The median annual wage of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators was $58,620 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. 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.
Most claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators work full time. However, their work schedules vary.
In contrast, adjusters often must arrange their work schedules to accommodate evening and weekend appointments with clients. This sometimes results in adjusters working irregular schedules, especially when they have a lot of claims to review.
Auto damage appraisers typically work regular hours and rarely work on the weekends, although they often spend much of their time at automotive body shops estimating vehicle damage costs.
Insurance investigators often work irregular schedules because of the need to conduct surveillance and contact people who are not available during normal working hours. Early morning, evening, and weekend work is common.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition