What is a claims manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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A claims manager oversees the insurance claims process, ensuring efficient and effective handling. They work to investigate claims, determine coverage, negotiate settlements, and lead claims adjusters. A claims manager may work for an insurance company or a third-party claims administrator. They must have strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as knowledge of insurance policies and regulations. Their ultimate goal aims to ensure policyholders receive fair compensation while minimizing costs for the insurance company.

ScoreClaims ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.7

Avg. Salary $73,369

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.0

Growth Rate -6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.66%

Asian 5.87%

Black or African American 10.04%

Hispanic or Latino 17.07%

Unknown 4.83%

White 61.53%

Gender

female 52.09%

male 47.91%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress Level
8.0

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.7

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Claims Manager?

Pros

  • High earning potential

  • Opportunities for advancement

  • Potential for remote work

  • Developing analytical and negotiation skills

  • Opportunity to work with a team

Cons

  • Long hours and tight deadlines

  • Often required to make difficult decisions

  • Potentially heavy workload and high pressure to meet quotas

  • Need to handle sensitive information with confidentiality

  • Risk of burnout

Claims Manager career paths

Key steps to become a claims manager

  1. Explore claims manager education requirements

    Most common claims manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    66.5 %

    Associate

    14.4 %

    Master's

    7.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific claims manager skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Customer Service15.33%
    Oversight11.29%
    Litigation8.48%
    Direct Reports4.23%
    Claims Handling4.16%
  3. Complete relevant claims manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New claims managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a claims manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real claims manager resumes.
  4. Research claims manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage multiple outsource PPO networks that enable company to increase top line revenue.
    • Achieve improved structure and efficiency with initiation of pip specific unit.
    • Manage day-to-day operations of claims department and provide general oversight and direction of all claims activity.
    • Oversee implementation and management of litigation and expense protocols including AFA agreements and BLO oversight.
  5. Prepare your claims manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your claims manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a claims manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Claims Manager Resume templates

    Build a professional Claims Manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Claims Manager resume.
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    Claims Manager Resume
  6. Apply for claims manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a claims manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Claims Manager Job

Zippi

Are you a Claims Manager?

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Average claims manager salary

The average Claims Manager salary in the United States is $73,369 per year or $35 per hour. Claims manager salaries range between $45,000 and $117,000 per year.

Average Claims Manager Salary
$73,369 Yearly
$35.27 hourly

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How do claims managers rate their job?

5/5

Based On 1 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Claims Manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2023
Pros

Work life balance and being able to manage my team my way

Cons

Can be long hours and stressful


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2021
Pros

Being able to control the decision making and managing the delivery of service so I can enhance the customer experience which is very important to ensure the Company remains successful. Also being able to liaise on injury claims and read case law to determine the applicable one

Cons

When customers are not satisfied even when you know you have delivered the best service you could have and have gone beyond the call of duty in delivering same. They appear to not understand the dynamics of the process even if explained to them


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2019
Pros

Working from home


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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