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Field investigator vs compensation adjuster

The differences between field investigators and compensation 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 compensation adjuster. Additionally, a compensation adjuster has an average salary of $59,246, 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 compensation adjuster are litigation, workers compensation claims, and medical treatment.

Field investigator vs compensation adjuster overview

Field InvestigatorCompensation Adjuster
Yearly salary$34,305$59,246
Hourly rate$16.49$28.48
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs49,06815,062
Job satisfaction4-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

Field investigator vs compensation adjuster salary

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

Field InvestigatorCompensation Adjuster
Average salary$34,305$59,246
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $50,000Between $39,000 And $89,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyThe Travelers Companies-
Best paying industryInsurance-

Differences between field investigator and compensation adjuster education

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

Field InvestigatorCompensation Adjuster
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 64%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldStanford University

Field investigator vs compensation adjuster demographics

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

Field InvestigatorCompensation Adjuster
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 72.5% Female, 27.5%Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 12.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between field investigator and compensation 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).
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Compensation adjuster example responsibilities.

  • Manage litigation claims including mediation and arbitration from inception to close.
  • Apply strong customer service, organizational and multitasking skills to efficiently manage auto insurance claims.
  • Compile and validate information relay to legal department for litigation arising from medical claims.
  • Research and review delinquent mortgage cases, financial scenarios and individual homeowner situations to develop solutions compliant with investor policy.
  • Close files once MMI and/or settlement reach
  • Input new CPT codes into system as changed by HIPPA law regulations.
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Field investigator vs compensation 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 compensation adjuster skills
  • Litigation, 16%
  • Workers Compensation Claims, 11%
  • Medical Treatment, 7%
  • Medical Terminology, 7%
  • Disability Claims, 5%
  • Medical Bills, 5%

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