Business & Office

How to become a Claims Adjuster

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–9 months

Typical pay

$52k–$72k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   1–3 months

   Get your adjuster licence

   Most states license adjusters; a few do not. Check yours first.

   ◆ State adjuster licence

2. 2

   2–4 months

   Learn policy language and estimating

   Coverage interpretation is the job; Xactimate is the tool.

3. 3

   6–12 months

   Start with a carrier trainee program

   Carriers hire and train; independent adjusting comes later.

4. 4

   1–2 years

   Specialise

   Property, auto or liability — catastrophe work pays the most and travels.

5. ✓

   Destination

   Claims Adjuster

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