Insurance Adjuster California Salary: Average Compensation and Job Outlook

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The average salary for an insurance adjuster in California is around $73,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is slightly higher than the national average.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here are some average salary ranges for insurance adjusters in California: $55,000 for entry-level positions, $70,000 for mid-level adjusters, and $90,000 for senior adjusters.

Insurance Adjuster Salary in California

The Golden State! California is known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and high cost of living. Insurance adjusters in California can expect to earn a higher salary compared to other parts of the country.

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for claims adjusters in California is $52,000 per year, which is higher than the national average. This is likely due to the increased cost of living in California.

With experience, insurance adjusters in California can earn even more, with senior claims adjusters averaging around $65,000 per year. However, salaries can vary depending on the location within California, with some areas like Los Angeles paying more than others.

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It's worth noting that these figures are based on data from 2020, and salaries may have changed since then. However, they give a general idea of what to expect. With a national average salary of $31,099, being an insurance adjuster in California can earn you 62% more, which is a pretty good deal.

Types of Employers and Pay

As an insurance adjuster in California, you'll find yourself working for one of three types of employers: insurance companies, independent firms, or as a public adjuster. Independent adjusters, for instance, work as contractors for insurance companies and typically earn a percentage of the settlement they negotiate.

Staff adjusters, on the other hand, work as salaried employees of an insurance company, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 per year depending on experience. Public adjusters, who work for policyholders, can earn between $30,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience and the size of the claims they handle.

Independent adjusters who work on catastrophic claims have the potential to earn over $100,000 in a year, but it's worth noting that this requires licensure to operate in multiple states and multiple natural disasters occurring within their domain.

Top Paying Industries

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Independent adjusters who work on catastrophic claims have the potential to earn over $100,000 in a year. They can even earn well over $300,000 in a single year, as seen with some independent property adjusters.

If you're considering a career as a claims adjuster, you might be wondering which industries pay the most. According to recent data, the top paying industries for claims adjusters are in the following fields:

These figures are based on data from December 2024 and can give you an idea of the potential earning potential in different industries.

Types of Employers

Independent adjusters can work for insurance companies, handling a variety of claims related to personal and business assets.

Insurance companies often offer comprehensive training programs and opportunities for specialization within different types of claims.

Independent adjusters can also work for independent adjusting firms, which specialize in handling large-scale claims, such as those arising from natural disasters.

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These firms provide comprehensive claims handling and support services, and often have the capacity to scale their workforce to manage significant workloads.

Some independent adjusters prefer to work as independent contractors, traveling to gather evidence on-site and handling assignments from multiple appraisal companies.

They may have more flexibility in their daily schedule and enjoy benefits like weekly pay and discounts at hotels or car rentals.

Agent Salary

Insurance agents can earn a median annual salary of $49,840, according to the BLS.

Their salary depends on various factors, including location, experience, level of education, and the type of insurance license they have.

While some insurance agents may earn more than the median salary through commission payouts, bonuses, and other incentives, their salaries can vary significantly.

Insurance agents can potentially earn more than the median salary, but this also depends on individual performance and the insurance company they work for.

It's essential to consider all these factors when comparing the salaries of insurance agents and adjusters.

Getting Paid and Benefits

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Adjusters can receive payment in different ways, depending on their type and employer. Some adjusters earn a fixed salary, while others are paid a percentage of the settlement amount.

Staff adjusters typically receive a fixed salary, regardless of the number of claims they handle. This means they get a predictable income every pay period.

Independent adjusters usually earn a percentage of the amount of each claim they settle, based on a fee schedule that varies between insurance companies and independent adjuster firms.

Independent adjusters often have more flexibility in their daily schedule and may have more remote positions available. This is due to the nature of their assignments, which often require travel and on-site evidence gathering.

Weekly pay and discounts at hotels or car rentals can be common benefits for independent claims adjusters. These benefits are unique to this type of adjuster.

Some adjusters, like public adjusters, may be paid a percentage of the total claim settlement amount, ranging from 5% to 20%. This commission-based payment structure can vary depending on the type and size of the claim.

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Independent claims adjusters may also be paid a retainer fee to be on call for a specific period, such as a hurricane season. This fee is paid upfront and ensures the adjuster's availability when needed.

