Claims Adjuster
Investigate insurance claims and decide how much should be paid.
- $78,000
- 3–12 months
Business & Office career
Auto Damage Appraiser
Also called: Insurance Appraiser · Auto Damage Adjuster · Vehicle Damage Estimator · Field Appraiser
What auto damage appraisers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an auto damage appraiser do?
Insurance appraisers, auto damage, inspect damaged vehicles, estimate repair costs and help determine settlement amounts for insurance claims. The median pay is $78,240 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Training program plus months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -8.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$78,240$37.61/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-8.7%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to trainTraining program plus months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs13,500Employment, 2025
What auto damage appraisers do
Auto damage appraisers figure out what a crash will cost. They inspect damaged vehicles at body shops, tow yards or homes, photograph damage, write repair estimates with estimating software, negotiate with repair shops and decide when a car is a total loss.
Most complete a postsecondary training program and on-the-job training; many states require a license. BLS projects a decline as photo-based estimating grows, but experienced appraisers remain in demand for complex claims.
Typical duties
- Inspect damaged vehicles
- Photograph damage
- Write repair estimates
- Negotiate with body shops
- Determine total losses
- Review supplements
- Document claims
Work environment and schedule
Appraisers work in the field at body shops and tow yards, and from home offices or desk review centers.
Schedule: Full time, with surges after storms.
A day in the life
- Review assigned claims.
- Inspect a car at a body shop.
- Photograph hail damage.
- Write estimates in the car.
See a full day in the life of an auto damage appraiser →
Auto Damage Appraiser salary
Half of auto damage appraisers earned more than $78,240 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $58,360 for the lowest 10% to $101,590 for the top 10%.
Full auto damage appraiser pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an auto damage appraiser
- Learn auto repair
- Complete appraiser training
- Get licensed
- Learn estimating software
- Work as an appraiser
A postsecondary training program or auto body experience plus on-the-job training is typical; many states require a license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an auto damage appraiser →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Damage assessment
- Estimating software
- Auto body repair knowledge
- Vehicle valuation
- Photography
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Integrity
- Communication
- Time management
All auto damage appraiser skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Independent field work
- Good pay without a degree
- Car knowledge pays
- Storm deployment opportunities
Cons
- Declining employment
- Driving all day
- Weather exposure
- Disputes with shops
Certifications and licenses
- State appraiser license: Required in many states.
- I-CAR training: Collision repair knowledge.
- ASE certification: Auto knowledge.
- Estimating software certification: CCC or Mitchell.
Career path
- Appraiser Trainee: Learn.
- Field Appraiser: Inspect.
- Senior Appraiser: Complex claims.
- Appraisal Supervisor: Lead teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our Auto Damage Appraiser training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as write an auto damage estimate and decide if a car is a total loss, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Auto Body Technician
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Compare: Auto Damage Appraiser vs. Claims Adjuster · Auto Damage Appraiser vs. Auto Body Tech · Auto Damage Appraiser vs. Auto Technician · Auto Damage Appraiser vs. Insurance Underwriter
Auto Damage Appraiser FAQ
Do auto appraisers need a license?
Many states require one.
Is the job growing?
BLS projects decline as photo estimating grows.
Can body shop experience help?
Yes, it’s a common path.
How much does an auto damage appraiser make?
The median annual wage for auto damage appraisers was $78,240 ($37.61 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $58,360 and the highest 10% earned more than $101,590.
How long does it take to become an auto damage appraiser?
Most people need about Training program plus months on the job of training. A postsecondary training program or auto body experience plus on-the-job training is typical; many states require a license.
Do you need a degree to be an auto damage appraiser?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More auto damage appraiser questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-1032 (Insurance appraisers, auto damage).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Insurance appraisers, auto damage (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.