Looking for a career that’s flexible, lucrative, and makes a real impact? Becoming an insurance claims adjuster might just check all your boxes. In a world where everything is insured—from homes and cars to crops and even body parts—the need for claims adjusters continues to grow. Below, we break down the top 10 reasons why you should consider this high-opportunity field.
#1: You Can Make Six Figures
People are often surprised when they find out how much money independent insurance adjusters take home. That’s because, on the surface, adjusters enjoy a seemingly humble job: we dress business casual, often drive pickup trucks, and frequently can be found outside or climbing on roofs. The truth is, insurance adjusters can make six figures with the right tools and tenacity, even if they’re just starting out.
Rookies can earn $900–$1,200 per day during storm deployments. Veterans can make over $7,000 per week handling hurricane claims. Plus, becoming an adjuster doesn’t require years of schooling or mounds of debt that will need to be paid off. As you grow in your career, more experience means more demand for your services and better fee schedules.
#2: A Recession-Proof Industry
In many industries, you can quickly and unexpectedly be out of work when an economic recession hits. Whether it’s the housing bubble popping or the Covid-19 shutdown…circumstances far beyond your control can change things in the blink of an eye.
Economic downturns don’t stop fires, floods, or car accidents. Adjusters are needed every month of the year. With billion-dollar disasters on the rise, claims adjusting is one of the most stable careers around.
#3: Minimal Barriers to Entry
Today, the average medical school debt is $190,694. Lawyers, on average, won’t make six figures until the fifth year of practice. Now consider what adjusters can earn without the years of schooling and burdensome expenses.
Most states require a license, a background check, and a valid driver’s license. With just a few weeks of prep and training, you can be on the road to a lucrative new career.
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#4: Insurance Adjusters Help Others
Most of us want to make a difference in the world and given the opportunity, would choose to help others. It’s in our nature. Serving others is often cited as one of the most important factors when it comes to finding work enjoyable and rewarding.
Insurance adjusters are in the business of helping people get back on their feet after they’ve suffered a loss. And we are paid well to do it. Whether it’s a catastrophic fire resulting in damage or theft that has led to a loss, adjusters are often one of the first to assist. We work with victims to inspect losses, assess damage, and help people get back on track.
#5: The Work is Interesting and Varied
When catastrophe strikes, insurance adjusters are among the first people to respond. We often show up before the roads are cleared or the gas stations reopen, staying wherever we can find an open bed for the night.
Once you have some experience under your belt, you can choose from a wide variety of interesting paths in the world of claims adjusting. From accident investigations to catastrophe deployments to fraud detection, the work is diverse and dynamic. Specializations range from aviation and marine to liability, workers’ comp, data security, and arbitration and mediation.
#6: You Can Be Your Own Boss
Most people hope their work is fulfilling, but even more than that, people crave independence. Veteran adjusters will tell you that if you play your cards right, that is exactly what a career in claims adjusting offers.
Want to set your own schedule, work with your spouse, or launch your own claims business? Life as an independent adjuster offers unmatched career independence, with opportunities to work as much—or as little—as you like.
#7: Career Paths Are Flexible
When it comes to your career path in insurance adjusting, you have options. Many people enter the insurance adjusting industry through personal experience with a claim, such as after a hurricane. But catastrophe claims is just the tip of the iceberg in insurance adjusting.
You can work as a staff adjuster (salary, benefits, career path) or an independent adjuster (higher pay, more freedom). Niche markets like crop insurance, tech claims, or environmental losses offer even more direction based on your interests.
#8: Insurance Claims Adjusters Work in Different Environments
When it comes to working as an independent insurance adjuster, you can choose to head out onto the road or stay local. You can choose to work solo or hand-in-hand with people you enjoy. You can even set your own hours. That means you can bust it for four days and then rest, or work all seven days. Once you prove yourself in this industry, the freedom to work in different environments is one of the best things about this job.
#9: Travel Opportunities Abound
Forest fires, floods, hailstorms, ice storms, earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes are just a few of the major natural disasters that occur every year. For the insurance industry, these events mean the mass deployment of thousands of insurance adjusters all over the country.
Regardless of the season, your career as an insurance adjuster will take you places. Deployments can last weeks or months, sometimes even longer. One of our alumni spent the first 8 months of the year in the Lake Tahoe area working California flood claims, then spent the last two in Florida helping with hurricane claims.
Whether you’re in an RV, flying to storm sites, or teaming up with a partner, adjusting can take you all over the country.
#10: Freedom and Flexibility
One of the most satisfying aspects of becoming an insurance adjuster is the freedom and flexibility our line of work offers. As an independent adjuster, you can pick and choose the claims and companies you work with. You can be on the roster for multiple Adjusting Firms and handle claims from multiple insurance carriers. As an independent adjuster, you control your schedule, workload, and who you work with. If you want to work evenings, only take claims in your city, or travel nonstop—it’s all up to you.
When you become an insurance claims adjuster, you’ll discover that choices might be the best thing about the career.
Why Now Is the Time
Disasters are increasing. Insurance companies need more help. And technology is making training faster and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re new to the industry or considering a career pivot, there’s never been a better time to become an insurance claims adjuster.
Ready to Get Started?
Join a free live Q&A webinar or check out our training programs. Whether you need licensing help or Xactimate training, AdjusterPro is here to help you get started—and get hired.
