Insurance Adjuster: Occupations In Alberta - Alis

Skip to the main content

Share

Search Add this page to a custom guide Insurance Adjuster: Occupations in Alberta - alis Are you a good negotiator and investigator? Can you multitask and stay organized? Do you stay calm when dealing with people in stressful situations? Then you may want to claim a career as an insurance adjuster. Create a New Guide Give your guide a nickname Only you can see this nickname. Create Guide or cancel Please complete the recaptcha and try again. Choose a guide...

There was an error. Please try again.

This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.

Create New Guide What is an alis guide? Close Alert

Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2, 2026. If you need emergency support view available services during this period, or call the Income Support Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135.

OCC info Occupations in Alberta © iStockphoto/bowdenimages Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims, make recommendations about paying benefits from insurance policies, and negotiate payments and settlements.

• Twitter
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• Email
• Like

• • Avg. Salary $68,317.00
  • Avg. Wage $34.90
• Minimum Education High school diploma
• Certification Provincially regulated
• • 3-Year Forecast Warm
  • Employed in AB 4,600
• • 5-Year Forecast Below avg
  • New Positions 71

Contents Expand All

• NOC Codes
• Duties
• Working Conditions
• Work Personalities
• Abilities
• Traits & Skills
• Educational Requirements
• Certification Requirements
• Employment & Advancement
• Wage & Salary
• Related High School Subjects
• Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
• Other Sources of Information
• Related Occupational Profiles

Also Known As

Adjuster, Investigator

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 1233.1: Insurance Adjusters

2006 NOC-S

• B113: Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners

2011 NOC

• 1312: Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

2016 NOC

• 1312: Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

2021 NOC

• 12201: Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

2023 OaSIS

• 12201.01: Insurance adjusters

Duties Updated Apr 12, 2022

Insurance adjusters may work for insurance companies or work independently under a fee-for-service agreement. Those employed by insurance companies are called staff or company adjusters.

Whether they are self-employed or work for an independent adjusting firm, independent adjusters may represent either an insurance company or an insured person.

Insurance claims may arise from auto accidents, fires, industrial accidents, theft, product defects, professional errors, or aircraft mishaps. In general, adjusters:

• Investigate the causes and origins of an insurance claim
• Determine whether the insured person’s policy covers the event that led to the claim
• Obtain evidence that there has been, in fact, a loss covered by the policy

When people present insurance claims, adjusters:

• Determine whether the policy holder’s claim is valid by deciding, for example, who is responsible for the accident
• Obtain evidence that the amount being claimed is appropriate
• Advise the parties involved
• Negotiate settlements

Determining and documenting the validity of a claim often involves interviewing or corresponding with policy holders, claimants, or witnesses. It can involve obtaining statements and copies of documents from police officers, medical personnel, and others with special expertise.

Working Conditions Updated Apr 12, 2022

• Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Experienced adjusters work alone most of the time. While they are training, they work under close supervision. They may work mostly in an office writing reports and making phone calls, or away from the office interviewing people and gathering evidence. Depending on the nature of the claims they handle, adjusters may need to travel a lot to inspect damage and interview claimants, witnesses, and police officers. Defending decisions in mediation, settlement conferences, and trials can be stressful.

Evening and weekend work is sometimes required. Adjusters may be on call after regular office hours.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

• Insurance adjusters

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit Fit Guide An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you. E Enterprising This occupation You C Conventional I Investigative This occupation You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Insurance adjusters 2023 OaSIS: 12201.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

• 1 Enterprising

  Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

• 2 Conventional

  Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

• 3 Investigative

  Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

• Insurance adjusters

Insurance adjusters 2023 OaSIS: 12201.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

• Critical Thinking
• Numbers and Patterns
• Physical Activity
• Mind-Body Coordination
• Senses

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning Verbal Ability Information Ordering Categorization Flexibility Deductive Reasoning Fluency of Ideas Problem Identification Written Comprehension Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing Perceptual Speed Pattern Organization Speed Numerical Ability Mathematical Reasoning Multitasking Pattern Identification Spatial Orientation Spatial Visualization Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina Static Strength Trunk Strength Explosive Strength Body Flexibility Dynamic Strength Gross Body Coordination Gross Body Equilibrium Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion Rate Control Arm-Hand Steadiness Control of Settings Finger Dexterity Manual Dexterity Multi-Signal Response Reaction Time Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower a match higher Typical ability expectations for this NOC group Your abilities

Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity Speech Clarity Peripheral Vision Auditory Attention Depth Perception Far Vision Glare Tolerance Near Vision Night Vision Speech Recognition Sound Localization Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills Updated Apr 12, 2022

Insurance adjusters need:

• Organizational skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• The ability to remain calm and impartial when dealing with people who may be under extreme stress
• The ability to put claimants at ease
• The ability to work on several projects at once

They should enjoy analyzing information and taking a methodical approach to their work. They should like negotiating with people and making decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

• Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

2016 NOC: 1312

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 20 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Jun 15, 2022 and Aug 27, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

• Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
• What training you may need to get these skills
• What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.

