Property Claims Adjuster Salary: Industry and Job Market Insights

As a property claims adjuster, you'll need to have strong communication and problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of insurance claims. The median salary for property claims adjusters in the United States is around $65,000 per year.

The job market for property claims adjusters is expected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing need for insurance services in response to natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

Property claims adjusters can work in a variety of settings, including insurance companies, government agencies, and private investigation firms. Many adjusters also work on a freelance or contract basis, which can provide flexibility and autonomy in their work.

As a property claims adjuster, your salary can vary depending on your level of experience and the type of employer you work for. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for claims adjusters was $68,640 as of May 2021.

Your salary will likely increase with years of experience, with entry-level adjusters earning between $47,000 and $68,000 per year, mid-career adjusters earning between $54,000 and $79,000, experienced adjusters earning between $63,000 and $93,000, and late-career adjusters earning between $73,000 and $108,000.

Some employers pay their adjusters higher average wages than others, with insurance carriers typically offering higher salaries than agencies or brokerages.

The job market for property claims adjusters is on the rise, with a projected 8% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030, adding around 16,800 new jobs. This growth outpaces the average for all occupations.

High turnover and retiring baby boomers are creating a staffing shortage in the insurance industry, making hiring more claims professionals a priority. Property and casualty insurers are struggling to find field adjusters available to travel to claim sites.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, insurance carriers employ the most insurance claims adjusters in the U.S., with over 111,920 positions. Here are the top industries that employ claims adjusters:

If you're considering a career as a claims adjuster, you'll want to know which industries offer the highest pay. According to the data, Natural Gas Distribution tops the list with a salary of $101,160.

The Automotive Repair and Maintenance industry comes in second, with a salary of $95,590. Building Equipment Contractors and Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals, follow closely behind with salaries of $88,360 and $86,770, respectively.

Here's a breakdown of the top paying industries for claims adjusters:

If you're considering a career as a claims adjuster, it's worth noting that the highest paying states can make a big difference in your salary.

According to the latest data, Connecticut tops the list with an average salary of $95,240 as of December 2024.

Alaska and New Jersey are close behind, with average salaries of $87,620 and $87,160 respectively.

Maryland and California round out the top 5, with average salaries of $86,000 and $84,170.

Here's a quick rundown of the top paying states for claims adjusters:

The job outlook for insurance claims adjusters is looking bright. Employment is expected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, adding around 16,800 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

High turnover and retiring baby boomers in the industry are creating a pressing need for new claims professionals. This is driving a surge in hiring, especially for field adjusters who can travel to claim sites.

The insurance industry is expanding, and rising natural disasters, accidents, and complex claims are fueling the demand for qualified adjusters. This growth outpaces the average for all occupations, making it an attractive career choice.

Here are the top industries that employ insurance claims adjusters in the U.S., based on the latest data:

This data highlights the opportunities available in the insurance claims adjusting field, from working with insurance carriers to government agencies and more.

In the insurance adjusting industry, salaries vary significantly depending on the position and specialization.

Supervisors can earn up to $140,000 per year, while managers can earn over $100,000.

Specialization also plays a major role in determining salaries, with workers' comp and auto claims often paying higher base salaries than property claims.

Industry is another key factor, with independent adjusting firms and public entities generally paying more than insurance carriers.

Here are some specific salary ranges to keep in mind:

As a property claims adjuster, your career can take off in exciting ways. With experience, you can advance to supervisory roles and higher salary levels.

You can specialize in areas like auto, property, workers' compensation, or catastrophe claims, where your skills in complex claims will shine. This expertise can lead to higher earning potential.

Some adjusters move into management roles, overseeing teams and operations, which can be a great way to use your leadership skills. This is a natural next step for those who enjoy leading and guiding others.

Independent adjusters can start their own firms after gaining sufficient expertise, which can be a thrilling opportunity for those who enjoy entrepreneurship. This requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but it can be very rewarding.

Ongoing training and certification can lead to pay raises within companies, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with industry developments and best practices. This will not only boost your salary but also enhance your skills and knowledge.

