Career Definition for Real Estate Assessors
Real estate assessors most typically work for local and county governments to assess the value of real estate for tax purposes. Although many real estate assessors are hired by the government, top-ranking assessors can be elected in local elections. Common duties of real estate assessors include researching real estate data, collecting demographic information, visiting neighborhoods, inspecting individual homes, compiling tax data, preparing reports, and issuing notices of assessments.
| Education | Certified assessors must earn a bachelor's degree; state licensure/certification |
| Job Duties | Researching real estate data, collecting demographic information |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $61,340 (all property appraisers and assessors) |
| Job Growth (2021-2031)* | 4% (all property appraisers and assessors) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Required Education
There currently is no formal degree requirement to become a real estate assessor; however, as of January 2015, certified assessors must first have a bachelor's degree before gaining licensure. Relevant courses in a 4-year bachelor's program include mathematics, statistics, building engineering and communications. While the state requirements to become a real estate assessor vary, most require some combination of education and experience and may require passing an examination.
Skills Required
Real estate assessors need to have strong math and statistics skills, and also must be very detail-oriented. Since they are required to make decisions involving large sums of money, they should be fair, objective, and organized. Good interpersonal and communications skills are also critical for a successful career as a real estate assessor.
Employment and Economic Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in this field will grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031, which is as fast as average compared to all careers. Median annual earnings for this field in 2021 were $61,340. Real estate assessors who work in urban areas and on the coast typically earn more than those in rural areas in Middle America.
Alternate Career Options
Similar career options in this field include:
Construction and Building Inspector
Having at least a high school diploma, or possibly an associate's degree, aspiring inspectors have experience and knowledge in construction trades and may need licensure or certification in some geographic locations. They ensure that new constructions meet codes and ordinances through their inspections. The BLS predicted decline on job growth of 4% from 2021 to 2031 for this profession. Construction and building inspectors earned a median annual salary of $61,640 in 2021, according to the BLS.
Real Estate Broker and Sales Agent
Individuals with high school diplomas may take real estate courses to pass the required licensing exam to become a real estate broker or sales agent. These professionals help people sell and buy properties; brokers have special licensing to manage a real estate business while sales agents must work through a broker. From 2021 to 2031, the BLS projected average employment growth of 5% for brokers and agents. As of 2021, the BLS reported median annual wages of $48,340 for agents and $62,010 for brokers.
