Estimator vs adjuster

The differences between estimators and adjusters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an estimator, becoming an adjuster takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an estimator has an average salary of $67,162, which is higher than the $49,396 average annual salary of an adjuster.

The top three skills for an estimator include customer service, cost estimates and project management. The most important skills for an adjuster are customer service, strong customer service, and litigation.

Estimator vs adjuster overview

	Estimator	Adjuster
Yearly salary	$67,162	$49,396
Hourly rate	$32.29	$23.75
Growth rate	-2%	-6%
Number of jobs	12,567	7,936
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	47	44
Years of experience	2	4

What does an estimator do?

Estimators work in construction and manufacturing businesses to estimate the operational costs of the company. It is the responsibility of the estimators to compile the estimates of the products and services. They prepare work for estimation through blueprints, specifications, proposals, and its associated documents. It is also expected from them to find their potential clients' needs and wants, research equipment and materials, and calculate labor costs. The organization, time management, and effective communication are the skills expected from a good estimator.

What does an adjuster do?

An adjuster is responsible for evaluating the extent of loss in the company by calculating the damage costs, determining the settlement payment to the client, and managing the reputation of the company for claims accountability. Adjusters must have extensive knowledge of the insurance principles and processes, following the state and federal regulations to protect clients and the business from insurance fraud. They collect documents from different organizations, perform field research, and interview witnesses to verify the accuracy of claims statement.

Estimator vs adjuster salary

Estimators and adjusters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Estimator	Adjuster
Average salary	$67,162	$49,396
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $96,000	Between $35,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Washington, DC	Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
Highest paying state	Vermont	New Jersey
Best paying company	BlackRock	FCCI
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Insurance

Differences between estimator and adjuster education

There are a few differences between an estimator and an adjuster in terms of educational background:

	Estimator	Adjuster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 55%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	Stanford University

Estimator vs adjuster demographics

Here are the differences between estimators' and adjusters' demographics:

	Estimator	Adjuster
Average age	47	44
Gender ratio	Male, 82.1% Female, 17.9%	Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 2.2% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.7% Asian, 4.5% White, 75.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	4%	10%

Differences between estimator and adjuster duties and responsibilities

Estimator example responsibilities.

Achieve and maintain high CSI ratings measure by an independent consumer rating firm.
Manage prevailing wage for payroll and prepare and submit bi-weekly certify payroll reports.
Manage the estimating of a commercial & industrial plumbing and mechanical contracting business.
Facilitate all product installation and replacement of equipment; including scheduling electrical, plumbing, roofing, and crane operator subcontractors.
Review and modify drawings in AutoCad.
Coordinate with MEP consultants during the project.

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Adjuster example responsibilities.

Manage strict confidentiality of documents and comply with HIPAA regulations stipulate by the facility and government.
Review evidence obtain in liability investigations to evaluate a claim for success in recovery through litigation or arbitration.
Document measurements and relevant data to author estimates and appraisals utilizing Xactimate 28software.
Charge with answering and defending policy holders and company interests through independent and binding third-party arbitration proceedings.
Review departmental reports and financial data; prepare reports of findings, negotiating settlement demands or recommending litigation.
Prepare computerize estimates utilizing Xactimate and document all activity associate with the claim in clients web base claims management system.

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Estimator vs adjuster skills

Common estimator skills

Customer Service, 17%
Cost Estimates, 6%
Project Management, 6%
Repair Process, 4%
Work Ethic, 4%
Construction Projects, 4%

Common adjuster skills

Customer Service, 19%
Strong Customer Service, 7%
Litigation, 7%
Liability Claims, 6%
Policy Coverage, 6%
Insurance Claims, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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