Independent Adjusters generally work for Independent Adjusting Firms. They go wherever they are needed on a contracted basis. You may get ‘deployed’ for a month to a disaster zone, then have that contract re-upped multiple times and end up staying for 8 months. Where an independent adjuster lives really has no bearing on where he works – which can be a great benefit as you can live where you want rather than where the jobs are. An adjuster may live in Iowa, contract with an Independent Adjusting Firm in Texas, and get deployed to Florida to work claims. As contractors, independent adjusters work for themselves and can take deployments when and where they want. But the most successful adjusters gain the trust of their IA Firm employers by being willing to go when and where they are needed most at any given time.
Staff Adjusters are salaried employees of the insurance carrier. While they may still travel, it is usually much less frequent and only within a specific region. Staff adjusters have steady, reliable work from their carrier which is great for those who may need to stay close to home. But there is an exchange for this benefit as compensation is usually lower than what independent adjusters receive.
