How much does a claims adjuster make?
Answer: A typical claims adjuster in the United States makes $78,000 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 324,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Claims adjuster pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a claims adjuster do?
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).
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling.
Did you know?
In many states, adjusters handling an officially declared catastrophe may be exempt from regular licensing rules.
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Business and Financial Operations jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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