Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators review insurance claims to verify that payments and settlements follow company policies and legal requirements. They work for insurance companies, government agencies, and independent adjusting firms, analyzing claim documents, interviewing claimants, and sometimes consulting with lawyers on cases that may require litigation.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing claim files for accuracy and compliance, requesting additional documentation from claimants or medical providers, and comparing settlements against established procedures. Adjusters may conduct site visits or interviews to verify claim details, prepare written reports on their findings, and communicate with legal counsel when claims involve potential litigation. Administrative tasks and file management occupy a significant portion of the workweek.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this role if you're detail-oriented and enjoy structured, rule-based work. People who succeed here typically combine analytical thinking with business acumen, are comfortable enforcing policies, and prefer roles where procedures and established standards guide decision-making.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Sr. Construction Defect Claims Adjuster · Frank Winston Crum Insurance · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $82,410 | $101,150 | $118,560 | 360 |
| New Jersey | $76,170 | $95,690 | $107,450 | 9,650 |
| Maryland | $72,240 | $95,560 | $114,920 | — |
| California | $72,280 | $91,790 | $106,400 | 24,290 |
| Connecticut | $76,740 | $88,330 | $110,140 | 3,190 |
| Alaska | $74,800 | $87,670 | $108,660 | 220 |
| New York | $66,770 | $87,130 | $105,160 | 17,330 |
| Rhode Island | $69,200 | $86,520 | $107,060 | 1,150 |
| Vermont | $75,440 | $83,970 | $108,510 | 280 |
| New Hampshire | $68,080 | $83,890 | $103,710 | 880 |
| Massachusetts | $72,690 | $83,740 | $103,520 | 5,070 |
| Oregon | $63,700 | $81,640 | $99,650 | 2,950 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) — Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
- Accredited Insurance Examiner (AIE) — Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society
- Associate in Claims - Management (AIC-M) — The Institutes
- Certified Organized Retail Crime Investigator (CORCI) — McAfee Institute
- Accredited Financial Examiner - Financial Analyst (AFE-FA) — Society of Financial Examiners
- Associate, Life and Health Claims (ALHC) — International Claim Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
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Four short assessments and your background, scored against claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-1031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.