Insurance Adjuster Salary | A Comprehensive Guide to Industry Pay

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As you consider a career as an insurance adjuster, it's essential to understand the salary range you can expect. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for insurance adjusters in the United States is around $65,000.

The salary for insurance adjusters can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, experience, and type of insurance. In major cities like New York and Los Angeles, insurance adjusters can earn upwards of $80,000 per year.

If this caught your attention, see: Insurance Adjusters Won

How Much Do They Make?

Insurance adjusters can earn a decent income, especially with experience and the right certifications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators was $68,640 as of May 2021.

Salaries vary depending on the employer type, with adjusters at insurance carriers earning higher average wages than those at agencies or brokerages. Entry-level claims adjusters with 0-2 years of experience typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually to start.

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Average salaries tend to increase with more years of experience, with mid-career adjusters (5-10 years) earning $54,000 - $79,000, and experienced adjusters (10-20 years) earning $63,000 - $93,000. Late-career adjusters (20+ years) can earn up to $108,000.

Regional variations also play a significant role in determining salaries, with the top-paying states including California ($76,100), Texas ($74,000), and New Jersey ($73,990). On the other hand, some of the lowest average salaries are found in Montana ($55,520), South Dakota ($57,150), and Oklahoma ($59,270).

Here's a breakdown of average salaries by experience level:

It's worth noting that salaries can also vary depending on the type of claims being adjusted, with adjusters specializing in complex claims like injuries, natural disasters, or commercial losses tend to be better compensated.

Salary by Location

Insurance adjuster salaries vary significantly depending on the location. The highest-paying states for insurance adjusters are New Jersey, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

If you're considering a career as an insurance adjuster, it's worth noting that some states offer significantly higher salaries than others. For example, Connecticut is the highest-paying state for claims adjusters, with an average salary of $95,240.

Here's a breakdown of the top 5 highest-paying states for insurance adjusters, based on data from the United States:

In terms of cities, Hagerstown, MD, Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY are the highest-paying cities for insurance adjusters.

Highest Paying States

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If you're considering a career as an insurance adjuster, it's essential to know the highest paying states in the industry. The top three states for insurance adjuster salaries are New Jersey, Maryland, and Rhode Island.

New Jersey takes the top spot with an average salary of $71,939, followed closely by Maryland with an average salary of $64,915. Rhode Island rounds out the top three with an average salary of $64,466.

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

Claims adjusters can also expect a higher salary in certain states. According to recent data, the top paying state for claims adjusters is Connecticut, with an average salary of $95,240.

Highest Paying Cities

If you're an insurance adjuster looking to boost your salary, you're in luck – some cities pay significantly more than others.

Hagerstown, Maryland, takes the top spot with an average salary of $64,594 and an hourly rate of $31.05.

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Los Angeles, California, comes in second with an average salary of $63,439 and an hourly rate of $30.50.

New York, New York, ranks third with an average salary of $62,588 and an hourly rate of $30.09.

Here's a breakdown of the top 5 highest-paying cities for insurance adjusters:

These cities offer significant earning potential, making them worth considering for insurance adjusters looking to advance their careers.

Salary by Industry and Job Type

Insurance adjusters can earn varying salaries depending on the industry and job type. The highest paying types of insurance adjusters are claims supervisor, compensation adjuster, and senior claims adjuster.

Claims supervisors, in particular, can earn up to $75,263 per year, with a monthly salary of $6,272 and an hourly rate of $36.18. This is according to the article's list of highest paying insurance adjuster jobs.

Some of the top paying industries for claims adjusters include California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Florida, with average salaries ranging from $68,330 to $76,100 per year.

If this caught your attention, see: Insurance Broker Salary New York

Factors and Variables

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Education and certifications can make a big difference in a claims adjuster's salary. Having a bachelor's degree or professional designations like AIC, AINS, etc. can lead to higher earnings.

Specializing in complex claims like injuries, natural disasters, or commercial losses can also result in better compensation. This is because these types of claims require more expertise and time to resolve.

