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Claims Examiner I Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Claims Examiner I in the United States is $54,551 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,937
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $47,840 to $58,417
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,730
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Claims Examiner I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Claims Examiner I Salaries?

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:

  • Claims Examiner I (0-2 years): $54,551
  • Claims Examiner II (2-4 years): $68,837
  • Claims Examiner III (4-7 years): $83,532
  • Claims Examiner IV (7+ years): $95,577
  • Claims Examiner V (7-10 years): $119,794
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Claims Examiner I0-2 years$54,551
Claims Examiner II2-4 years$68,837
Claims Examiner III4-7 years$83,532
Claims Examiner IV7+ years$95,577
Claims Examiner V7-10 years$119,794
View as Graph

How Do Claims Examiner 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 Examiner Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $60,399.
  • California: $60,170.
  • Massachusetts: $59,368.

Top Paying Cities for Claims Examiner 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: $68,805
  • San Francisco: $68,052
  • Oakland: $66,618

What Skills Can Increase a Claims Examiner I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 9.47% 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.
  • Claim Processing (Mentioned in 3.51% Job Postings): Claims processing refers to the insurance company's procedure to check the claim requests for adequate information, validation, justification and authenticity.
  • Technical Skills (Mentioned in 1.58% Job Postings): Technical skills are the specialized knowledge and expertise required to perform specific tasks and use specific tools and programs in real world situations.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 9.47%
Claim Processing 3.51%
Technical Skills 1.58%
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 Examiner I's salary.

  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Agility: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coordination $65,461
20%
Leadership $58,915
8%
Agility $58,915
8%
Get Latest Data

Claims Examiner I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $59,914. While startup companies pay approximate $50,730.

Claims Examiner I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $50,730
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,642
Established 501~5000 $57,865
Enterprise 5000+ $59,914

Claims Examiner I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Claims Examiner I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$68,189$33.025%
Energy & Utilities$62,734$30.015%
Business Services$61,097$29.012%
Transportation$61,097$29.012%
Insurance$57,279$28.05%

How Education impacts a Claims Examiner I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Claims Examiner 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 Examiner I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $51,499 and $55,360.

Claims Examiner I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Claims Examiner I
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%
View as Graph

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

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 September 01, 2026
$47,840
Average $54,551/year
$58,417
$3,987
Average $4,546/month
$4,868
$920
Average $1,049/week
$1,123
$23
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $58,417 $4,868 $1,123 $28
Average $54,551 $4,546 $1,049 $26
25th Percentile $47,840 $3,987 $920 $23

Claims Examiner I Salary Growth & Career Path

Claims Examiner I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $51,474 -6%
Claims Examiner II $68,837 26%
Medical Claims Examiner II $83,026 52%
Workers' Compensation Claims Examiner $80,369 47%

Most common benefits for Claims Examiner I

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

Common company salaries for Claims Examiner I

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

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FAQ about Claims Examiner I

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

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 $68,805.

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

The highest pay for Claims Examiner I is $61,937.

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

The lowest pay for Claims Examiner I is $41,730.

4. What are the responsibilities of Claims Examiner I?

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.

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Claims Examiner I roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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