Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers examine real estate records and legal documents to verify property ownership and compile information about mortgages, contracts, and other instruments affecting titles. They work for law firms, real estate agencies, title insurance companies, and government offices, searching both public and private records to ensure titles are clear before property transactions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against title examiners, abstractors, and searchers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Work involves systematically searching public records, databases, and archives for documents related to property titles and ownership history. A typical week includes reviewing contracts, mortgages, and deeds; preparing abstracts summarizing key legal information; identifying liens or claims against properties; and compiling detailed reports for clients. Tasks require careful attention to detail and familiarity with local filing systems and record-keeping procedures.
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 tend to prefer structured, detail-oriented work and enjoy building systems or managing processes. You're drawn to work that involves following established procedures, working with concrete information, and producing tangible results that support business operations.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Openings right now
- TITLE 32 MOBILE EQUIPMENT DRIVER EXAMINER (MI 110th LRS) · Air National Guard Units · Battle Creek, Michigan · $30.69–$35.78
- MATERIALS EXAMINER AND IDENTIFIER - TITLE 32 · Army National Guard Units · Fort Stewart, Georgia · $26.1–$30.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $59,450 | $77,600 | $87,920 | 1,400 |
| West Virginia | $61,940 | $77,230 | $87,240 | 350 |
| Oregon | $65,420 | $76,930 | $97,510 | 640 |
| Alaska | $58,830 | $75,960 | $86,930 | 100 |
| Nevada | $59,590 | $71,050 | $80,750 | 620 |
| Massachusetts | $53,080 | $69,100 | $95,680 | — |
| California | $59,190 | $67,230 | $90,570 | — |
| Washington | $58,400 | $66,440 | $81,330 | 930 |
| Delaware | $55,220 | $65,270 | $72,870 | 140 |
| Rhode Island | $48,650 | $63,300 | $67,390 | 120 |
| Connecticut | $54,660 | $62,940 | $70,850 | 90 |
| Utah | $49,200 | $62,210 | $81,740 | 1,160 |
All 47 states
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 title examiners, abstractors, and searchers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 23-2093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.