Property Appraiser and Assessor Salary 2025: Median $67,960, Top Earners Over $122,000
Property appraisers and assessors earned a median salary of $67,960 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average (mean) wage was $75,770, or about $33 an hour, but pay varies widely by location and experience. The top 10% of earners made over $122,660, while the bottom 10% earned less than $40,030.
How much Property Appraisers and Assessors earn
The median annual wage for property appraisers and assessors is $67,960. Half of workers earn between roughly $40,000 and $122,660, with the bottom 10% below $40,030 and the top 10% above $122,660. The mean hourly wage is about $33. These figures come from the BLS OEWS survey for 2024.
Pay depends on specialty, employer type, and location. Appraisers working for real estate firms or as self-employed contractors often have different earning potential than assessors in government roles. Those in high-cost metropolitan areas typically command higher salaries.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. The District of Columbia pays the highest average salary for property appraisers and assessors at $107,980, followed by New Jersey ($92,390), Massachusetts ($91,750), California ($88,900), and Connecticut ($86,050). These states tend to have strong real estate markets and higher cost of living.
On the lower end, West Virginia averages $44,940, Oklahoma $49,990, and New Mexico $50,550. Salaries in these states are roughly 30–40% below the national mean. Rural areas and states with slower real estate activity typically pay less.
How to become a Property Appraiser or Assessor
The path to this career usually starts with a bachelor's degree, often in finance, economics, business, or real estate. However, some positions accept an associate degree plus experience. After education, most states require completion of a training program and passing a licensing exam.
Licensing is mandatory for appraisers: the Appraisal Foundation sets standards, and each state issues credentials. Typically, you start as a trainee appraiser under a supervisor for 1–2 years, then become licensed or certified. Assessors—often government employees—may need a similar certification or a professional designation like the Residential or General Certified Appraiser credential. Continuing education is required to keep the license.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (preferred fields: finance, economics, business, real estate).
- Complete state-approved coursework and training hours (usually 150+ hours for trainee license).
- Work as a trainee appraiser under a licensed supervisor for 1–2 years (often requires 1,000–2,000 hours of experience).
- Pass the state licensing exam for your desired level (licensed, certified residential, or certified general).
- For assessor positions, gain experience in property valuation and government work; some roles require appraisal certification.
Job outlook
Employment for property appraisers and assessors is projected to grow 3.8% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 6,300 new job openings each year over the decade, mostly from retirements and turnover. Total employment in 2024 was 57,070.
Demand is tied to real estate activity and property tax cycles. During housing market booms, appraisers are in high demand; during downturns, work can be slower. Assessors—often public employees—provide more stable government jobs. Overall, the field offers steady, modest growth.
Frequently asked questions
Do property appraisers make good money?
Yes, the median salary is $67,960, with top earners above $122,660. Experienced appraisers in high-paying states can earn well over $100,000.
Is an appraiser the same as an assessor?
Not exactly. Appraisers usually work for lenders or private clients to determine property value for sales or refinancing. Assessors work for local governments to set property tax values. The BLS groups them together because skills overlap.
How long does it take to become a certified appraiser?
Most people need 2–4 years. This includes a bachelor's degree (or equivalent), required coursework, supervised experience (often 1–2 years), and passing the state exam.
What is the highest paying state for property appraisers?
The District of Columbia has the highest average salary at $107,980, followed by New Jersey, Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut.
Is property appraisal a growing field?
Growth is slow but steady at 3.8% over the next decade, with about 6,300 openings per year. Real estate market fluctuations affect short-term demand.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Property Appraisers and Assessors data.