Salary, Wages, Pay: Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners and Investigators

Earnings of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators vary significantly. Median annual earnings were $43,020 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $ 33,120 and $ 56,170. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $ 26,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $ 71,350.

Many claims adjusters, especially those who work for insurance companies, receive additional bonuses or benefits as part of their job. Adjusters often are furnished a laptop computer, a cellular telephone, and a company car or are reimbursed for the use of their own vehicle for business purposes.

Median annual earnings of auto damage insurance appraisers were $42,630 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $34,570 and $52,360. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $60,470.