Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks earn a median of $49,230 per year ($23.67/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 1.9% through 2035, with about 17,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 43-9041
- Office and Administrative Support
- Last updated October 15, 2026
At a glance
Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk in four numbers
- Median pay
- $49,230a year, or $23.67/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $38KTop 10% $74K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -1.9%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−1.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −1.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 17,500239,100 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 2025239.1K
- Projected 2035234.7K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 239.1K Projected 2035 234.7K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school0.5%
- High school54.9%
- Certificate7.6%
- Some college9.3%
- Associate's21.1%
- Bachelor's6.6%
Highest education held by insurance claims and policy processing clerks Segment Value Less than high school 0.5% High school 54.9% Certificate 7.6% Some college 9.3% Associate's 21.1% Bachelor's 6.6%
Also advertised as: Claims Adjudicator, Claims Analyst, Claims Clerk, Claims Customer Service Representative (Claims CSR), Claims Processor, Claims Representative (Claims Rep).
Pay
How much do insurance claims and policy processing clerks make?
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks earn a median of $49,230 a year ($23.67 an hour, or about $4,100 a month); the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $37,560 and the top 10% more than $73,590 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The best-paying state is New Hampshire, with a median of $60,650. See Insurance claim and policy processing clerk salary in New Hampshire and every other state. By city, pay is highest around Manchester ($69,410 average): salary in every city.
Every insurance claim and policy processing clerk in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$49,230
Middle half earn $44,270 to $60,490
- 10th
- $37,560
- 25th
- $44,270
- 75th
- $60,490
- 90th
- $73,590
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $37,560 |
| 25th | $44,270 |
| Median | $49,230 |
| 75th | $60,490 |
| 90th | $73,590 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $49,230
- Median hourly wage
- $23.67/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $52,920
- People employed
- 214,260
Versus all US occupations
At $49,230, Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks earn 3% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $1,750 a year.
Versus office and administrative support occupations
The median is typical for the Office and Administrative Support group, where the middle occupation pays $49,230.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $73,590 or more while the bottom 10% earn $37,560, a gap of 2.0×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 20% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
New Hampshire posts the highest raw median ($60,650), but once local prices are taken into account Maine leads at $60,680 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay insurance claims and policy processing clerks the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1New Hampshire | $60,650 | $58,225 | 820 |
| 2Washington | $60,220 | $56,274 | 3,730 |
| 3New Jersey | $59,810 | $54,970 | 5,000 |
| 4Connecticut | $59,760 | $57,678 | 2,430 |
| 5Maine | $58,890 | $60,680 | 1,710 |
| 6Colorado | $58,660 | $56,923 | 1,380 |
| 7Minnesota | $58,030 | $58,841 | 3,580 |
| 8New York | $57,790 | $53,548 | 8,120 |
| 9California | $56,800 | $51,301 | 23,470 |
| 10Massachusetts | $52,910 | $50,030 | 4,820 |
Job outlook
Is insurance claim and policy processing clerk a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -1.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks | −1.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks to change -1.9% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 4,400 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 17,500 openings are projected each year, 7.3% of the 239,100 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of financial clerks is projected to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
The availability of online tools, which allow financial customers to perform many tasks themselves, is expected to reduce demand for occupations such as new accounts clerks; procurement clerks; and credit authorizers, checkers, and clerks. Similarly, productivity-enhancing technology is expected to limit demand for other clerks, such as payroll and timekeeping clerks, loan interviewers and clerks, brokerage clerks, and insurance claims and policy processing clerks.
AI exposure: very high
BLS places this occupation in its very high relative AI exposure category, among the occupations most exposed to current AI.
Getting in
How to become an insurance claim and policy processing clerk
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most financial clerk jobs. These workers typically learn their duties through on-the-job training.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as insurance claims and policy processing clerks.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)54.9%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree21.1%
- Some College Courses9.3%
- Post-Secondary Certificate7.6%
- Bachelor's Degree6.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 54.9% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 21.1% |
| Some College Courses | 9.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 7.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 6.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an insurance claim and policy processing clerk do?
Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives.
Financial clerks do administrative work for many types of organizations. They keep records, help customers, and carry out transactions that involve money.
Day-to-day tasks
- Correspond with insured or agent to obtain information or to inform them of account status or changes.
- Contact insured or other involved persons to obtain missing information.
- Organize or work with detailed office or warehouse records, using computers to enter, access, search or retrieve data.
- Post or attach information to claim file.
- Transmit claims for payment or further investigation.
- Examine letters from policyholders or agents, original insurance applications, and other company documents to determine if changes are needed and effects of changes.
- Prepare insurance claim forms or related documents, and review them for completeness.
- Process and record new insurance policies and claims.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most financial clerks work full time.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeSeated for more than half the working day.
Standing
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.5
- Speaking3.4
- Active Listening3.3
- Critical Thinking3.3
- Writing3.1
- Monitoring3.0
- Active Learning2.6
- Learning Strategies2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.5 |
| Speaking | 3.4 |
| Active Listening | 3.3 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.3 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Active Learning | 2.6 |
| Learning Strategies | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Time Management3.5
- Social Perceptiveness3.1
- Coordination3.1
- Service Orientation3.1
- Complex Problem Solving3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
- Negotiation2.9
- Persuasion2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Time Management | 3.5 |
| Social Perceptiveness | 3.1 |
| Coordination | 3.1 |
| Service Orientation | 3.1 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
| Negotiation | 2.9 |
| Persuasion | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Word processing software · in demand
- Accounting software
- Billing and invoicing software
- Document management software
- Financial analysis software
- Instant messaging software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
The workforce
Who works as an insurance claim and policy processing clerk?
