adjusters may face separate or added requirements[23]. Where a license is required, some states also ask for continuing education credits each year to renew it[24]. BLS suggests checking the laws of the state where you want to work[21].

In an O*NET survey of 40 workers, 56% said a bachelor's degree was required, 13% said a high school diploma or equivalent, 12% said an associate's degree or other 2-year degree, and 12% said some college courses[25]. This is a small survey, so read it as a snapshot and not as the whole field.

BLS names analytical skills as important. Adjusters and examiners weigh information to decide whether a claim must be paid and how much[26].

What claims adjusters do

These workers review claims and decide how they are handled. They also check settled claims to confirm that payments follow company practices, and they consult legal counsel on claims that may go to court[27]. Tasks reported to O*NET include:

Job titles that workers report include Claims Analyst, Claims Specialist, Field Claims Adjuster and General Adjuster[29].

Where they work

Adjusters and examiners work in offices when they review documents and do research. They work outside when they look at damaged property[30]. Those who inspect damaged buildings need to watch for hazards such as collapsed roofs and floors[31].

Direct insurance carriers (except life, health and medical) were the largest employer group, at 35% of jobs in 2025[32]. That figure is for the wider group in the handbook profile[16].

The work is usually full time, but schedules can vary[33]. Adjusters often fit appointments with clients into evenings and weekends, which can mean irregular schedules when they have many claims to review[34]. Insurance investigators often work irregular hours, and early morning, evening and weekend work is common[35].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to fall 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 376,100 to 355,500 jobs[3]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5%[36]. These counts include self-employed workers[3].

Even so, BLS expects about 20,900 openings a year on average[6]. Openings include jobs left open when workers retire or switch to other occupations, as well as new jobs[6]. Each year, 2.5% of workers leave the labor force and 3.8% move to a different occupation[37].

BLS names one factor that affects demand. Computer software and artificial intelligence are expected to make claims processes more efficient, so adjusters can focus on more complex claims[38].

Is it a good fit?

The median pay was well above the all-occupations median, and the typical entry education is a high school diploma[1][5][2]. Training is long-term and on the job, and licensing depends on the state[2][21]. The weak spot is demand. Employment is projected to fall while openings still come up each year[3][6]. The work mixes office review with visits to damaged property, and schedules can be irregular[30][34].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[39].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a claims adjuster make an hour?
The median hourly wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators was $37.50 in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $23.48 and the 90th was $56.27[8].
What education do you need to be a claims adjuster?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education[2]. Some positions require a bachelor's degree or insurance-related experience[17].
Do you need a license to be a claims adjuster?
Licensing rules vary by state. Some states have few requirements, and others require prelicensing education, an exam, or both[21]. In some states, company adjusters can work under the company license[22].
Is claims adjuster work in demand?
BLS projects employment to fall 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[3][36]. About 20,900 openings are projected each year[6].
What is the highest paying state for claims adjusters?
The District of Columbia had the highest median wage at $101,150[12]. New Jersey was first among the states at $95,690[12].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in the US was $78,000 per year and $37.50 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators is projected to decline 5.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 376,100 to 355,500 jobs (a change of -20,600). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators: 10th percentile $48,850, 25th percentile $61,160, 75th percentile $98,030, 90th percentile $117,040. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 20,900 openings for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators was $80,470 per year and $38.69 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators: 10th percentile $23.48, 25th percentile $29.40, 75th percentile $47.13, 90th percentile $56.27. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 324,230 people were employed as Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. Median annual wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators jobs: Texas 29,220; Florida 28,100; California 24,290; New York 17,330; Illinois 14,210. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $105,340; Salinas, CA $101,900; Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $99,660; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $98,700; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,230; Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $97,740; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $96,970; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $95,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 14,840 (median $95,980); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 13,830 (median $75,770); Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ 11,350 (median $64,370); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 9,080 (median $78,640); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 8,630 (median $82,890); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 7,540 (median $89,070). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators" covers Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. O*NET 13-1031.00 survey of workers (40 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 56%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 13%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 12%, Some College Courses 12% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. O*NET description of Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators. O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET task list for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET 13-1031.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Claims Adjuster, Claims Analyst, Claims Examiner, Claims Representative, Claims Specialist, Corporate Claims Examiner, Field Claims Adjuster, General Adjuster. O*NET OnLine
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators in 2025: Direct insurance (except life, health, and medical) carriers 35%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators: 2.5% of workers leave the labor force each year and 3.8% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators: Productivity change - share decreases as computer software and artificial intelligence (AI) will make claims adjustment processes more efficient, allowing adjusters to focus on more complex claims. BLS Employment Projections
  39. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.