Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
None
Long-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Property appraisers and assessors evaluate properties in a variety of contexts and operate at the intersection of quantitative analysis, technology use, and client-facing work. Nationally, this occupation employs about 77,000 people, with a projected employment growth rate of 3.8%. There are an estimated 6,000 annual openings, suggesting ongoing movement into and within the field. The national median annual salary of $65,420 places this role in a solid earning range for professionals with a bachelor’s degree. The work draws heavily on mathematics, computers and information technology, writing and reading, and critical and analytical thinking, combined with customer service and speaking and listening skills. Problem solving, decision making, project management, and adaptability are also important, reflecting the need to manage information, timelines, and client expectations. For students or career changers interested in a blend of analytical work and regular interaction with others, this career offers structured entry through a defined education level and a variety of geographic markets with differing salary levels and opportunity scores.
The national median annual salary for property appraisers and assessors is $65,420, but earnings vary significantly by location. Several states offer higher median wages, including Massachusetts at $91,750, California at $88,900, Washington at $83,710, and New York at $78,060. Among top metro areas, San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont stands out with a median salary of $105,580, followed by Boston–Cambridge–Newton at $94,230 and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim at $91,600. New York–Newark–Jersey City and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria also show median salaries in the low $80,000s. These differences indicate that professionals may see higher earning potential in specific states and metros, especially in the highlighted urban areas. At the same time, the national median suggests a consistent base level of compensation across the broader labor market for those who meet the education and skill expectations of the role.
Property appraisers and assessors have national employment of about 77,000, with projected employment growth of 3.8%. This growth rate applies consistently across the listed top states and metro areas, indicating a generally steady outlook in multiple regions. The occupation is expected to have around 6,000 annual openings, which reflects a mix of new positions and turnover as people change jobs or retire. Together, these figures point to ongoing demand for new entrants and experienced professionals. The combination of employment growth and recurring openings can provide options for students planning ahead, as well as professionals looking to pivot into this field. Because the same 3.8% projected growth rate appears in the top states and metros, individuals can focus their location decisions more on salary, opportunity scores, and personal preferences rather than large regional differences in projected growth within the highlighted areas.
Location plays a significant role in shaping opportunities for property appraisers and assessors. Among states, California and Massachusetts offer high median salaries of $88,900 and $91,750, with opportunity scores of 67.38 and 65.87, respectively. New York, Washington, and Colorado also show solid combinations of salary, employment levels, and opportunity scores, ranging from $75,150 in Colorado to $83,710 in Washington. On the metro level, New York–Newark–Jersey City stands out with the highest opportunity score of 77.27, a median salary of $82,920, and employment of 2,590. San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont offers the highest listed metro salary at $105,580 and a strong opportunity score of 68.75. Boston–Cambridge–Newton, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, and Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim each combine higher median salaries with moderate to high opportunity scores. These differences suggest that both statewide and metro-level markets can vary in how they balance pay, employment size, and overall opportunity for professionals in this field.
The typical education level for property appraisers and assessors is a bachelor’s degree. This requirement aligns closely with the skill profile associated with the occupation. Mathematics and computers and information technology underpin the analytical and data-related aspects of the work. Strong writing and reading skills support documentation and communication, while critical and analytical thinking, along with problem solving and decision making, are central to evaluating information and reaching sound conclusions. Customer service, speaking and listening, and adaptability reflect the interpersonal and client-facing side of the role, where professionals interact with a variety of stakeholders. Project management skills help in organizing tasks, timelines, and deliverables. Mechanical skills are also noted, indicating some familiarity with practical or physical aspects relevant to the occupation. Students and career changers considering this path can use these skill areas as a guide when selecting academic programs or professional development options that complement a bachelor’s degree in preparation for this career.
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