Field investigator vs insurance investigator

The differences between field investigators and insurance 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 an insurance investigator. Additionally, an insurance investigator has an average salary of $40,373, 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 an insurance investigator are insurance claims, insurance benefits, and general liability.

Field investigator vs insurance investigator overview

	Field Investigator	Insurance Investigator
Yearly salary	$34,305	$40,373
Hourly rate	$16.49	$19.41
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,068	38,201
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
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 an insurance investigator do?

A claims investigator is responsible for examining and investigating in a particular insurance claim is valid. They ensure that the insurance company will settle claims as soon as possible. They resolve issues to prevent fraudulent allegations. This career also requires effective communication. Claims investigators must often conduct interviews.

Field investigator vs insurance investigator salary

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

	Field Investigator	Insurance Investigator
Average salary	$34,305	$40,373
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $26,000 And $61,000
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 insurance investigator education

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

	Field Investigator	Insurance Investigator
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Criminal Justice
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	California State University - Bakersfield

Field investigator vs insurance investigator demographics

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

	Field Investigator	Insurance Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 58.0% Female, 42.0%
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, 11.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.5% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field investigator and insurance 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).

Insurance investigator example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Research commercial coverage plans and government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Follow all HIPPA guidelines and procedures to protect patients and company interest.
Analyze high risk transaction activity and provide final approval of investigative case analyses utilize for SAR preparation and filing.
Prepare facility specific HIPAA authorizations for release of records.

Field investigator vs insurance 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 insurance investigator skills

Insurance Claims, 14%
Insurance Benefits, 12%
General Liability, 9%
Scene Investigations, 7%
Insurance Laws, 6%
Consumer Complaints, 6%

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Field Investigator
Field Investigator vs Insurance Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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