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Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare in the United States is $39,463 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $47,210
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,628 to $43,518
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $34,047

Key Factors That Influence Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salaries

A Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare'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 Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare'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 - Healthcare (0-1 years): $39,463
  • Claims Processing Clerk II - Healthcare (1-3 years): $45,534
  • Claims Processing Clerk III - Healthcare (3-5 years): $51,384
  • Claims Processing Supervisor - Healthcare (5+ years): $74,840
  • Claims Processing Manager - Healthcare (5+ years): $100,867
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare0-1 years$39,463
Claims Processing Clerk II - Healthcare1-3 years$45,534
Claims Processing Clerk III - Healthcare3-5 years$51,384
Claims Processing Supervisor - Healthcare5+ years$74,840
Claims Processing Manager - Healthcare5+ years$100,867

How Do Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcares 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 I - Healthcares. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $43,693.
  • California: $43,528.
  • Massachusetts: $42,948.

Top Paying Cities for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare

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: $49,775
  • San Francisco: $49,230
  • Oakland: $48,192

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 15.28% 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.
  • CPT (Mentioned in 1.99% Job Postings): Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is a medical code set that is used to report medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures and services to entities such as physicians, health insurance companies and accreditation organizations.
  • Claim Reviews (Mentioned in 1.34% Job Postings): A claims review is the process in which the underwriter reviews a claim to assure that it meets a set of standards.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 15.28%
CPT 1.99%
Claim Reviews 1.34%

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 - Healthcare's salary.

  • Coaching: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Call Center: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Pricing: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Coaching $46,961
19%
Call Center $44,988
14%
Pricing $42,225
7%

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $42,512. While startup companies pay approximate $36,091.

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $36,091
Growth Stage 51~500 $38,140
Established 501~5000 $41,080
Enterprise 5000+ $42,512

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Insurance, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Insurance$47,356$23.020%

How Education impacts an Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare 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 Processing Clerk I - Healthcare with a Bachelor's Degree is between $39,359 and $41,131.

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.6%
High School 52.5%
Associates 23.0%
Bachelors 16.4%
Masters 1.6%
Doctorate 0.0%

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

Understanding how a Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare'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 August 01, 2026
$36,628
Average $39,463/year
$43,518
$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 $43,518 $3,627 $837 $21
Average $39,463 $3,289 $759 $19
25th Percentile $36,628 $3,052 $704 $18

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare, 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.

Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Claims Processing Clerk II - Healthcare $45,534 15%
Claims Intake Specialist II $51,037 29%
Medical Claims Review Manager $103,707 163%

Most common benefits for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare

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

Common company salaries for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare

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

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FAQ about Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare

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

A Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare'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 Processing Clerk I - Healthcare earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare is $49,775.

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

The highest pay for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare is $47,210.

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

The lowest pay for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare is $34,047.

4. What are the responsibilities of Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare?

Performs data entry and clerical tasks to support the accurate and timely processing of healthcare claims. Enters claim, member, and provider information into the claims system and verifies accuracy and completeness. Reviews claims for required documentation and routes them according to established processing guidelines. Maintains and organizes claim files, correspondence, and supporting records. Responds to routine inquiries regarding claim status from providers, members, and internal staff. 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 Processing Clerk I - Healthcare?

The Insurance industry offers the highest average compensation for Claims Processing Clerk I - Healthcare roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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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