How Much Do Public Adjusters Make in Illinois? (August 2025)
Aug 29, 2025
A public adjuster has an average yearly salary of $67000 in Illinois. However, public adjusters earn their income through a commission on every insurance claim. The income is, in effect, tied to the number of successful insurance claims an adjuster makes.
You can earn more or less depending on the commission rate, value, and frequency of jobs. That's why many people pursuing this career feel confused. We'll break down the earnings to help you plan your career.
How Do Public Adjusters Earn?
Public adjusters earn their income through commission fees on insurance policies. Unlike normal wages, PAs earn their income as a percentage of the insurance compensation. The commission rate can vary between 10% and 20%, with Illinois capping it at 10%.
Let's assume someone hires a public adjuster at a 10% commission rate. The adjuster will get $1,000 if they reach a settlement of $10,000 on behalf of the policyholder. This can be higher or lower than the median hourly wage, depending on each contract.
Average Salaries of Public Adjusters in Illinois
Licensed public adjusters typically earn between $70,000 and $78,000 per year. According to Glassdoor and ZIP Recruiter, an average public adjuster can have an hourly wage of $30.
Some claim adjusters can make over $100,000, especially after stormy seasons. Experienced claim adjusters also have higher commission rates and fee structures, which makes their careers more profitable.
What Affects the Income of a Public Adjuster?
State income caps, experience, job scope, and frequency are four factors that affect the income of a public adjuster. We'll explain each one in detail to help you understand how and why it happens.
State Income Caps
Every state caps the percentage of the claim for public adjusters, which directly affects income. This percentage cap can vary between 10% and 20%, which is why some insurance professionals earn more based on their vicinity.
Here's a quick view of different states and their claim percentage caps:
| State | Public Adjuster Fee Rule |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Not recognized |
| Alaska | No set fee cap |
| Arizona | No set fee cap |
| Arkansas | Not recognized |
| California | Fees must be reasonable |
| Colorado | No set fee cap, but must be reasonable |
| Connecticut | No set fee cap |
| Delaware | 2.5% of first $25k; 12% above $25k |
| Florida | 20% cap; 10% in state of emergency (first year) |
| Georgia | Max 33.3% |
| Hawaii | 8% cap |
| Idaho | No set fee cap |
| Illinois | 10% cap |
| Indiana | No set fee cap |
| Iowa | No cap and 10% for catastrophic disaster claims |
| Kansas | 10% cap (commercial only); not recognized for residential |
| Kentucky | 15% for non-catastrophic; 10% otherwise |
| Louisiana | No cap; must charge hourly (not contingency) |
| Maine | No set fee cap |
| Maryland | 5% for health claims; no cap for others |
| Massachusetts | 10% cap |
| Michigan | 10% cap |
| Minnesota | No set fee cap |
| Mississippi | 10% cap |
| Missouri | No set fee cap |
| Montana | No set fee cap |
| Nebraska | No cap; 10% for catastrophic disaster claims |
| Nevada | No set fee cap |
| New Hampshire | No set fee cap |
| New Jersey | No set fee cap |
| New Mexico | No set fee cap |
| New York | 12.5% Downstate; 10% elsewhere |
| North Carolina | 10% cap |
| North Dakota | No set fee cap |
| Ohio | No set fee cap |
| Oklahoma | No cap; 10% for catastrophic disaster claims |
| Oregon | No set fee cap |
| Pennsylvania | No set fee cap |
| Rhode Island | No set fee cap |
| South Carolina | No set fee cap |
| South Dakota | No set fee cap |
| Tennessee | 10% cap |
| Texas | 10% cap |
| Utah | No set fee cap |
| Vermont | No set fee cap |
| Virginia | No cap; 10% for catastrophic disaster claims |
| Washington | No set fee cap |
| West Virginia | No set fee cap |
| Wisconsin | No cap; 10% for catastrophic disaster claims |
| Wyoming | No set fee cap |
Job Scope
There are two broad categories of jobs, residential and commercial. You can work in both roles with a PA license after passing the exam. However, some people prefer specializing in one specific type of claim.
For example, some public adjusters work only on behalf of residential homeowners. These adjusters usually work on claims based on natural disasters. Other adjusters work on behalf of business owners.
There is no compulsion about the roles you choose. Realistically, you could work as a third-party claimant for both. Generally, commercial insurance claims have higher payouts, making them more lucrative for a public adjuster.
Experience Levels
Your experience levels and track record impact your earnings. Essentially, a public adjuster is a lawyer and accountant for insurance claims. The more people you've worked with, the more authority you have.
According to Glassdoor, entry-level public adjusters earn between $50,000 and $60,000. Experienced public adjusters can earn well over $70,000, with more established professionals earning more than $100,000 per year.
PA Demand or Frequency
Despite having low caps in some states, public adjusters are still better off because of demand. For example, public adjusters can find employment more easily and frequently in states like California and Florida that are prone to storms.
Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you understand how this works:
| Income Breakdown | Few Clients (High Cap) | More Clients (Low Cap) |
| # of Yearly Clients | 10 | 20 |
| Commission Cap | 15% | 10% |
| Average Claim Value | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Per Claim Value | $15,000 | $10,000 |
| Yearly Value | $150,000 | $200,000 |
This is a rough and approximate figure, because an average public adjuster earns around $78,000 annually. Furthermore, every insurance claim has a different recovery estimate.
How Can You Maximize Your Income as a PA?
The best way to maximize your income as a public adjuster is through learning. Knowing the right practical strategies helps you get successful claim settlements. Your successful claims stack up, improving your authority and income.
You can start by joining a credible school for public adjusters and getting your license. Don't know where to get started? Join the Illinois Roofing Institute. Our public adjuster exam course prepares you for the exam and post-licensing processes.
FAQs on PA Income
How to become a public adjuster in IL?
You can become a public adjuster in Illinois by applying for a Public Adjuster license with the Illinois Department of Insurance. You must be at least 18 years old, pass the licensing exam, submit fingerprints for a background check, obtain a $20,000 surety bond, and pay the required licensing fees.
What does a public adjuster do?
A public adjuster in Illinois represents policyholders during insurance claims. They inspect property damage, document losses, estimate repair costs, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements. Public adjusters work only for the insured, not the insurer.
How stressful is a claims adjuster career?
Being a claims adjuster is stressful because the job involves heavy workloads, strict deadlines, and emotional interactions with policyholders after losses. High pressure and long hours contribute to burnout, making stress management essential in this career.
Bottom Line on Public Adjuster Salaries
An average public adjuster earns $78,000 per year, with an hourly wage of $30. These figures are tied to the insurance claim process and commission rate. Furthermore, experienced claim adjusters earn significantly more than novices.
Overall, public adjusters have good annual salaries. The profession is quite underrated in states like California and Illinois, making it ripe for novices. If you want to start your career as a public adjuster, join our exam prep classes today.