Claims adjuster vs claims manager

The differences between claims adjusters and claims managers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a claims adjuster, becoming a claims manager takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a claims manager has an average salary of $73,369, which is higher than the $51,116 average annual salary of a claims adjuster.

The top three skills for a claims adjuster include insurance carriers, auto claims and customer service. The most important skills for a claims manager are customer service, oversight, and litigation.

Claims adjuster vs claims manager overview

	Claims Adjuster	Claims Manager
Yearly salary	$51,116	$73,369
Hourly rate	$24.57	$35.27
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	13,221	30,302
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age	44	47
Years of experience	4	6

What does a claims adjuster do?

A claim's adjuster is responsible for the handling of the insurance claims and investigating the extent of property damage and processing the business or a person's liability. Claims adjusters have a broad range of duties such as damage inspection to evaluate incident reports, communicating with property owners and spectators as well as referring to legal documents. They must also have excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills to calculate payments and analyze the complexities of multiple sources. Claims adjusters should also provide timely reports for reference and possible disputes.

What does a claims manager do?

A claims manager is an individual who works in an insurance-based firm and is responsible for managing the insurance claims department that is composed of examiners and adjusters. Claims managers are required to maintain claim files and reviewing these files as well as communicate with customers to follow up regarding issues they face with insurance claims. They must determine who is liable for the damage if there were other parties involved. Claims managers must also include an expert to assess the amount of damage and avoid insurance fraud.

Claims adjuster vs claims manager salary

Claims adjusters and claims managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Claims Adjuster	Claims Manager
Average salary	$51,116	$73,369
Salary range	Between $40,000 And $64,000	Between $45,000 And $117,000
Highest paying City	Los Angeles, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	California
Best paying company	Merchants Insurance Group	Zurich
Best paying industry	Insurance	Insurance

Differences between claims adjuster and claims manager education

There are a few differences between a claims adjuster and a claims manager in terms of educational background:

	Claims Adjuster	Claims Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 66%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Claims adjuster vs claims manager demographics

Here are the differences between claims adjusters' and claims managers' demographics:

	Claims Adjuster	Claims Manager
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 45.1% Female, 54.9%	Male, 47.9% Female, 52.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 5.2% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 5.9% White, 61.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage	10%	8%

Differences between claims adjuster and claims manager duties and responsibilities

Claims adjuster example responsibilities.

Achieve targeted performance goals to manage costs and support Allstate's industry-leading operational standards.
Maintain a full caseload of WC files for a Louisiana customer, for six months, while managing this team.
Manage California branch operations including supervision of 5 WC adjusting and support staff
Apply strong customer service, organizational and multitasking skills to efficiently manage auto insurance claims.
Manage strict confidentiality of documents and comply with HIPAA regulations stipulate by the facility and government.
Manage file inventory by utilizing CCC pathways diary system documenting claim file activities in accordance with establish procedures

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Claims manager example responsibilities.

Manage multiple outsource PPO networks that enable company to increase top line revenue.
Achieve improved structure and efficiency with initiation of pip specific unit.
Manage day-to-day operations of claims department and provide general oversight and direction of all claims activity.
Oversee implementation and management of litigation and expense protocols including AFA agreements and BLO oversight.
Respond to all DOI questions and concerns.
Work with TPA, service providers and personnel on the design, implementation, and management of wellness programs.

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Claims adjuster vs claims manager skills

Common claims adjuster skills

Insurance Carriers, 13%
Auto Claims, 8%
Customer Service, 8%
Litigation, 7%
Xactimate, 6%
Claims Handling, 5%

Common claims manager skills

Customer Service, 15%
Oversight, 11%
Litigation, 8%
Direct Reports, 4%
Claims Handling, 4%
Insurance Claims, 3%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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