Senior claims adjuster vs field investigator

The differences between senior 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 senior claims adjuster and a field investigator. Additionally, a senior claims adjuster has an average salary of $58,688, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.

The top three skills for a senior claims adjuster include customer service, litigation and coverage issues. The most important skills for a field investigator are excellent time management, background checks, and mental health.

Senior claims adjuster vs field investigator overview

	Senior Claims Adjuster	Field Investigator
Yearly salary	$58,688	$34,305
Hourly rate	$28.22	$16.49
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	11,495	49,068
Job satisfaction	2	4
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 70%	Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does a senior claims adjuster do?

A senior claims adjuster is in charge of inspecting and analyzing insurance claims to validate and adjust payments. Among their responsibilities include reviewing and verifying claims documents, visiting sites to investigate property damages and personal injuries, gathering evidence such as photos and videos, and conducting interviews with witnesses and clients. Moreover, as a senior claims adjuster, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to fellow claims adjusters while enforcing and promoting the company's policies and regulations.

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.

Senior claims adjuster vs field investigator salary

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

	Senior Claims Adjuster	Field Investigator
Average salary	$58,688	$34,305
Salary range	Between $37,000 And $91,000	Between $23,000 And $50,000
Highest paying City	Roseville, CA	San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state	New Jersey	California
Best paying company	EMC Insurance	The Travelers Companies
Best paying industry	Insurance	Insurance

Differences between senior claims adjuster and field investigator education

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

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

Senior claims adjuster vs field investigator demographics

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

	Senior Claims Adjuster	Field Investigator
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%	Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 5.2% White, 61.3% 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%

Differences between senior claims adjuster and field investigator duties and responsibilities

Senior claims adjuster example responsibilities.

Manage file inventory by utilizing CCC pathways diary system documenting claim file activities in accordance with establish procedures
Experience litigation adjuster proactively investigating, evaluating, and negotiating commercial and homeowner general liability casualty and property damage liability claims.
Prepare and calculate consumer pensions as well as variable & fix annuities.
Develop relationships with other departments such as sales, underwriting, and SIU in order to meet business goals.
Prepare property repair estimates utilizing Xactimate estimating software.
Structure settlement options with annuities and Medicare set-aside programs.

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).

Senior claims adjuster vs field investigator skills

Common senior claims adjuster skills

Customer Service, 25%
Litigation, 9%
Coverage Issues, 6%
Strong Customer Service, 5%
Settlement Authority, 5%
Claims Handling, 3%

Common field investigator skills

Excellent Time Management, 29%
Background Checks, 9%
Mental Health, 8%
Criminal Justice, 5%
Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
Comprehensive Reports, 4%

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Senior Claims Adjuster
Senior Claims Adjuster vs Field Investigator

Updated January 8, 2025

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