Field adjuster vs insurance investigator

The differences between field adjusters and insurance 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 field adjuster and an insurance investigator. Additionally, a field adjuster has an average salary of $54,120, which is higher than the $40,373 average annual salary of an insurance investigator.

The top three skills for a field adjuster include customer service, xactimate and strong negotiation. The most important skills for an insurance investigator are insurance claims, insurance benefits, and general liability.

Field adjuster vs insurance investigator overview

	Field Adjuster	Insurance Investigator
Yearly salary	$54,120	$40,373
Hourly rate	$26.02	$19.41
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	51,071	38,201
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does a field adjuster do?

A field adjuster is an individual who creates property and contents estimates based on the field inspection using the Xactimate estimating software with photos and diagrams. Field adjusters are required to investigate and evaluate property damage to determine and negotiate a monetary settlement for each claim. They must complete reports and itemize billing to be submitted to insurance companies for services rendered. Field adjusters must provide exceptional customer service to all parties involved to aid in the settlement process and maintain customer satisfaction.

What does an insurance investigator do?

A claims investigator is responsible for examining and investigating in a particular insurance claim is valid. They ensure that the insurance company will settle claims as soon as possible. They resolve issues to prevent fraudulent allegations. This career also requires effective communication. Claims investigators must often conduct interviews.

Field adjuster vs insurance investigator salary

Field adjusters and insurance investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Field Adjuster	Insurance Investigator
Average salary	$54,120	$40,373
Salary range	Between $38,000 And $75,000	Between $26,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Zurich	-
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between field adjuster and insurance investigator education

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

	Field Adjuster	Insurance Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	Stanford University	California State University - Bakersfield

Field adjuster vs insurance investigator demographics

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

	Field Adjuster	Insurance Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 70.3% Female, 29.7%	Male, 58.0% Female, 42.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.5% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field adjuster and insurance investigator duties and responsibilities

Field adjuster example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Provide optimum service to policyholders and agents, negotiate fair settlements and identify SIU claims.
Process boat, auto, motorcycle, and motorhome RV claims thru various estimating software.
Participate in development of claim handling strategies for mediation claims with home office personnel and attorneys.
Work closely with SIU in the handling of 1st party auto theft claims from initiation to completion.
Coordinate inspections with insure, this entail booking flights, hotel and rental reservations all while considering the overall cost.

Insurance investigator example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Research commercial coverage plans and government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Follow all HIPPA guidelines and procedures to protect patients and company interest.
Analyze high risk transaction activity and provide final approval of investigative case analyses utilize for SAR preparation and filing.
Prepare facility specific HIPAA authorizations for release of records.

Field adjuster vs insurance investigator skills

Common field adjuster skills

Customer Service, 20%
Xactimate, 17%
Strong Negotiation, 7%
Insurance Policies, 6%
Claims Handling, 3%
CCC, 3%

Common insurance investigator skills

Insurance Claims, 14%
Insurance Benefits, 12%
General Liability, 9%
Scene Investigations, 7%
Insurance Laws, 6%
Consumer Complaints, 6%

Field Adjuster vs. similar jobs

Field Adjuster related careers

Field Adjuster related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Business and Financial Industry
Field Adjuster
Field Adjuster vs Insurance Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse business and financial jobs