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The differences between disability examiners and claim processors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a disability examiner, becoming a claim processor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a claim processor has an average salary of $41,201, which is higher than the $40,180 average annual salary of a disability examiner.
The top three skills for a disability examiner include social security disability, supplemental security income and social security administration. The most important skills for a claim processor are customer service, data entry, and medical terminology.
| Disability Examiner | Claim Processor | |
| Yearly salary | $40,180 | $41,201 |
| Hourly rate | $19.32 | $19.81 |
| Growth rate | -6% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,241 | 11,542 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A disability examiner is primarily in charge of conducting assessments and examinations to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits and programs. Their duties usually include reviewing medical and health records, conducting interviews, and evaluating applications. There are also times when a disability examiner must directly coordinate with healthcare providers to obtain and assess records. Moreover, as a disability examiner, it is essential to assist clients by answering inquiries, providing instructions and advice, and helping them understand the extent of procedures.
A Claims Processor is responsible for processing and verifying insurance claims, in adherence to the policies, laws, and regulations of the company involved. Aside from examining its authenticity, they must also oversee new policies and recommend modifications should it be needed. Moreover, it is also the task of the Claims Processor to prepare the necessary documents and guidelines for the policyholder, process reimbursements upon approval, provide answers to inquiries, and report issues and updates to the management.
Disability examiners and claim processors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Disability Examiner | Claim Processor | |
| Average salary | $40,180 | $41,201 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $57,000 | Between $26,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Columbia, MD |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Minnesota State Fair | NTT Data International L.L.C. |
| Best paying industry | Government | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a disability examiner and a claim processor in terms of educational background:
| Disability Examiner | Claim Processor | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 69% | Bachelor's Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY at Binghamton | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between disability examiners' and claim processors' demographics:
| Disability Examiner | Claim Processor | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 30.0% Female, 70.0% | Male, 22.9% Female, 77.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 14.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.2% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |