RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2025

Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage 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 June 12, 2026
Median annual$82,750
Mean annual$82,460
Range (10th to 90th)$65,830 to $108,830
San Diego, California employment100
State vs national+8.6% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Diego insurance appraisers, auto damage fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$65,83025TH$65,830MEDIAN$82,75075TH$85,01090TH$108,830

The middle 50% of workers earn between $65,830 and $85,010, with a median of $82,750.

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

    4.2 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    3.8 / 5
  • Writing

    Basic skill

    3.8 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    3.8 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    3.8 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    3.8 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Evaluate practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.

  2. 02

    Review repair cost estimates with automobile repair shop to secure agreement on cost of repairs.

  3. 03

    Examine damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage.

  4. 04

    Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost estimates and recommendations.

  5. 05

    Estimate parts and labor to repair damage, using standard automotive labor and parts cost manuals and knowledge of automotive repair.

  6. 06

    Determine salvage value on total-loss vehicle.

  7. 07

    Arrange to have damage appraised by another appraiser to resolve disagreement with shop on repair cost.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for insurance appraisers, auto damage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage in San Diego, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage in the San Diego metropolitan area is $82,750.
Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
The San Diego metro median is +4.8% versus the California state median of $78,930.
How does San Diego compare to the national median for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
The San Diego metro median is +8.6% versus the BLS national figure of $76,190.
What is the salary range for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage in San Diego?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $65,830 and the 90th-percentile at $108,830 for the San Diego metro area.
What education is required for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
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.