Compensation adjuster vs claims manager

The differences between compensation 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 compensation 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 $59,246 average annual salary of a compensation adjuster.

The top three skills for a compensation adjuster include litigation, workers compensation claims and medical treatment. The most important skills for a claims manager are customer service, oversight, and litigation.

Compensation adjuster vs claims manager overview

	Compensation Adjuster	Claims Manager
Yearly salary	$59,246	$73,369
Hourly rate	$28.48	$35.27
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	15,062	30,302
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age	44	47
Years of experience	4	6

Compensation adjuster vs claims manager salary

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

	Compensation Adjuster	Claims Manager
Average salary	$59,246	$73,369
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $89,000	Between $45,000 And $117,000
Highest paying City	-	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Zurich
Best paying industry	-	Insurance

Differences between compensation adjuster and claims manager education

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

	Compensation Adjuster	Claims Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 58%	Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Compensation adjuster vs claims manager demographics

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

	Compensation Adjuster	Claims Manager
Average age	44	47
Gender ratio	Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4%	Male, 47.9% Female, 52.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% 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 compensation adjuster and claims manager duties and responsibilities

Compensation adjuster example responsibilities.

Manage litigation claims including mediation and arbitration from inception to close.
Apply strong customer service, organizational and multitasking skills to efficiently manage auto insurance claims.
Compile and validate information relay to legal department for litigation arising from medical claims.
Research and review delinquent mortgage cases, financial scenarios and individual homeowner situations to develop solutions compliant with investor policy.
Close files once MMI and/or settlement reach
Input new CPT codes into system as changed by HIPPA law regulations.

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.

Compensation adjuster vs claims manager skills

Common compensation adjuster skills

Litigation, 16%
Workers Compensation Claims, 11%
Medical Treatment, 7%
Medical Terminology, 7%
Disability Claims, 5%
Medical Bills, 5%

Common claims manager skills

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