Field investigator vs disability examiner

The differences between field investigators and disability examiners 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 disability examiner. Additionally, a disability examiner has an average salary of $40,180, 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 disability examiner are social security disability, supplemental security income, and social security administration.

Field investigator vs disability examiner overview

	Field Investigator	Disability Examiner
Yearly salary	$34,305	$40,180
Hourly rate	$16.49	$19.32
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,068	2,241
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 69%
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 disability examiner do?

A disability examiner is primarily in charge of conducting assessments and examinations to determine an applicant's eligibility for disability benefits and programs. Their duties usually include reviewing medical and health records, conducting interviews, and evaluating applications. There are also times when a disability examiner must directly coordinate with healthcare providers to obtain and assess records. Moreover, as a disability examiner, it is essential to assist clients by answering inquiries, providing instructions and advice, and helping them understand the extent of procedures.

Field investigator vs disability examiner salary

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

	Field Investigator	Disability Examiner
Average salary	$34,305	$40,180
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $28,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	Minnesota State Fair
Best paying industry	Insurance	Government

Differences between field investigator and disability examiner education

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

	Field Investigator	Disability Examiner
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Psychology
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	SUNY at Binghamton

Field investigator vs disability examiner demographics

Here are the differences between field investigators' and disability examiners' demographics:

	Field Investigator	Disability Examiner
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 30.0% Female, 70.0%
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, 14.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field investigator and disability examiner 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).

Disability examiner example responsibilities.

Manage a number of cases dealing with veterans' requests for claims and education benefits.
Provide comprehensive written and verbal reports to broker-dealer executives and FINRA management.
Interact extensively with senior management of securities firms to discuss their procedures and any weaknesses and/or findings regarding their processes.
Collaborate with FINRA enforcement on taking official on-the-record testimonies of register principals and register representatives.
Blood collection by venipuncture and capillary technique ensure all specimens are collect accurately, on time and according to establish procedures.
Work with the client and claimants to discuss the evaluation process and future action of short term disability and FMLA claims.

Field investigator vs disability examiner 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 disability examiner skills

Social Security Disability, 24%
Supplemental Security Income, 9%
Social Security Administration, 8%
Disability Determinations, 6%
Medical Terminology, 5%
Disability Benefits, 5%

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Field Investigator vs Disability Examiner

Updated January 8, 2025

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