Claims Adjuster: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does a Claims Adjuster do?

Claims adjusters investigate insurance claims, determining the extent of the company’s liability. You assess damages, negotiate settlements, and ensure claims are processed fairly, helping policyholders receive appropriate compensation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Claims Adjusters in the Insurance field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Inspect property damage or review personal injury claims to determine the extent and validity of damages or injuries.
• Analyze information from investigations, including witness statements and police reports.
• Negotiate settlement of claims with claimants and attorneys to reach fair and equitable outcomes.
• Document and evaluate claims, setting reserves and authorizing payments within certain limits.
• Communicate with medical experts, contractors, or other professionals to gather information on the extent of damages or the cost of repairs.
• Determine whether claims are covered under the terms of an insurance policy.
• Advise claimants on the status and processing of their claims.

How to Become a Claims Adjuster

Launching a career as a Claims Adjuster requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Insurance, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Licensure as required by state law; continuing education often required for license renewal.
• Experience in insurance claims, legal, or a related field is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of insurance policies and insurance claims handling procedures.
• Training in estimating property damage is often required.

Requirements & Skills

• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with claimants and attorneys.
• Ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously and prioritize tasks.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.

Claims Adjuster Salary Guide

Wondering what Claims Adjusters earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for a Claims Adjuster in the U.S. is approximately $64,410 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Claims Adjusters may receive a wide range of benefits.

Claims Adjuster Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$80,513
Senior	11+ years	$70,851
Experienced	6-10 years	$64,410
Mid Level	3-5 years	$57,969
Entry Level	0-2 years	$48,308

How to Advance Your Career

Claims Adjusters can advance to senior adjuster roles, supervisory positions, or move into specialized areas of claims such as catastrophe adjusting or fraud investigation. Some may transition into claims management or executive roles within insurance firms. Continuing education and professional certifications, such as those offered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters, can enhance career opportunities.

Typical Work Environment

Claims Adjusters often work in an office, but their duties typically require travel to the sites of claims, such as homes, businesses, or garages. They frequently inspect damages in the field and meet with claimants and other parties. The role can be stressful, particularly when handling claims related to severe damages or injuries. Adjusters may also work irregular hours, especially when dealing with emergencies or large-scale disasters.