What Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks this way: "Process new insurance policies, modifications to existing policies, and claims forms. Obtain information from policyholders to verify the accuracy and completeness of information on claims forms, applications and related documents, and company records. Update existing policies and company records to reflect changes requested by policyholders and insurance company representatives."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Prepare insurance claim forms or related documents, and review them for completeness"; "Calculate amount of claim"; "Post or attach information to claim file"; "Transmit claims for payment or further investigation"; "Contact insured or other involved persons to obtain missing information".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is moderate-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 239,100 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 234,700 in 2035, a decrease of 4,400 jobs (-1.9%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 17,500 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 7.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $49,230, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks earn the most
Across the 5 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $50,620 in Arizona to $58,780 in New Jersey, a gap of $8,160 (1.16 times). 5 of those 5 states average above the BLS national median of $49,230 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 19,530, which is 29.1% of the 67,190 counted across them. Texas follows with 18,850.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($58,780), New York ($57,667) and California ($54,414) lead the ranking, while Arizona ($50,620) and Texas ($51,317) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks: pay against the cost of living
We compare 5 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Dallas County, TX (Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX) at $22,702. The smallest margin is $3,240 in Los Angeles County, CA.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 5 of the 5 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 38.2% and 69.2% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-9000) include Word Processors and Typists, Office Clerks, General and Data Entry Keyers.
Frequently asked questions about Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
What is the national median wage for Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $49,230. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $50,620 to $58,780.
Which state pays Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $58,780. New York is next at $57,667.
What is the job outlook for Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 1.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 17,500 openings a year.
What education do Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Dallas County, TX leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $22,702 on a median wage of $57,340.