Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $88,010 +14.6% vs national
Median hourly $42.31
10th percentile $60,470
90th percentile $139,220
Employed locally 50
National median $76,790

Compare Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary & buying power

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Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
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Santa Cruz, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $60,470
    25th
    $66,920
    50th (median)
    $88,010
    75th
    $114,380
    90th
    $139,220

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary vs area income 81% Median Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary is 19% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Merced, CA $105,350
    Salinas, CA $105,350
    Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $100,980
    Kingston, NY $100,430
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $100,260
    Chico, CA $98,920

    Nearby metros — Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Salinas, CA $105,350
    Merced, CA $105,350
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $100,260
    Chico, CA $98,920
    Vallejo, CA $98,590
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $97,200

    Related occupations in Santa Cruz, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Accountants and Auditors$83,070
    Business Operations Specialists, All Other$78,770
    Management Analysts$101,930
    Project Management Specialists$102,160
    Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$76,440
    Human Resources Specialists$81,280

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in Santa Cruz, CA is $42.31, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $68.90 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salaries?

    The median Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 14.6% above the national median of $76,790. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators in Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators (10th percentile) earn around $60,470 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $66,920.