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Claims Processing Clerk I Salary in the United States

How much does a Claims Processing Clerk I make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Claims Processing Clerk I in the United States is $39,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a Claims Processing Clerk I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47,323
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,690 to $43,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,141
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Claims Processing Clerk I Salaries

A Claims Processing Clerk I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Claims Processing Clerk Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Claims Processing Clerk I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Claims Processing Clerk I (0-1 years): $39,460
  • Claims Payment Clerk II (1-3 years): $47,509
  • Claims Payment Clerk III (3-5 years): $52,705
  • Claims Administration Supervisor I (5+ years): $76,331
  • Claims Administration Supervisor II (5+ years): $100,759
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Claims Processing Clerk I0-1 years$39,460
Claims Payment Clerk II1-3 years$47,509
Claims Payment Clerk III3-5 years$52,705
Claims Administration Supervisor I5+ years$76,331
Claims Administration Supervisor II5+ years$100,759
View as Graph

How Do Claims Processing Clerk I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Claims Processing Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $43,690.
  • California: $43,590.
  • Massachusetts: $42,990.

Top Paying Cities for Claims Processing Clerk Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $49,790
  • San Francisco: $49,290
  • Oakland: $48,190

What Skills Can Increase a Claims Processing Clerk I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 13.26% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Financial Services (Mentioned in 3.37% Job Postings): A services provided by the finance industry, which encompasses a broad range of businesses that manage money. These services involve banking, brokerage, mortgages, credit cards, payment services, real estate, investment funds, taxes and accounting.
  • Security Clearance (Mentioned in 1.85% Job Postings): A security clearance is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to classified information or to restricted areas, after completion of a thorough background check.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 13.26%
Financial Services 3.37%
Security Clearance 1.85%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Claims Processing Clerk I's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 27%.
  • Building Relationships: Can increase your salary by up to 27%.
  • Mediation: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $50,152
27%
Building Relationships $50,152
27%
Mediation $46,993
19%
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Claims Processing Clerk I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Claims Processing Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,246. While startup companies pay approximate $36,654.

Claims Processing Clerk I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,654
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,750
Established 501~5000 $41,764
Enterprise 5000+ $43,246

Claims Processing Clerk I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Claims Processing Clerk I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Claims Processing Clerk positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Claims Processing Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Claims Processing Clerk I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$51,337$25.030%
Energy & Utilities$47,388$23.020%
Healthcare$43,439$21.010%

Claims Processing Clerk I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Claims Processing Clerk I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on October 01, 2026
$36,690
Average $39,490/year
$43,590
$3,058
Average $3,291/month
$3,633
$706
Average $759/week
$838
$18
Average $19/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $43,590 $3,633 $838 $21
Average $39,490 $3,291 $759 $19
25th Percentile $36,690 $3,058 $706 $18

Claims Processing Clerk I Salary Growth & Career Path

Claims Processing Clerk I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Claims Processing Clerk I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Claims Payment Clerk II $47,600 21%
Disability Claims Examination Manager $101,503 157%

Most common benefits for Claims Processing Clerk I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Claims Processing Clerk I

Here are companies hiring for Claims Processing Clerk I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Claims Processing Clerk I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Claims Processing Clerk I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Claims Processing Clerk I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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