Working for a large insurance carrier, TPA, or the government can earn you more than working at a smaller agency. This is often due to the size and resources of these organizations.

Adjusters with higher closure rates and customer satisfaction scores can negotiate higher salaries. This is because they're able to complete claims efficiently and effectively.

Overtime pay is also a factor to consider. Many adjusters receive overtime for working more than 40 hours a week, especially during catastrophes.

Here are some key factors to consider when it comes to a claims adjuster's salary:

  • Education and certifications
  • Specialization
  • Employer
  • Performance metrics
  • Overtime pay

Top Paying Industries

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If you're considering a career as a Claims Adjuster, it's worth exploring the top-paying industries in this field. Independent adjusters who work on catastrophic claims can earn over $100,000 in a year.

According to recent salary estimates, companies like Cunningham Lindsey and Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. offer some of the highest-paying insurance adjuster salaries. In fact, Cunningham Lindsey tops the list with an average salary of $62,022.

Insurance adjuster salaries at companies like American Family Insurance and Ernst & Young are also highly competitive. In fact, American Family Insurance comes in third with an average salary of $61,047.

Here's a list of the top 10 companies that pay insurance adjusters the most, based on recent salary estimates:

Public Benefits

Public adjusters typically have access to similar benefits as company/staff adjusters, including retirement savings accounts, healthcare coverage, and paid time off.

In addition to these typical benefits, public adjusters often have consistent work hours, which can be a welcome relief in the demanding field of claims adjusting.

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Public adjusters also usually have access to company-issued laptops and company vehicles for traveling, making their job a bit more convenient.

These benefits can make a big difference in the lives of public adjusters, allowing them to focus on their work and enjoy a better work-life balance.

Here are some of the benefits that public adjusters can expect:

  • Retirement savings accounts
  • Healthcare coverage
  • Paid time off
  • Consistent work hours
  • Company-issued laptops
  • Company vehicles for traveling

Company/Staff Payment

Company/staff adjusters are salaried employees of an insurance carrier, which means they receive a fixed annual salary regardless of the claim's outcome. This can provide a sense of stability and predictability in their income.

Their salaries can vary based on factors like education and certifications, specialization, employer, and performance metrics. For example, adjusters with a bachelor's degree or professional designations tend to earn higher salaries.

Company and staff adjusters also typically receive an annual bonus, in addition to their base salary. This can provide an extra incentive for them to perform well and meet their targets.

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Here's a breakdown of the key factors that affect a company/staff adjuster's salary:

The average insurance adjuster salary has risen by $7,514 over the last ten years.

Insurance adjuster salaries have seen a significant increase over the years, with the average annual salary rising from $49,801 in 2014 to $57,315 today.

A 7% change in pay for insurance adjusters over the last decade is a notable trend in the industry.

Entry-level claims adjusters typically see salary increases of 5-10% annually in the first few years with strong performance.

Within 5 years, top performers can reach senior-level positions with salaries in the $60,000-$75,000 range, making it a promising career path for those who work hard and take on leadership roles.

Salary by Experience and Education

As an insurance adjuster, your salary will increase with experience and education. Candidates with relevant educational backgrounds and training certificates tend to earn higher starting salaries and have better job prospects.

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Entry-level claims adjusters with 0-2 years of experience typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually to start. This can vary by region, with higher average starting salaries on the coasts and in major metropolitan areas.

The average annual salary for claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators was $68,640 as of May 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Average salaries tend to correlate with years of experience.

Here's a breakdown of average salary ranges by experience level:

Senior claims adjusters with 5+ years of experience command higher salaries due to their expertise and proven track record. They can earn between $65,000 and $85,000 per year with 5-9 years of experience, and up to $120,000 or more with 15+ years of experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is insurance adjuster a good side hustle?

Insurance adjusting can be a lucrative side hustle, with potential earnings exceeding six figures for those who put in the effort. With flexibility to control your workload and opportunities, it's worth considering as a viable option

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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