Field investigator vs claim investigator

The differences between field investigators and claim 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 investigator and a claim investigator. Additionally, a claim investigator has an average salary of $49,415, 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 claim investigator are scene investigations, insurance claims, and property damage.

Field investigator vs claim investigator overview

	Field Investigator	Claim Investigator
Yearly salary	$34,305	$49,415
Hourly rate	$16.49	$23.76
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,068	8,738
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
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 claim investigator do?

Claim Investigators are professionals who are responsible for examining facts of insurance claims to determine their extent and validity to prevent any cases of fraud. These investigators must use a combination of tools such as cutting-edge software to help insurance companies to settle claims quickly by evaluating them. They are required to manage multiple cases by investigating defective products or events such as an oil spill. Claim Investigators must also prepare reports while keeping track of evidence trails.

Field investigator vs claim investigator salary

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

	Field Investigator	Claim Investigator
Average salary	$34,305	$49,415
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $37,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	Health Alliance
Best paying industry	Insurance	Finance

Differences between field investigator and claim investigator education

There are a few differences between a field investigator and a claim investigator in terms of educational background:

	Field Investigator	Claim Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Field investigator vs claim investigator demographics

Here are the differences between field investigators' and claim investigators' demographics:

	Field Investigator	Claim Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 52.5% Female, 47.5%
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, 11.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.2% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field investigator and claim investigator 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).

Claim investigator example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Coordinate with SIU investigators in their investigations of the same claimant or insure.
Collaborate with SIU, fire, and police personnel in an effort to resolve investigations.
Conduct extensive field investigations and interact with staff attorneys on litigation matters.
Prepare and/or review property and content estimates for settlement using Xactimate and XactContents software programs.
Conduct complete assessment of interior and exterior damage to create a detail repair estimate within Xactimate software.

Field investigator vs claim investigator 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 claim investigator skills

Scene Investigations, 11%
Insurance Claims, 7%
Property Damage, 5%
Fraud Claims, 5%
Background Checks, 5%
Litigation, 4%

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Field Investigator
Field Investigator vs Claim Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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