How much does a claims adjuster make?
a year · about $38 an hour
A typical claims adjuster in the United States makes $78,000 a year, about $38 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They inspect a dented car or damaged building, take notes, then check the policy and claim forms at a desk. They interview people involved, estimate the loss, and recommend or approve a payment.
Did you know? In many states, adjusters handling an officially declared catastrophe may be exempt from regular licensing rules.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $48,850 and $117,040How do you become one?
In the U.S., a high school diploma is usually enough; new adjusters learn with small claims under an experienced worker. State rules differ: some require classes or an exam, while some insurer employees work under a company license.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, claim specialty, employer, and location; BLS reports wage differences by industry and area. State licensing rules vary, and claims can bring irregular evening or weekend hours.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New Jersey ($95,690), lowest in Montana ($63,860).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $48,850 | $78,000 | $117,040 | about 324,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $95,690 | about 10,000 |
| California | $91,790 | about 24,000 |
| Connecticut | $88,330 | about 3,000 |
| New York | $87,130 | about 17,000 |
| Rhode Island | $86,520 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims. Excludes “Fire Inspectors and Investigators” (33-2021).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/claims-adjusters-appraisers-examiners-and
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1031.00
- content.naic.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/Chapter%2018%20-%20Adjuster%20
- www.in.gov/idoi/licensing/resident-adjuster-licensing/resident-adjuster-licensin
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY