As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Claims Examiner I in the United States is $54,553 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Claims Examiner I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Claims Examiner 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Claims Examiner 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Claims Examiner I | 0-2 years | $54,553 |
| Claims Examiner II | 2-4 years | $68,830 |
| Claims Examiner III | 4-7 years | $83,520 |
| Claims Examiner IV | 7+ years | $95,574 |
| Claims Examiner V | 7-10 years | $119,820 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Examiner Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.47% |
| Claim Processing | 3.51% |
| Technical Skills | 1.58% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$65,464 |
20%
|
|
Leadership
|
$58,917 |
8%
|
|
Agility
|
$58,917 |
8%
|
|
Knowledge of Claims
|
$58,372 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$57,826 |
6%
|
|
Mediation
|
$57,826 |
6%
|
Claims Examiner I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $59,980. While startup companies pay approximate $50,774.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $50,774 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $53,688 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $57,936 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $59,980 |
For Claims Examiner I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 57% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Claims Examiner positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Claims Examiner I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $68,191 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $62,736 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Business Services | $61,099 | $29.0 | 12% |
| Transportation | $61,099 | $29.0 | 12% |
| Insurance | $57,281 | $28.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Claims Examiner Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Claims Examiner I with a Associate's Degree is between $51,203 and $55,001).
Claims Examiner I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 18.6% |
| Associates | 14.1% |
| Bachelors | 55.0% |
| Masters | 8.9% |
| Doctorate | 2.2% |
Understanding how a Claims Examiner 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Claims Examiner 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Disability Claims Examiner II | $51,482 | -6% |
| Claims Examiner II | $68,830 | 26% |
| Medical Claims Examiner II | $82,596 | 51% |
| Workers' Compensation Claims Examiner | $79,949 | 47% |
Salaries for a Claims Examiner I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,608 in 2023 to around $53,451 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Claims Examiner I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $53,827 |
| 2025 | $53,451 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Claims Examiner 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 Examiner I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Claims Examiner I is $68,808.
The highest pay for Claims Examiner I is $61,941.
The lowest pay for Claims Examiner I is $41,736.
Examines and adjudicates insurance claims to determine coverage, validity, and appropriate payment in accordance with policy terms and regulations. Reviews claim documentation, policy provisions, and supporting evidence to assess liability and exposure. Authorizes claim payments within established authority limits. Investigates questionable or complex claims and coordinates with adjusters, providers, or external parties as needed. Documents findings, decisions, and rationale clearly within the claims system. Ensures compliance with company guidelines, regulatory requirements, and service standards. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Claims Examiner I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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