Real estate appraisers and assessors evaluate property values and conditions for buyers, lenders, and tax purposes. You'll analyze market data, inspect buildings, and write detailed reports. The work requires a bachelor's degree and considerable preparation, but opens doors to a stable career.
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You evaluate residential and commercial properties to determine their market value or assessed worth. Your days involve gathering information from public records and comparable sales, inspecting buildings and land, analyzing data to support your conclusions, and documenting your findings in detailed written reports. You interpret complex information about construction quality, location, and economic factors, then communicate your assessments clearly to clients, lenders, and government agencies. The work is detail-oriented and requires strong critical thinking to justify your valuations.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate earn a median of $67,960 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 6,300 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Start by earning a bachelor's degree, which gives you the foundation in mathematics, economics, building and construction, and computer systems you'll need. During and after your degree, you'll develop skills in reading comprehension, active listening, and writing through coursework and internships. Many states require specific training and credentialing beyond your degree. Your preparation involves considerable study and hands-on experience, so connect with a counselor early to map out the education path and licensing requirements in your state.
Most routes to this career begin with a bachelor's degree followed by state-specific training and credentialing. The timeline and requirements vary by location, so Pathly can map the appraiser and assessor of real estate path that fits you with your counselor to build a plan that fits your situation.
You do not need a license to work as an appraiser and assessor of real estate, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're drawn to order, systems, and accuracy. You like working with data and computers, following established procedures, and producing thorough documentation. You prefer clear rules and measurable outcomes.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).