How Much Does an Insurance Claim Adjuster Make? (2025)

Understanding the insurance claim adjuster salary is important for employers and job candidates. As of August 2025, the average annual salary for an insurance claim adjuster in the United States is $54,304 per year, or approximately $26 per hour, according to recent data.

This salary guide explores the role of an insurance claim adjuster, including job responsibilities, earnings, and factors influencing income, such as location, experience, and specialized knowledge.

What Does an Insurance Claim Adjuster Do?

Insurance claim adjusters, including independent adjusters, evaluate complex claims involving property damage or personal injury to determine fair settlements. Their work ensures the well-being of claimants by providing appropriate compensation while maintaining a strong track record for accuracy and fairness.

Responsibilities include:

• Speaking with claimants and witnesses to verify details.
• Assessing damage to homes, businesses, or vehicles and determining liability.
• Conducting investigations, such as reviewing police reports, to respond to claims effectively.
• Negotiating settlements to resolve claims in a human-centered manner, ensuring a fair proceeding for all parties involved.

According to BLS, most positions require a high school diploma, though some employers prefer a bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of claims-related experience.

What is Insurance Claim Adjuster Overview?

As mentioned above, the average insurance claim adjuster salary in the United States is $54,304 per year or $26 per hour, as of August 2025.

Based on our data, the insurance claim adjuster salary is between $43,988 to $67,104 per year, with most earning reported between $48,904 and $61,004. The insurance claim adjuster salary per month is $4,525.

Moreover, an insurance claim adjuster often earns an average of $26 per hour, with hourly rates ranging from $21 to $32. The average weekly salary for an insurance claim adjuster is $1,044, with pay ranging from $846 to $1,290.

2025 Insurance Claim Adjuster Average Salary: $54,304 per year ($26 per hour)

Meanwhile, the core median salary for insurance claim adjuster is $83,326 per year. This includes salary and bonuses and varies depending on the percentile.

The average total salary for an insurance claim adjuster is $83,326, according to our report. The total compensation package for the job title includes benefits like healthcare ($6,056), time off ($7,262), and Social Security ($4,514), which make up 21.4% of the total compensation.

What Can Affect Insurance Claim Adjuster Salaries?

The salary of an insurance claim adjuster varies based on factors such as experience, geographical location, and skills. Here's a breakdown of these key factors:

By Experience Level

According to our report, insurance claim adjuster with less than one year of experience earn an average salary of $54,001 per year. In contrast, those with eight or more years of experience can expect to earn an average of $56,604 per year. More years of experience typically lead to higher salaries.

Adjusters with a strong track record earn more as they develop expertise:

By Geographic Location

Apart from experience level, the salary of an insurance claim adjuster in the United States also varies by location, influenced by factors such as cost of living, local economy, and industry presence.

For example, among major cities in the United States, San Jose has the highest average salary at $68,404 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $52,104 and $53,604 per year, respectively.

By Skills

High-demand skills drive salary increases for insurance claim adjuster. Our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report shows that those with claim investigation skills see a salary increase of +10.19%, while those with claim settlement skills see an increase of +9.97%. The demand for these skills is 10%, respectively.

How to Become an Insurance Claim Adjuster?

Pursuing a career as an insurance claim adjuster involves a mix of education, certification, hands-on experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Here’s how to get started:

• Complete Your Education: Start by obtaining at least a high school diploma or GED, which is the minimum requirement for most employers. However, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in business, finance, criminal justice, or a related field can significantly improve your job prospects. Courses in insurance principles, legal studies, or property valuation are especially beneficial.
• Obtain Licensing and Certification: Depending on your state, you may be required to pass a licensing exam to work as a claims adjuster. It's important to check your state’s specific requirements. Additionally, earning industry-recognized certifications—such as the Associate in Claims (AIC) or Certified Claims Professional (CCP)—can strengthen your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
• Gain Relevant Experience: Entry-level positions in insurance companies—such as customer service, administrative support, or claims assistant roles—offer valuable exposure to the industry. These roles help you develop an understanding of claims processes, insurance policies, and the systems used in the field.
• Develop Key Skills: Focus on building analytical and communication skills to evaluate claims and interact with clients effectively. High-demand skills like claim investigation and settlement can increase your salary by up to 10%, as noted in 2025 data.
• Build Your Career: Once you’ve gained some experience, you can explore specialized roles such as property adjuster, auto claims adjuster, or catastrophe adjuster. Continuing education and professional development can help you advance in the field and increase your earning potential.

Adjusters who handle complex claims or work as independent adjusters often earn the most money due to their specialized skills and flexibility.

What are the FAQs about Insurance Claim Adjuster?

Here are some common questions about insurance claim adjuster salary:

Is insurance claim adjuster a good job?

Yes, being an insurance claim adjuster can be a rewarding career. It offers job stability, especially in regions prone to natural disasters or high insurance activity. Adjusters play a key role in helping policyholders recover from losses, and the job provides opportunities for advancement, field work, and specialization. Many adjusters also enjoy flexible schedules and the potential for remote or independent work.

What skills do you need to be an insurance claim adjuster?

To be an insurance claim adjuster, you need strong claim investigation skills to assess evidence accurately, boosting your salary by 10.19%.

How do additional certifications impact salary?

Earning additional certifications, such as the Associate in Claims (AIC) or Certified Claims Professional (CCP), can significantly boost your salary and career opportunities. These credentials demonstrate expertise in specialized areas like property, casualty, or auto claims, which are often tied to higher-paying positions and greater responsibility.

This career path offers a strong connection to helping others while providing opportunities to develop expertise and earn competitive salaries.