Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
O*NET 13-1032.00 · SOC 13-1032
Insurance Appraiser is a risky career choice. Median pay is $78k a year with -8.7% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 700 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect damaged vehicles to estimate repair costs.
- →Compare repair estimates from body shops for accuracy.
- →Photograph vehicle damage to document claim evidence.
- →Determine whether a damaged vehicle is a total loss.
- →Review repair invoices to verify charges match approved estimates.
Education & How to Get In
Most Insurance Appraiser positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Insurance Appraiser involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Insurance Appraiser?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Insurance Appraiser Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage is projected to decline 8.7% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·45% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Insurance Appraiser make?
The median Insurance Appraiser earns $78k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Insurance Appraiser jobs?
Our model puts Insurance Appraiser at 59 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 45% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Insurance Appraiser a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 8.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Insurance Appraiser?
Most Insurance Appraiser roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Insurance Appraiser?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Insurance Appraiser career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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