How to become an Appraiser or Assessor of Real Estate
Official title: Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Also called: Appraiser, Assessor, Certified Real Estate Appraiser, Certified Residential Appraiser, Commercial Appraiser, County Assessor, Field Appraiser, Real Estate Appraiser, Real Property Appraiser, Tax Assessor
Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.
Main tasks
- Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replacement costs, value comparisons of similar properties, and income potential.
- Prepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations were made, and meet appraisal standards.
- Photograph interiors and exteriors of properties to assist in estimating property value, substantiate findings, and complete appraisal reports.
- Search public records for transactions such as sales, leases, and assessments.
- Obtain county land values and sales information about nearby properties to aid in establishment of property values.
- Maintain familiarity with aspects of local real estate markets.
- Inspect properties, considering factors such as market value, location, and building or replacement costs to determine appraisal value.
- Collect and analyze relevant data to identify real estate market trends.
How to become one
Property appraisers and assessors typically need a bachelor's degree, although educational requirements vary. Appraisers of real estate must meet state licensure or certification requirements.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Appraisal and Valuation of Real Property.
- Apprenticeship: Licensed Residential Real Property Appraiser (Nof).
- Licence: A licence is required in 47 states.
Pay · Outlook
- About 68,400 people work in this job now, and about 70,700 are projected by 2035. (+3.5%)
Related jobs
- Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
- Financial and Investment Analysts
- Accountants and Auditors
- Budget Analysts
- Credit Analysts
- Personal Financial Advisors
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become an Appraiser or Assessor of Real Estate?
Property appraisers and assessors typically need a bachelor's degree, although educational requirements vary. Appraisers of real estate must meet state licensure or certification requirements.
Is an Appraiser or Assessor of Real Estate a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 68,400 to about 70,700 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become an Appraiser or Assessor of Real Estate?
Not always. 57% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Appraisal and Valuation of Real Property.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.