Insurance Specialist

    Finance, Banking & Insurance

    CIP Name: Insurance Professional|CIP Code: 52.1701
    SOC Codes: 25-1011, 11-3111, 41-3021, 13-1031, 13-1032, 13-1141, 13-2053

    Manage risk in organizational settings and provide insurance and risk-aversion services to businesses, individuals, and other organizations.

    $77K
    Median Salary
    +0.2%
    Job Growth
    6mo-1.5yr
    Training
    8.2K
    Jobs/Year

    What Insurance Specialists Do

    Manage risk in organizational settings and provide insurance and risk-aversion services to businesses, individuals, and other organizations.

    Common Tasks

    Business Teachers, Postsecondary

    • 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
    • 2Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
    • 3Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
    • 4Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
    • 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and conferences.

    What You'll Learn

    casualty insurance and general liabilityproperty insuranceemployee benefitssocial and health insuranceloss adjustmentunderwritingrisk theorypension planning

    Types of Insurance Specialists

    Accounting InstructorAccounting ProfessorAssociate ProfessorBusiness Administration ProfessorBusiness InstructorBusiness ProfessorInstructorManagement ProfessorMarketing ProfessorProfessorBenefits CoordinatorBenefits DirectorBenefits ManagerCompensation DirectorCompensation ManagerCompensation and Benefits DirectorCompensation and Benefits ManagerEmployee Benefits CoordinatorEmployee Benefits ManagerPayroll ManagerInsurance AgentInsurance BrokerInsurance Sales AgentSales AgentSales AssociateSales RepresentativeUnderwriting Sales RepresentativeClaims AdjusterClaims AnalystClaims ExaminerClaims RepresentativeClaims SpecialistCorporate Claims ExaminerField Claims AdjusterGeneral AdjusterHome Office Claims SpecialistLitigation Claims RepresentativeAppraiserAutomobile Appraiser (Auto Appraiser)Automobile Damage Appraiser (Auto Damage Appraiser)Damage AppraiserField AppraiserField InspectorInsurance AppraiserMaterial Damage AppraiserOutside Physical Damage AppraiserPhysical Damage AppraiserBenefits AnalystBenefits ConsultantBenefits SpecialistCompensation AnalystCompensation ConsultantCompensation SpecialistCompensation and Benefits AnalystCompensation and Benefits SpecialistEmployee Benefits SpecialistPosition Classification SpecialistAccount UnderwriterAutomobile and Property UnderwriterCommercial Lines UnderwriterHealth UnderwriterLife UnderwriterPersonal Lines UnderwriterUnderwriterUnderwriting Consultant

    Work Environment

    Locations

    • • Insurance company offices
    • • Brokerage and agency offices
    • • Corporate HR and benefits departments
    • • Claims centers and call centers
    • • Field inspections at customer sites (auto/property)

    Schedule

    Most roles follow a standard weekday business schedule, though claims and sales work can involve high time pressure and occasional after-hours client or incident needs.

    Physical Demands

    Work is primarily desk-based with long periods of sitting and computer use. Some roles (especially auto/property claims) may require driving and occasional on-site inspections with light bending and handling of materials.

    Salary & Job Outlook

    Median $77,020
    $48,297$132,246+
    Entry Level
    10th percentile
    $48,297
    Early Career
    25th percentile
    $63,040
    Median
    50th percentile
    $77,020
    Experienced
    75th percentile
    $99,216
    Top Earners
    90th percentile
    $132,246+

    National Employment: 1,292,100 jobs

    Top Paying States

    Why Demand May Grow

    Businesses and individuals continue to need coverage for evolving risks like cyber incidents, climate-related losses, and complex liability exposures. Growth in employee benefits and regulatory compliance work can also increase demand for insurance, underwriting, and claims expertise.

    Skills You'll Need

    Risk assessment and analytical thinkingAttention to detail and documentation accuracyCustomer service and conflict resolutionKnowledge of insurance policies, coverage, and regulationsNegotiation and persuasionWritten communication (reports, emails, claim notes)Spreadsheet and database skillsTime management under pressure

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Strong earning potential in many specialties
    • Clear career paths (sales, underwriting, claims, benefits)
    • Skills transfer across industries and employers
    • Mostly indoor, office-based work
    • Work is intellectually challenging and problem-solving focused

    Cons

    • High time pressure and deadlines, especially in claims and sales
    • Work can be detail-heavy with significant documentation
    • Regulatory compliance requirements can be complex
    • Some specialties face slow growth or decline due to automation
    • Customer conflict is common in claims and coverage disputes
    FAQ

    Common Questions About the Insurance Specialist Trade

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