Occupation · SOC 13-2023
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate
Appraise real estate, exclusively, and estimate its fair value. May assess taxes in accordance with prescribed schedules.
Median wage
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Projected growth
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Annual openings
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per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 4
Typical preparation
Considerable preparation
Stackable credential programs
218 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
English LanguageMathematicsBuilding and ConstructionCustomer and Personal ServiceComputers and Electronics
Technology & tools
Analytical or scientific softwareDesktop publishing softwareMap creation softwareOperating system softwareData base user interface and query software
Representative tasks
Compute final estimation of property values, taking into account such factors as depreciation, replaPrepare written reports that estimate property values, outline methods by which the estimations werePhotograph interiors and exteriors of properties to assist in estimating property value, substantiat
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Property inspection checklists — complete under direct supervision to document physical condition, location attributes, and observable features of residential properties.Public records databases — search for sales transactions, lease agreements, and assessment histories under guidance from a senior appraiser.Property photographs — capture interior and exterior images following established protocols to substantiate appraisal findings on assigned properties.County land value data — retrieve and organize sales information about nearby comparable properties using agency-provided tools and templates.Sales comparison worksheets — populate with comparable property data under supervision to support initial value estimations on standard residential assignments.Local real estate market reports — read and summarize key findings to build familiarity with neighborhood trends under mentor guidance.Word processing software — draft sections of appraisal reports following standardized formats and style guides with editorial review by a senior appraiser.Basic depreciation concepts — apply standard cost schedules to straightforward residential properties under direct instruction from an experienced appraiser.Geographic information system tools — use to locate subject properties and identify nearby sales within defined search radii on routine assignments.Appraisal standards and regulations — identify applicable requirements under supervision to ensure assigned reports meet USPAP and jurisdictional guidelines.
developing
Property value estimations — compute independently by weighing depreciation, replacement costs, and income potential for standard residential and light commercial properties.Appraisal reports — prepare complete written documents that outline methodology, support value conclusions, and meet USPAP standards with limited supervisory review.Comparable sales analysis — conduct with reduced oversight by selecting, adjusting, and reconciling multiple comparables in familiar local market conditions.Site inspections — perform autonomously across a variety of property types, evaluating market value, location factors, and building costs to determine appraised value.Real estate market data — collect and analyze to identify emerging trends, applying statistical reasoning and GIS tools on recurring portfolio assignments.Financial analysis software — use to model income capitalization scenarios for income-producing properties within established valuation frameworks.Property assessment records — search and interpret public documents to verify ownership history, legal descriptions, and prior assessed values for assigned parcels.Client communications — explain appraisal methodologies and preliminary findings clearly and professionally to property owners, lenders, and government contacts.Desktop publishing and photo imaging software — integrate annotated photographs and formatted exhibits into polished appraisal report packages.Building and construction knowledge — apply to assess structural components, renovation quality, and replacement cost estimates for mid-complexity residential assignments.
proficient
Complex property valuations — perform autonomously across residential, commercial, and mixed-use property types by synthesizing depreciation, income, and cost approaches into defensible final estimates.Non-routine appraisal challenges — resolve independently, applying advanced critical thinking and deductive reasoning to atypical properties, disputed assessments, and litigation-support assignments.Comprehensive market trend analysis — conduct by integrating multiple data sources, GIS mapping, and economic indicators to produce authoritative assessments of local real estate conditions.Expert appraisal reports — author that fully document methodology, reconcile value approaches, and withstand regulatory scrutiny and third-party review across diverse property categories.Income capitalization modeling — execute using financial analysis software to value income-producing properties with precision, accounting for vacancy, expense ratios, and cap rate selection.Assessment appeal proceedings — support by providing well-documented value opinions, responding to technical objections, and interpreting law and government regulations accurately.Highest-and-best-use analysis — perform for complex parcels by evaluating legal permissibility, physical feasibility, financial viability, and maximum productivity under current market conditions.Cross-jurisdictional comparable data — obtain and reconcile across multiple counties and market areas to establish credible value benchmarks for unique or special-use properties.Field inspection quality — maintain at expert level by systematically evaluating structural, environmental, and location factors during site visits to properties of varying complexity.Technology integration — leverage full suite of analytical, GIS, and database tools to streamline data collection, enhance report accuracy, and reduce turnaround time on large assignment volumes.
advanced
Organizational valuation standards — establish and continuously refine appraisal methodologies, quality-control protocols, and best practices across a multi-appraiser department or firm.Staff development programs — design and lead mentoring, training, and credentialing pathways that advance junior and mid-level appraisers toward professional licensure and performance excellence.Strategic market intelligence — direct the collection and interpretation of regional real estate data to inform executive decision-making for government agencies, financial institutions, or large portfolios.Mass appraisal systems — oversee the design, calibration, and implementation of automated valuation models for jurisdiction-wide property assessment programs.Policy and regulatory engagement — represent the organization before legislative bodies, professional associations, and regulatory agencies to shape appraisal standards and assessment law.Cross-functional leadership — collaborate with legal, accounting, planning, and executive teams to integrate real estate valuation insights into organizational strategy and risk management.High-stakes litigation and expert witness roles — provide authoritative testimony and written opinions that withstand rigorous cross-examination in complex condemnation, tax, or commercial dispute proceedings.Quality assurance framework — build and enforce review protocols that ensure every appraisal product meets USPAP, client, and jurisdictional requirements across the full practice scope.Technology strategy — evaluate, procure, and implement advanced GIS, financial modeling, and database platforms to modernize appraisal operations and improve organizational productivity.Industry thought leadership — author professional publications, lead conference presentations, and mentor peers to advance valuation methodology and elevate standards across the profession.
Also known as
52 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Tax AppraiserCounty AssessorCommercial Real Estate AppraiserCertified Real Estate AppraiserResidential Staff AppraiserLicensed AppraiserCity AssessorPhysical AppraiserValuation ManagerCertified Residential Real Estate AppraiserRegistered AppraiserAssessorAppraisal SpecialistPersonal Property AssessorField InspectorResidential Fee AppraiserField Staff AppraiserAppraisal ManagerReal Property EvaluatorReal Estate AssessorTax AssessorResidential Property Tax AppraiserCommercial AppraiserStaff AppraiserReview AppraiserProperty InspectorInsurance AppraiserDeputy AssessorAppraiserReal Property AppraiserReal Estate AppraiserClaims AppraiserAppraisal ReviewerResidential Real Estate AppraiserProperty Preservation ContractorProperty Condition AssessorCertified Residential AppraiserField AppraiserUnderwriting Field InspectorProperty Appraiser