Field investigator vs field adjuster

The differences between field investigators and field 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 field adjuster. Additionally, a field adjuster has an average salary of $54,120, 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 field adjuster are customer service, xactimate, and strong negotiation.

Field investigator vs field adjuster overview

	Field Investigator	Field Adjuster
Yearly salary	$34,305	$54,120
Hourly rate	$16.49	$26.02
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,068	51,071
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
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 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.

Field investigator vs field adjuster salary

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

	Field Investigator	Field Adjuster
Average salary	$34,305	$54,120
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $38,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	San Francisco, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	California	Alaska
Best paying company	The Travelers Companies	Zurich
Best paying industry	Insurance	Insurance

Differences between field investigator and field adjuster education

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

	Field Investigator	Field Adjuster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Field investigator vs field adjuster demographics

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

	Field Investigator	Field Adjuster
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 70.3% Female, 29.7%
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, 12.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field investigator and field 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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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.

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Field investigator vs field 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 field adjuster skills

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

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Updated January 8, 2025

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