Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Appraisers and assessors of real estate determine the fair market value of properties and estimate their worth for taxation purposes. They work for government agencies, private appraisal firms, banks, and real estate companies, conducting property inspections and research to support lending decisions, tax collection, and real estate transactions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against appraisers and assessors of real estate and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves visiting properties to inspect buildings, land, and structures while documenting their condition and features. Appraisers research comparable sales data, review property records, and analyze market trends. They prepare detailed written reports estimating property values using standardized methods. Office work includes compiling data, creating appraisal documentation, and communicating findings to clients such as lenders, tax assessors, and attorneys.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy applying systematic methods to solve practical problems and prefer structured work with clear standards and procedures. You're comfortable with business-oriented tasks and tend to approach challenges analytically, combining field observation with data research to reach defensible conclusions.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Appraiser · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Saint Paul, Minnesota · $97582–$126859
- SUPERVISORY APPRAISER · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Norfolk, Virginia · $120021–$156029
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $78,240 | $107,980 | $134,140 | 110 |
| New Jersey | $69,800 | $92,390 | $139,300 | 1,190 |
| Massachusetts | $68,920 | $91,750 | $114,430 | 1,100 |
| California | $70,310 | $88,900 | $121,530 | 6,380 |
| Connecticut | $70,530 | $86,050 | $109,100 | 630 |
| Washington | $64,520 | $83,710 | $100,040 | 1,150 |
| Minnesota | $64,170 | $83,400 | $115,770 | 1,380 |
| Maine | $63,520 | $80,930 | $106,760 | 230 |
| Alaska | $67,520 | $80,330 | $100,150 | 200 |
| Iowa | $58,770 | $80,160 | $100,080 | 630 |
| Hawaii | $64,870 | $79,860 | $86,110 | 130 |
| New York | $61,930 | $78,060 | $102,760 | 2,860 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Real Property Appraiser — The Appraisal Foundation
- Real Property Review Appraiser (RPRA) — American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
- Personal Property Appraiser — The Appraisal Foundation
- Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA) — American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers
- Residential Accredited Appraiser (RAA) — National Association of Realtors
- General Accredited Appraiser (GAA) — National Association of Realtors
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against appraisers and assessors of real estate and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.