Field investigator vs bodily injury adjuster

The differences between field investigators and bodily injury adjusters 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 investigator and a bodily injury adjuster. Additionally, a bodily injury adjuster has an average salary of $55,281, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.

The top three skills for a field investigator include excellent time management, background checks and mental health. The most important skills for a bodily injury adjuster are bodily injury claims, liability claims, and claims handling.

Field investigator vs bodily injury adjuster overview

	Field Investigator	Bodily Injury Adjuster
Yearly salary	$34,305	$55,281
Hourly rate	$16.49	$26.58
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,068	7,720
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does a field investigator do?

A field investigator is responsible for collecting information and evidence to support ongoing investigations of law enforcement agencies. Field investigators analyze the occurrence and connections of criminal activities by gathering related cases and coordinating with scene witnesses. They also validate the information by conducting surveillance operations and coordinating with law professionals. A field investigator may also work for private clients, updating them regularly for the progress, and informing them of additional actions as needed to solve complicated cases.

What does a bodily injury adjuster do?

In insurance companies, a bodily injury adjuster is primarily in charge of handling insurance claims involving physical injuries. They verify the clients' identification and insurance coverage, study insurance policies, travel to meet the clients, conduct interviews with every party involved in the claim, gather statements from witnesses, collect video or photographic evidence, audit medical expenses, and coordinate with medical experts for additional insights. Through their research, they develop detailed reports and conclusions that will help the company in processing their insurance claim. Moreover, there are times when a bodily injury adjuster must attend trials and present information to the judge.

Field investigator vs bodily injury adjuster salary

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

	Field Investigator	Bodily Injury Adjuster
Average salary	$34,305	$55,281
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $39,000 And $76,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	-
Best paying industry	Insurance	-

Differences between field investigator and bodily injury adjuster education

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

	Field Investigator	Bodily Injury Adjuster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Field investigator vs bodily injury adjuster demographics

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

	Field Investigator	Bodily Injury Adjuster
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 39.4% Female, 60.6%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 12.9% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 60.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field investigator and bodily injury adjuster duties and responsibilities

Field investigator example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).

Bodily injury adjuster example responsibilities.

Manage file inventory by utilizing CCC pathways diary system documenting claim file activities in accordance with establish procedures
Develop strategies for handling lawsuits involving personal injury litigation and insurance coverage issues.
Prepare and answer property damage homeowner arbitration contentions.
Resolve complaints and participates in arbitration and/or grievance procedures.
Determine and execute proper disposition plans on all claims and negotiate claims to a conclusion to minimize litigation where appropriate.
Research and review delinquent mortgage cases, financial scenarios and individual homeowner situations to develop solutions compliant with investor policy.

Field investigator vs bodily injury adjuster skills

Common field investigator skills

Excellent Time Management, 29%
Background Checks, 9%
Mental Health, 8%
Criminal Justice, 5%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
Comprehensive Reports, 4%

Common bodily injury adjuster skills

Bodily Injury Claims, 13%
Liability Claims, 12%
Claims Handling, 7%
Customer Service, 6%
Litigation, 6%
Auto Accidents, 4%

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Field Investigator vs Bodily Injury Adjuster

Updated January 8, 2025

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