How much does a licensed insurance claims adjuster earn?

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators earned a median annual wage of $78,000 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,850 and the highest 10% earned more than $117,040, with the federal government the top-paying industry at $93,660. Employment is projected to decline 6% from 2025 to 2035, though about 21,600 openings are projected each year from replacement needs.

Staff adjusters typically earn salaries of $45,000 to $80,000 or more, while independent adjusters can earn over $100,000 a year, and catastrophe work can let a strong adjuster earn more in a few months than in a normal year. These are national industry figures, not Arizona-specific data. Earnings vary with claim volume, catastrophe activity, and technical skills such as Xactimate proficiency.

The Arkansas Adjusters Association estimates that independent adjusters can earn over $100,000 a year, while staff adjusters typically earn $45,000 to $80,000 or more. In catastrophe situations, a working adjuster can earn more in a few months than in a normal year.

Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators nationwide earned a median of $78,020 per year ($37.51 per hour) in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The occupation is projected to lose 6% of its jobs between 2025 and 2035, but it still generates about 21,600 openings each year.

Claims adjuster pay varies widely by employer, experience, and the type of claims handled. The U.S. employed about 389,000 claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators in 2025, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Wyoming licenses adjusters in the Property, Casualty, and Crop lines, and requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years.