What type of adjuster makes the most money?

The type of adjuster that typically makes the most money is the independent catastrophe or CAT adjuster, especially those who work large hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and hail events. Independent CAT adjusters work on contract for multiple insurance carriers through adjusting firms and are paid per claim or on fee schedule that can be lucrative during busy storm seasons, often earning six figures in few months when deployed. Public adjusters can also make high income because they work for policyholders and charge percentage of settlement, typically 10 to 20 percent, so large commercial losses can yield large fees, but income is variable. Among staff adjusters employed by insurance companies, senior large loss or complex commercial adjusters and executive general adjusters handling multi million dollar commercial property claims earn highest salaries. Workers compensation and liability adjusters generally earn less than property CAT adjusters. Overall, independent CAT adjusters who are experienced, licensed in many states, willing to travel, and can handle high volume of property claims during catastrophe events have highest earning potential, sometimes exceeding 200,000 dollars per year.