USA Career Guide- Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

Education needed to be Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement to work as an adjuster, appraiser, examiner, or investigator. However, employers sometimes prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor’s degree or some insurance-related work experience or vocational training. Auto damage appraisers typically have a 2-year post-secondary award or experience working in an auto repair shop, identifying and estimating the cost of automotive repair.

Licenses

Licensing requirements for claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators vary by state. Some states have few requirements, and others require either completing pre-licensing education, a satisfactory score on a licensing exam, or both.
Public adjusters may need to meet separate or additional requirements.

Pay of Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

The median annual wage of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators was $58,620 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,710, and the top 10 percent earned more than $88,320.

The median annual wage of insurance appraisers of auto damage was $56,230 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,550, and the top 10 percent earned more than $78,950.

Job Prospects of Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

Employment of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators is expected to grow 3 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment growth should stem primarily from the growth of the health insurance industry. Job opportunities for claims adjusters and examiners should be best in the health insurance industry as the number of health insurance customers expands. Additionally, prospects for claims adjusters in property and casualty insurance will likely be best in areas susceptible to natural disasters. These areas include the Gulf Coast, which can have a large number of hurricanes, and the West Coast, which is vulnerable to wildfires.

Industrial Overview of Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators held 290,700 jobs in 2010. Their work environments vary.
Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators worked in the following industries in 2010:
Direct insurance (except life, health, and medical) carriers 32%
Federal government, excluding postal service 18 %
Other insurance related activities 17 %
State and local government, excluding education and hospitals 4 %
Management of companies and enterprises 2 %
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition,

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