How to become claims adjusters, examiners, and investigatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Management & Consulting Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$78,000

25th–75th pct. $61,160–$98,030

Top pay (est.)

$152,200

Top 10% $117,040

Pay in 5 years

$85,900est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$94,700est.

$81,400–$109,900

Outlook score

35/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

69%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

−5.5%

21K openings / yr

How to become claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.5

Critical Thinking

4.2

Active Listening

4.2

Speaking

4.0

Monitoring

3.9

Writing

3.9

Judgment and Decision Making

3.8

Active Learning

3.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

6.2

Administrative

5.1

English Language

4.1

Computers and Electronics

4.0

Mathematics

3.8

Administration and Management

3.4

Economics and Accounting

3.3

Law and Government

3.3

What the work involves

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationProcessing Information

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

56%

High school diploma

13%

Associate's degree

12%

Some college

12%

Doctoral degree

Post-secondary certificate

Training before entry

6–12 months

20%

1–3 months

18%

Up to 1 month

16%

1–2 years

14%

3–6 months

13%

2–4 years

10%

None / short demo

4–10 years

Related work experience

2–4 years

22%

1–2 years

19%

6–8 years

17%

4–6 years

11%

6–12 months

10%

None

8–10 years

Over 10 years

1–3 months

3–6 months

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

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2	Business Operations Specialists, All Other All business operations specialists not listed separately.	$83,050	65/100	30%
3	Project Management Specialists Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis.	$102,320	57/100	70%
4	Human Resources Specialists Recruit, screen, interview, or place individuals within an organization.	$75,940	59/100	61%
5	Management Analysts Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively.	$101,860	69/100	66%
6	Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.	$166,570	65/100	65%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.