Women make up 79.4% of insurance claims and policy processing clerks, against 47.1% of all employed people: a female-dominated occupation.
21.9% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs.
The median worker is 42.1 years old (all workers: 42.1).
- Women
- 79.4%All workers 47.1% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Median age
- 42.1All workers 42.1 · BLS CPS, 2025
- Aged 55+
- 21.9%All workers 23.2% · BLS CPS, 2025
- Employed (CPS)
- 274,000BLS CPS, 2025
| Group | Share of insurance claims and policy processing clerks | All employed people |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 79.4% | 47.1% |
| White | 69.8% | 75.7% |
| Black or African American | 26.9% | 12.7% |
| Asian | 1.2% | 7.5% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 17.7% | 20.0% |
| Aged 55 and over | 21.9% | 23.2% |
| Aged 16 to 24 | 6.2% | 12.2% |
Current Population Survey annual averages, 2025 (BLS tables 11 and 11b). Race groups can overlap with Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, so they do not sum to 100%.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an insurance claim and policy processing clerk?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 1 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 3 |
| Enterprising | 4 |
| Conventional | 7 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around organising, following procedures and working precisely with data, combined with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions.
- Conventional7.0
- Enterprising3.9
- Social2.6
- Investigative2.4
- Realistic1.2
- Artistic1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
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Median annual pay, with insurance claims and policy processing clerks highlighted
- Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant$76,590
- Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant$55,570
- Public Safety Telecommunicator$53,040
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk$50,670
- Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$50,610
- Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk$49,230
- Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47,540
- Teller$43,030
- Receptionist and Information Clerk$38,010
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Executive Secretary and Executive Administrative Assistant | $76,590 |
| Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant | $55,570 |
| Public Safety Telecommunicator | $53,040 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk | $50,670 |
| Human Resources Assistant, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,610 |
| Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk | $49,230 |
| Secretary and Administrative Assistant, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | $47,540 |
| Teller | $43,030 |
| Receptionist and Information Clerk | $38,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk appears on
Questions
Insurance Claim and Policy Processing Clerk: frequently asked questions
How much do insurance claims and policy processing clerks make?
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks earn a median of $49,230 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 3% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $23.67/hr. The middle half earn between $44,270 and $60,490. The top 10% earn $73,590 or more.
How much do insurance claims and policy processing clerks make an hour?
The median hourly wage for insurance claims and policy processing clerks is $23.67 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). On a full-year basis the $49,230 annual median works out to about $4,100 a month before tax.
What is the starting salary for an insurance claim and policy processing clerk?
BLS does not publish a starting salary. The nearest measure is the low end of the pay range: the lowest-paid 10% of insurance claims and policy processing clerks earn less than $37,560 a year and the bottom quarter less than $44,270 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). New workers often start near that end, but where a particular job starts depends on the employer, the state and the credentials you bring, so read these as the bottom of the range rather than a guaranteed entry wage.
Do insurance claims and policy processing clerks make $100k?
Rarely. Even the 90th percentile is $73,590, so fewer than 10% of insurance claims and policy processing clerks earn $100,000 or more (BLS OEWS, May 2025). No state's median reaches $100,000; the highest is New Hampshire at $60,650.
Which states pay insurance claims and policy processing clerks the most?
The highest state medians for Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks are New Hampshire ($60,650), Washington ($60,220), New Jersey ($59,810) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, Maine moves to the top at $60,680.
What kind of insurance claim and policy processing clerk earns the most?
BLS does not split insurance claims and policy processing clerks' pay by specialty or employer, but its range shows how far the top end runs: the highest-paid 10% earn more than $73,590, against a median of $49,230 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Location moves pay the most in the published data: the best-paying states are New Hampshire ($60,650), Washington ($60,220), New Jersey ($59,810).
Do you need a degree to become an insurance claim and policy processing clerk?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 54.9% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
How long does it take to become an insurance claim and policy processing clerk?
BLS does not publish a fixed length; it depends on the route. What it does publish: the typical way in for insurance claims and policy processing clerks is a high school diploma or equivalent. Once hired, BLS lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical. O*NET classes the work as needing some preparation.
Is insurance claim and policy processing clerk a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 1.9% over 2025–2035, a loss of 4,400 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 17,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an insurance claim and policy processing clerk do?
Financial clerks do administrative work for many types of organizations. A core O*NET task: correspond with insured or agent to obtain information or to inform them of account status or changes. Employers most often ask for Data base user interface and query software, Electronic mail software, Office suite software.
Do insurance claims and policy processing clerks work 40 hours a week?
Yes, for most. In O*NET's survey of people in the job, 13% of insurance claims and policy processing clerks usually work more than 40 hours a week, 56% work exactly 40 and 31% work fewer. 99% say their schedule is regular and 1% irregular. Source: O*NET 31.0 Database, Work Context.
What personality type suits an insurance claim and policy processing clerk?
O*NET scores Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks highest on the Conventional and Enterprising interest areas, so the work mixes organising, following procedures and working precisely with data with leading, persuading, selling and making decisions. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping the closest types are ESTJ, ESFJ. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.
What percentage of insurance claims and policy processing clerks are women?
Women make up 79.4% of insurance claims and policy processing clerks, against 47.1% of all employed people: a female-dominated occupation. 21.9% are 55 or older, close to the 23.2% across all jobs. The median worker is 42.1 years old (all workers: 42.1). Source: BLS Current Population Survey, 2025 annual averages.