Tasks: Examine records and reports to determine insurance coverage Tasks: Ensure settlements are made according to company practices and procedures Tasks: Review and examine insurance claims Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years Work Setting: Insurance company Tasks: Consult with claimants, accident witnesses, doctors and others Tasks: Determine validity of claims Tasks: Examine adjusters' reports, insurance claims and precedents to determine extent of insurance coverage Tasks: Consult lawyers, doctors or other individuals to discuss insurance claims Attention to detail

Tasks: Examine records and reports to determine insurance coverage	14
Tasks: Ensure settlements are made according to company practices and procedures	13
Tasks: Review and examine insurance claims	11
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years	10
Work Setting: Insurance company	9
Tasks: Consult with claimants, accident witnesses, doctors and others	8
Tasks: Determine validity of claims	7
Tasks: Examine adjusters' reports, insurance claims and precedents to determine extent of insurance coverage	7
Tasks: Consult lawyers, doctors or other individuals to discuss insurance claims	7
Attention to detail	6

Educational Requirements Updated Apr 12, 2022

• Minimum Education High school diploma

Insurance adjusters need a combination of related education and on-the-job experience.

Employers prefer to hire people who have at least a high school diploma. Some post-secondary education is a definite asset. Adjusters who do out-of-office investigations need a driver’s licence.

People already working in the insurance field normally take training offered by the Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC). The IIC offers 2 designation programs: Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) and Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP). IIC courses are available in class, virtually, and by distance education through selected post-secondary schools.

Before enrolling in an education program, prospective adjusters should discuss their training options with potential employers.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Bow Valley College

• Risk Management Certificate

Grant MacEwan University

• Business Management - Insurance and Risk Management

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

• Insurance Adjuster
• 2006 NOC 1233.1: Insurance Adjusters

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements Updated Apr 12, 2022

• Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

• Insurance Adjuster

Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims on behalf of insurers or individuals. They recommend whether to pay benefits from insurance policies, and negotiate payments and settlements.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Insurance Act [pdf] and Insurance Agents and Adjusters Regulation [pdf], you must be licensed by the Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) to work as an independent insurance adjuster in Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Insurance Adjuster.

Employment & Advancement Updated Apr 12, 2022

• • 3-Year Forecast Warm
  • Employed in AB 4,600

  • Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

• • 5-Year Forecast Below avg (1.9%)
  • New Positions 71

  • Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Some insurance adjusters begin as clerical workers or telephone adjusters in the claims departments of insurance companies or in independent adjusting firms. They expand their knowledge and experience in the field from there.

With additional training, telephone adjusters can be promoted to claims examiners, field adjusters, supervisors, or claims managers.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Insurance adjusters and claims examiners2016 NOC: 1312

96.1% of people in this occupational group work in:

• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities. 3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Insurance adjusters and claims examiners 2021 NOC: 12201 Warm Job Market 4,600 Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

© iStock.com/filadendron OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Insurance adjusters and claims examiners 2016 NOC: 1312 1.9% Annual Growth(Below average) 71 New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary Updated Apr 12, 2022

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

• Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

Insurance adjusters and claims examiners

2021 NOC: 12201 Average Wage $34.90 Per Hour Average Salary $68,317.00 Per Year Average Hours 37.8 Per Week Average Months on Payroll 12 Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 12201 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sourcesTo make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability

Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Chart Table

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees

• Low
• High
• Average
• Median

Starting Overall Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees

Wages*	Low (5th percentile)	High (95th percentile)	Average	Median
Starting	$19.23	$41.21	$28.73	$25.00
Overall	$21.56	$51.52	$34.90	$33.10
Top	$23.00	$68.68	$42.28	$44.23

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

• Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
• Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
• Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES Public Administration

ALL INDUSTRIES	$68,317
Public Administration	$64,028

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years

43% 43%)

Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties

25% 25%

Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months

6% 6%

Vacancy Rate

2% Related High School Subjects

• Business, Administration, Finance and IT
  • Information Processing
  • Management and Marketing
• English Language Arts
• Mathematics

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study

• Business, Management and Administrative Studies

Other Sources of Information Updated Apr 12, 2022

Alberta Insurance Council (AIC) website: www.abcouncil.ab.ca

Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) website: www.insuranceinstitute.ca

IIC, Career Connections website: www.career-connections.info

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

Expand All Was this page useful? ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