Here are some common payment methods for adjusters:

  • Fixed salary: Staff adjusters receive a fixed amount of money every pay period.
  • Hourly rate: Some adjusters are paid an hourly rate for the time they spend working on a claim.
  • Commission-based: Public adjusters are paid a percentage of the total claim settlement amount.
  • Fee schedule: Independent adjusters are paid based on a fee schedule, which outlines the fees for different types of claims.
  • Retainer fee: Independent claims adjusters are paid a retainer fee to be on call for a specific period.

Career Paths and Advantages

As an insurance adjuster in California, you have a range of career paths to choose from. You can work as a staff insurance adjuster, directly employed by an insurance company, or as an independent adjuster. We offer online licensing and adjuster certifications for both types of adjusters.

You can specialize in areas like property adjusting, where you'll handle residential claims, or become a natural disaster insurance adjuster, with the potential for high income, flexibility, and travel opportunities. In fact, natural disaster insurance adjusters can enjoy vacation time and a flexible schedule.

We've trained over 15,000 adjusters through our online training programs, including 2021 Training, which is a TDI Provider #65959.

5 Reasons to Become a Disaster Professional

Close-up image of an insurance policy with a magnifying glass, money, and toy car.
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As a career path, disaster insurance adjusting offers a lot of flexibility with your time and responsibilities. You can work at your own pace and have potential for a high income.

Traveling is a big part of being a disaster insurance adjuster, and you'll get to see different parts of the country. You'll also have plenty of vacation time, which is a nice perk.

Most individuals interested in becoming a disaster insurance adjuster will need to have at least a high school diploma and be able to pass an insurance licensing exam. This is a relatively standard requirement for many careers in the insurance industry.

There are many different options inside of adjusting that you can pursue, including handling residential claims as a property adjuster or inspecting wrecked vehicles.

Staff Advantages

Working as a staff insurance adjuster has its perks. You get to work directly for an insurance company, investigating, evaluating, and settling claims. In some cases, you might even be able to award a claim to the insured by writing a check on behalf of the company.

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Staff insurance adjusters enjoy a sense of job security, as they are employees of an insurance company. This means they have a steady income and benefits, which can be a big advantage in today's uncertain job market.

We offer both licensing and adjuster certifications online, which can be a huge help for staff adjusters looking to advance their careers.

Job Outlook and Salary Information

The job outlook for insurance adjusters in California is promising, with many job postings available. According to Glassdoor, out of 9,739 claims adjuster jobs posted, the base salary is $46,954.

Salaries for insurance adjusters can vary depending on location, with $52,000 being the average salary in Los Angeles and $45,000 in North and South Carolina. This difference is likely due to the increased cost of living in different states.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for insurance adjusters was $65,080 as of May 2021, with the lowest 10% earning less than $41,490 and the highest 10% earning more than $101,290.

Here are the top paying industries for claims adjusters in the US, with average salaries:

Top Paying States

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If you're considering a career as an insurance adjuster, you might be wondering which states offer the highest paying jobs. According to recent data, the top paying states for claims adjusters are quite varied.

Connecticut takes the top spot with an average salary of $95,240. Alaska and New Jersey follow closely with average salaries of $87,620 and $87,160, respectively. Maryland and California round out the top five with average salaries of $86,000 and $84,170.

Here's a list of the top 5 paying states for claims adjusters:

Keep in mind that these figures are based on data from December 2024 and may not reflect current salaries. Additionally, salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and other factors.

2021 Job Outlook

Last year, many people experienced job insecurity due to the pandemic, and now they're seeking promising new career opportunities.

In 2021, the job outlook for insurance adjusters looks promising. Many industries won't hold up against extreme circumstances like mandatory quarantine or social distancing.

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A career as a claims adjuster is one career path that's gaining attention. It's a job that requires skills like critical thinking and communication, which are valuable in many areas of work.

People who were laid off are seeking careers that are more stable and secure. A career as an insurance adjuster can provide that sense of security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest paid insurance adjuster?

The highest paid insurance adjuster is the Damage Inside Adjuster, with a salary range of $96,000-$100,000 per year. This role requires specialized skills and expertise in assessing damage to vehicles and property.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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