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Claims Clerk I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Claims Clerk I in the United States is $39,462 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47,215
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,627 to $43,520
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,046
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Claims Clerk I Salaries

A Claims 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Claims Clerk I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Claims 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 Clerk I (0-1 years): $39,462
  • Claims Clerk II (1-3 years): $47,505
  • Claims Clerk III (3-5 years): $52,701
  • Claims Supervisor I (5+ years): $76,328
  • Claims Supervisor II (5+ years): $100,749
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Claims Clerk I0-1 years$39,462
Claims Clerk II1-3 years$47,505
Claims Clerk III3-5 years$52,701
Claims Supervisor I5+ years$76,328
Claims Supervisor II5+ years$100,749
View as Graph

How Do Claims 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 Clerk Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $43,692.
  • California: $43,527.
  • Massachusetts: $42,946.

Top Paying Cities for Claims 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: $49,773
  • San Francisco: $49,228
  • Oakland: $48,191

What Skills Can Increase a Claims 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 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 $50,117
27%
Building Relationships $50,117
27%
Mediation $46,960
19%
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Claims Clerk I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Claims Clerk I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $43,256. While startup companies pay approximate $36,627.

Claims Clerk I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,627
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,730
Established 501~5000 $41,777
Enterprise 5000+ $43,256

Claims Clerk I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Claims 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 Clerk positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Claims Clerk I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Claims Clerk I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$51,301$25.030%
Energy & Utilities$47,354$23.020%
Healthcare$43,408$21.010%

How Education impacts a Claims Clerk I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Claims Clerk I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Claims Clerk I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $39,151 and $41,560.

Claims Clerk I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Claims Clerk I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.9%
High School 45.8%
Associates 17.6%
Bachelors 31.5%
Masters 2.8%
Doctorate 0.5%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Claims 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 September 01, 2026
$36,627
Average $39,462/year
$43,520
$3,052
Average $3,289/month
$3,627
$704
Average $759/week
$837
$18
Average $19/hour
$21
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $43,520 $3,627 $837 $21
Average $39,462 $3,289 $759 $19
25th Percentile $36,627 $3,052 $704 $18

Claims Clerk I Salary Growth & Career Path

Claims Clerk I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Claims 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 Clerk II $47,505 20%
Disability Claims Manager $101,513 157%

Most common benefits for Claims Clerk I

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

Common company salaries for Claims Clerk I

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

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FAQ about Claims Clerk I

1. Where can a Claims Clerk I earn the most?

A Claims Clerk I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Claims Clerk I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Claims Clerk I is $49,773.

2. What is the highest pay for Claims Clerk I?

The highest pay for Claims Clerk I is $47,215.

3. What is the lowest pay for Claims Clerk I?

The lowest pay for Claims Clerk I is $34,046.

4. What are the responsibilities of Claims Clerk I?

Performs clerical and administrative support tasks to facilitate the processing and documentation of insurance claims. Enters claims data into systems and verifies the accuracy and completeness of submitted information. Maintains and organizes claim files, correspondence, and supporting documentation. Responds to routine inquiries from claimants, policyholders, and internal staff regarding claim status. Prepares standard forms, letters, and reports in support of claims processing activities. Follows established procedures and escalates non-routine matters to senior staff. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Claims 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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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