Field investigator vs total loss specialist

The differences between field investigators and total loss specialists 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 total loss specialist. Additionally, a total loss specialist has an average salary of $51,718, 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 total loss specialist are customer service, HR, and outbound calls.

Field investigator vs total loss specialist overview

	Field Investigator	Total Loss Specialist
Yearly salary	$34,305	$51,718
Hourly rate	$16.49	$24.86
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	49,068	33,617
Job satisfaction	4	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
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 total loss specialist do?

As a Total Loss Specialist, your job will involve appraising the damage and determining the salvage value on the total-loss vehicle. You will be tasked with examining the damaged vehicle to ascertain the extent of damage done to its body and structure and other mechanical, electrical, and internal damage. You'd also have to arrange with another appraiser to resolve any disagreement with the shop on the cost of repair after determining the extent of the damage to the vehicle.

Field investigator vs total loss specialist salary

Field investigators and total loss specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Field Investigator	Total Loss Specialist
Average salary	$34,305	$51,718
Salary range	Between $23,000 And $50,000	Between $32,000 And $81,000
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 total loss specialist education

There are a few differences between a field investigator and a total loss specialist in terms of educational background:

	Field Investigator	Total Loss Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 64%	Bachelor's Degree, 60%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Field investigator vs total loss specialist demographics

Here are the differences between field investigators' and total loss specialists' demographics:

	Field Investigator	Total Loss Specialist
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%	Male, 35.7% Female, 64.3%
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, 14.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 5.4% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between field investigator and total loss specialist 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).

Total loss specialist example responsibilities.

Analyze and support development and execution of underwriting, automation and operational strategies to efficiently and effectively manage the portfolio.
Work with SIU to flag fraud and mitigate fraudulent payouts.
Clean, pack and organize the SIU office and files.
Participate in utilizing inter-company arbitration.
Participate in utilizing inter-company arbitration.

Field investigator vs total loss specialist 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 total loss specialist skills

Customer Service, 22%
HR, 16%
Outbound Calls, 7%
Inbound Calls, 6%
Insurance Claims, 4%
Training Sessions, 4%

Field Investigator vs. similar jobs

Field Investigator related careers

Field Investigator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Business and Financial Industry
Field Investigator
Field Investigator vs Total Loss Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse business and financial jobs