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Claims adjuster vs field investigator

The differences between claims adjusters and field investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a claims adjuster and a field investigator. Additionally, a claims adjuster has an average salary of $51,116, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.

The top three skills for a claims adjuster include insurance carriers, auto claims and customer service. The most important skills for a field investigator are excellent time management, background checks, and mental health.

Claims adjuster vs field investigator overview

Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Yearly salary$51,116$34,305
Hourly rate$24.57$16.49
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs13,22149,068
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

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 field investigator do?

A field investigator is responsible for collecting information and evidence to support ongoing investigations of law enforcement agencies. Field investigators analyze the occurrence and connections of criminal activities by gathering related cases and coordinating with scene witnesses. They also validate the information by conducting surveillance operations and coordinating with law professionals. A field investigator may also work for private clients, updating them regularly for the progress, and informing them of additional actions as needed to solve complicated cases.

Claims adjuster vs field investigator salary

Claims adjusters and field investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Average salary$51,116$34,305
Salary rangeBetween $40,000 And $64,000Between $23,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyMerchants Insurance GroupThe Travelers Companies
Best paying industryInsuranceInsurance

Differences between claims adjuster and field investigator education

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

Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common collegeStanford UniversityCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Claims adjuster vs field investigator demographics

Here are the differences between claims adjusters' and field investigators' demographics:

Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 45.1% Female, 54.9%Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between claims adjuster and field investigator 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
  • Show more

Field investigator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
  • Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
  • Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
  • Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).
  • Show more

Claims adjuster vs field investigator skills

Common claims adjuster skills
  • Insurance Carriers, 13%
  • Auto Claims, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Litigation, 7%
  • Xactimate, 6%
  • Claims Handling, 5%
Common field investigator skills
  • Excellent Time Management, 29%
  • Background Checks, 9%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Criminal Justice, 5%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Comprehensive Reports, 4%

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