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What is a claims adjuster and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A claims adjuster investigates insurance claims to evaluate their validity and determine the appropriate amount of compensation. They review policy coverage, interview witnesses, inspect damaged property, and analyze medical records to assess the extent of injuries. Claims adjusters also negotiate settlements with claimants and may work with lawyers and other experts to resolve disputes. Effective communication skills, attention to detail, analytical abilities, and knowledge of insurance policies and regulations are essential for success in this field.

ScoreClaims AdjusterUS Average
Salary
4.0

Avg. Salary $51,116

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 5.22%

Black or African American 11.82%

Hispanic or Latino 16.82%

Unknown 4.40%

White 61.24%

Gender

female 54.91%

male 45.09%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a claims adjuster?

Pros

  • Opportunities for remote work or flexible schedules

  • Constant learning and development opportunities

  • The job is in demand and stable

  • Opportunity to work independently

  • The job can be rewarding when claims are resolved successfully

Cons

  • Dealing with upset or angry customers

  • Long hours and overtime may be required during peak periods

  • May have to work in hazardous conditions or dangerous areas

  • High potential for burnout due to the nature of the job

  • The job can be emotionally draining at times.

Claims adjuster career paths

Key steps to become a claims adjuster

  1. Explore claims adjuster education requirements

    Most common claims adjuster degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.0 %

    Associate

    15.3 %

    High School Diploma

    7.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific claims adjuster skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Insurance Carriers12.69%
    Auto Claims8.37%
    Customer Service7.74%
    Litigation6.60%
    Xactimate5.55%
  3. Complete relevant claims adjuster training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New claims adjusters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a claims adjuster based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real claims adjuster resumes.
  4. Gain additional claims adjuster certifications

    Claims adjuster certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific claims adjuster certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for claims adjusters include Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research claims adjuster duties and 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.
  6. Prepare your claims adjuster resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your claims adjuster resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a claims adjuster resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable claims adjuster resume templates

    Build a professional claims adjuster resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your claims adjuster resume.
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  7. Apply for claims adjuster jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a claims adjuster job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first claims adjuster job

Zippi

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Average claims adjuster salary

The average claims adjuster salary in the United States is $51,116 per year or $25 per hour. Claims adjuster salaries range between $40,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average claims adjuster salary
$51,116 Yearly
$24.57 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do claims adjusters rate their job?

-/5

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4 stars

3 stars

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1 star

Claims adjuster reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2021
Pros

Being able to control the decision making and managing the delivery of service so I can enhance the customer experience which is very important to ensure the Company remains successful. Also being able to liaise on injury claims and read case law to determine the applicable one

Cons

When customers are not satisfied even when you know you have delivered the best service you could have and have gone beyond the call of duty in delivering same. They appear to not understand the dynamics of the process even if explained to them


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A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Working from home

Cons

Amount of work expected, duplicative data entry and oversight adjusters. Angry phone calls.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2019
Pros

Complexity of the job, everyday was different

Cons

Volume of daily claims, stress level, rudeness and angry customers, lack of job growth and promotability, working on Saturday


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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