Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Median pay: $78,240/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -8.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Evaluate practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.
• Review repair cost estimates with automobile repair shop to secure agreement on cost of repairs.
• Examine damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage.
• Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost estimates and recommendations.
• Estimate parts and labor to repair damage, using standard automotive labor and parts cost manuals and knowledge of automotive repair.
• Determine salvage value on total-loss vehicle.
• Arrange to have damage appraised by another appraiser to resolve disagreement with shop on repair cost.
What's the median pay for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
The median pay for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage is $78,240 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
Employment for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage is projected to change -8.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
How many job openings are there each year for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage?
About 500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.