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What is a workers' compensation claims adjuster and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
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A workers' compensation claims adjuster reviews and processes workers' compensation claims. They investigate the circumstances surrounding a claim, determine its validity, and evaluate the benefits to be paid out. The adjuster coordinates with medical professionals, attorneys, and other parties to ensure proper documentation. They must understand laws and regulations related to workers' compensation and use analytical and communication skills. A workers' compensation claims adjuster ensures injured workers receive their benefits and employers comply with legal requirements.

ScoreWorkers' Compensation Claims AdjusterUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,583

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.3

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 5.11%

Black or African American 11.00%

Hispanic or Latino 16.39%

Unknown 4.39%

White 62.61%

Gender

female 72.59%

male 27.41%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a workers' compensation claims adjuster?

Pros

  • Good salary and benefits

  • Room for advancement

  • Job stability

  • Opportunity to work remotely

  • Potential for bonuses or commissions

Cons

  • High stress and pressure to meet deadlines

  • Heavy workload and long hours during peak seasons

  • Exposure to traumatic or graphic details of injuries

  • Risk of burnout or compassion fatigue

  • Can be repetitive or monotonous at times

Workers' compensation claims adjuster career paths

Key steps to become a workers' compensation claims adjuster

  1. Explore workers' compensation claims adjuster education requirements

    Most common workers' compensation claims adjuster degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.1 %

    Associate

    18.6 %

    High School Diploma

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific workers' compensation claims adjuster skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service27.75%
    Claim Process16.20%
    Compensation Benefits12.35%
    Settlement Authority9.08%
    Data Entry4.48%
  3. Complete relevant workers' compensation claims adjuster training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New workerss' compensation claims adjuster learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a workers' compensation claims adjuster based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real workers' compensation claims adjuster resumes.
  4. Gain additional workers' compensation claims adjuster certifications

    Workers' compensation claims adjuster certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific workers' compensation claims adjuster certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for workerss' compensation claims adjuster include Associate in General Insurance (AINS) and Associate in Claims (AIC).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research workers' compensation claims adjuster duties and responsibilities

    • Manage OSHA logs and insure ongoing awareness for warehouse safety and risk management guidelines
    • Manage litigation, pay timely compensation, file necessary state forms timely, negotiate appropriate settlements within company assign authority.
    • Adjust complex workers' compensation claims, which include litigation management, vocational rehabilitation, medical management, and reserving practices.
    • Coordinate all medical and vocational rehabilitation services.
  6. Prepare your workers' compensation claims adjuster resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your workers' compensation claims adjuster resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a workers' compensation claims adjuster resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable workers' compensation claims adjuster resume templates

    Build a professional workers' compensation claims adjuster resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your workers' compensation claims adjuster resume.
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
    Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster Resume
  7. Apply for workers' compensation claims adjuster jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a workers' compensation claims adjuster job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first workers' compensation claims adjuster job

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Average workers' compensation claims adjuster salary

The average workers' compensation claims adjuster salary in the United States is $57,583 per year or $28 per hour. Workers' compensation claims adjuster salaries range between $40,000 and $82,000 per year.

Average workers' compensation claims adjuster salary
$57,583 Yearly
$27.68 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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