2012 Claims Professionals Salary Survey - Slideshow

The virtual ballots have now been tallied. For a full analysis of the results, refer to Claims October cover story, which you may access here. Or, you can keep reading for a down-and-dirty summary of the noteworthy results by clicking "Next" at the bottom right of this page.

This year's numbers indicate that, for many, workloads are manageable or at least as manageable as they have been for the past three years of the survey. Although no significant leap in overtime hours was reported, the average professional is nevertheless logging an excess of 40 hours per week.

Independent adjusters especially are feeling the pinch in the current economy. The majority of independents reported contending with rising fuel and other costs amid mounting pressure to adhere to "unrealistic fee schedules."

With the technology savvy of younger claims professionals outpacing many organizations, claims managers are eager to embrace new solutions and tools. Though progress has been somewhat stifled in 2012, investing in technology is one of the industry's top priorities for 2013.

Feedback regarding benefits was consistently positive, with no drastic variation in offerings from 2011 to 2012.

When comparing the 2011 salary figures to 2012, we soon realized the most interesting insights centered around work tools, workload, and work satisfaction. In all title categories, salaries either grew or shrank very slightly, as in less than 1 percent. Relatively undeterred, claims professionals expressed optimism about iPads and other tools to enhance efficiency.

Anedoctally, more insurance company staffers reported flexible working arrangements similar to that of independents, yet primarily on an ad hoc basis.

Generally speaking, each year survey participants fall into two camps: the satisfied and the less enthused. This year, more than half said they would not only endorse claims as a career choice but also anticipate some sunny days ahead.