To become a property claims adjuster, you'll need to have at least a high school diploma and be able to pass an insurance licensing exam. This is a common requirement for the field.

Entry-level claims adjusters typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually to start, although salaries can vary by region. For example, in smaller inland cities, entry-level adjusters may start around $30,000-$40,000.

Insurance is a vital part of our lives, providing financial protection against unexpected events. The average national salary range for an insurance claims adjuster is around $60,000 to $80,000 per year.

The job outlook for insurance claims adjusters is promising, with a steady demand for professionals in this field. Insurance claims adjusters play a crucial role in helping people recover from losses.

To get started in the insurance industry, you'll need to understand the basics of insurance claims adjusting. This includes knowledge of factors that impact compensation, such as the severity of the loss and the type of insurance policy involved.

To get started as a claims adjuster, you'll need to have at least a high school diploma and be able to pass an insurance licensing exam.

Entry-level claims adjusters with 0-2 years of experience typically earn between $35,000 and $45,000 annually to start.

This salary range can vary by region, with higher average starting salaries on the coasts and in major metropolitan areas. For example, in Los Angeles or New York City, starting salaries often range from $40,000-$50,000.

In smaller inland cities, entry-level adjusters may start around $30,000-$40,000.

Getting started requires a clear understanding of your goals.

First, identify what you want to achieve, whether it's building a website, creating a mobile app, or developing a software program.

Set specific, measurable, and attainable objectives. For instance, you might aim to build a website that attracts 1,000 visitors within the first three months.

Next, choose a suitable programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS, depending on your project's requirements.

Consider the tools and resources you'll need, like a code editor, version control system, and online communities for support.

Familiarize yourself with the basics of coding, including data types, variables, and control structures. For example, understanding how to use conditional statements can help you write more efficient code.

Practice coding by working on small projects, like building a simple calculator or a game, to develop your skills and build confidence.

Independent adjusters are a unique breed, and their pay structure reflects their independent nature. They usually earn a percentage of the amount of each claim they settle, known as a 'fee schedule,' which varies between insurance companies and firms.

This pay structure can be lucrative, especially for those who work on catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes, and hailstorms. Top performers can earn over $200k when deployed for months handling major events.

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

Their pay can vary significantly depending on the type of assignment. For example, CAT Adjusters may work on an hourly rate, while auto claim adjusting and property field adjusting have different pay rates. Here's a breakdown of some common pay rates:

Overall, independent adjusters can earn a significant income, especially if they're willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed in this field.

Claims adjusters can work for a variety of employers, including insurance companies, government agencies, and private firms.

Their salaries can vary significantly depending on location, with top-paying states including California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Florida.

California leads the pack with an average salary of $76,100, while the lowest average salaries are found in Montana, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas.

Here are the top and bottom 5 states for average claims adjuster salaries:

Average claims adjuster salaries can vary significantly depending on location. This is due in part to cost of living differences.

In some states, claims adjusters can earn significantly higher salaries than in others. For example, California pays its claims adjusters an average of $76,100 per year.

Regional variations in compensation are a key consideration for anyone looking to become a claims adjuster. If you're thinking of making a career change, it's worth researching the average salary in your desired location.

The top-paying states for claims adjusters include California, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Here are the average salaries for these states:

On the other hand, some of the lowest average salaries for claims adjusters are found in states like Montana, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas.

Company/Staff Compensation can be a straightforward process. Company or staff adjusters are salaried employees of an insurance carrier, which means they get paid their annual salary regardless of the claim's outcome.

Their salary is typically paid by their employer, with no variation based on the claim's resolution. This means they can budget and plan their finances with confidence.

It's also common for these adjusters to receive an annual bonus, adding to their overall compensation package.

As a claims adjuster, you'll find yourself working for one of three main types of employers.

Insurance companies are a primary employer for claims adjusters, where they'll be responsible for investigating and settling claims.

Insurance companies can be either national or local, and they often have a large workforce of claims adjusters.

The government is another type of employer for claims adjusters, where they'll be working on public sector claims.

Government agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), employ claims adjusters to handle disaster-related claims.

Private companies, including construction and manufacturing firms, also employ claims adjusters to handle property damage claims.