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The differences between property claims adjusters and field 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 property claims adjuster and a field investigator. Additionally, a property claims adjuster has an average salary of $54,520, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.
The top three skills for a property claims adjuster include customer service, claims handling and xactimate. The most important skills for a field investigator are excellent time management, background checks, and mental health.
| Property Claims Adjuster | Field Investigator | |
| Yearly salary | $54,520 | $34,305 |
| Hourly rate | $26.21 | $16.49 |
| Growth rate | -6% | -6% |
| Number of jobs | 16,957 | 49,068 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
Property Claims Adjusters are individuals who evaluate the insurance claims of their clients. They specialize in the appraisal of property-related insurance claims such as damages or other concerns. They often work outside the office, typically always on fieldwork, since their job entails them to visit the property involved in the insurance claim. Property Claims Adjusters appraise the property, check the damages, evaluate whether the claims are valid, and provide their verdict. Insurance Claims on the property are adjusted based on their recommendations and final verdict. Property claims adjusters should be familiar with building codes, property laws, and insurance guidelines.
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.
Property claims adjusters and field investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Property Claims Adjuster | Field Investigator | |
| Average salary | $54,520 | $34,305 |
| Salary range | Between $39,000 And $74,000 | Between $23,000 And $50,000 |
| Highest paying City | Trenton, NJ | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | California |
| Best paying company | EMC Insurance | The Travelers Companies |
| Best paying industry | Insurance | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a property claims adjuster and a field investigator in terms of educational background:
| Property Claims Adjuster | Field Investigator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 77% | Bachelor's Degree, 64% |
| Most common major | Business | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | Stanford University | California State University - Bakersfield |
Here are the differences between property claims adjusters' and field investigators' demographics:
| Property Claims Adjuster | Field Investigator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 59.2% Female, 40.8% | Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |