RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary in San Diego, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Diego metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$83,100
Mean annual$86,540
Range (10th to 90th)$55,830 to $115,540
San Diego, California employment2,700
State vs national+10.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$55,83025TH$68,290MEDIAN$83,10075TH$102,65090TH$115,540

The middle 50% of workers earn between $68,290 and $102,650, with a median of $83,100.

Typical entry

  • Education

    High school diploma

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Long-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.4 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.

  2. 02

    Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.

  3. 03

    Pay and process claims within designated authority level.

  4. 04

    Investigate, evaluate, and settle claims, applying technical knowledge and human relations skills to effect fair and prompt disposal of cases and to contribute to a reduced loss ratio.

  5. 05

    Verify and analyze data used in settling claims to ensure that claims are valid and that settlements are made according to company practices and procedures.

  6. 06

    Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability.

  7. 07

    Investigate and assess damage to property and create or review property damage estimates.

  8. 08

    Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.

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Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in the San Diego metropolitan area is $83,100.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators?
The San Diego metro median is -8.6% versus the California state median of $90,900.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators?
The San Diego metro median is +10.1% versus the BLS national figure of $75,455.
What is the salary range for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $55,830 and the 90th-percentile at $115,540 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.