Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigator Salary in 2026

    SOC: 13-1031.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $76,790
    per year
    Salary Range
    $48K – $112K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    305,020
    employed
    Job Growth
    -5.1%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators Make?

    Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators earn a median annual salary of $76,790 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $47,810 at the 10th percentile to $112,150 at the 90th percentile — a range of $64,340. The highest-paying state is Maryland at $92,660.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$47,810
    25th percentile$60,100
    Median (50th)$76,790
    75th percentile$95,990
    90th percentile$112,150
    10th: $47,810Median: $76,79090th: $112,150
    Section 02

    Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigator Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Marylandtop$92,660
    California$90,900
    District of Columbia$88,920
    Alaska$86,490
    New Jersey$85,960
    Connecticut$84,470
    Massachusetts$84,340
    Rhode Island$83,480
    New York$82,140
    New Hampshire$81,500
    Texas$80,220
    Washington$80,100
    Alabama$80,060
    Hawaii$79,370
    Oregon$79,350
    Delaware$79,220
    Wyoming$78,900
    Vermont$78,140
    Maine$78,080
    Minnesota$78,060
    Pennsylvania$77,750
    Michigan$77,380
    Virginia$77,000
    Kansas$76,660
    Wisconsin$76,660
    Missouri$76,220
    Mississippi$75,180
    Colorado$75,120
    Arkansas$75,030
    Tennessee$74,960
    South Carolina$74,940
    North Carolina$74,830
    Illinois$74,410
    South Dakota$73,810
    Kentucky$71,770
    Georgia$71,750
    Louisiana$69,370
    Iowa$68,740
    Idaho$68,300
    Nebraska$68,020
    Oklahoma$67,950
    Florida$66,860
    Utah$66,240
    New Mexico$66,120
    West Virginia$66,020
    Indiana$64,540
    Nevada$63,290
    Montana$63,240
    Arizona$63,240
    Ohio$60,250
    North Dakota$59,950
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

    Salinas, CA
    Highest paying
    $105,350
    top metro salary
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT
    $100,980
    $-4,370 vs highest
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
    $100,260
    $-5,090 vs highest
    Vallejo, CA
    $98,590
    $-6,760 vs highest
    Reading, PA
    $97,930
    $-7,420 vs highest
    Stockton-Lodi, CA
    $97,200
    $-8,150 vs highest
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    $97,030
    $-8,320 vs highest
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
    $95,650
    $-9,700 vs highest
    Section 04

    Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigator Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$47,810 – $60,100
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$76,790
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$95,990
    Senior (15+ yrs)$112,150+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigator

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in Salinas, CA earn $105,350 — $28,560 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($95,990) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigator Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigatorthis career$76,790
    Compensation and Benefits Manager$140,360
    Compliance Officer$78,420
    Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$77,020
    Accountants and Auditor$81,680

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 13-1031.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.