How to Become a Property Appraisers and Assessors in California
Property Appraisers and Assessors in California earn a median salary of $91,400/year, which is 40% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.1%. After taxes and rent, a property appraisers and assessors takes home approximately $4,259/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a property appraisers and assessors can afford in California
Becoming a property appraisers and assessors in California
Meet education requirements
Property Appraisers and Assessors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many property appraisers and assessors positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for property appraisers and assessorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 5,660 property appraisers and assessors. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Property Appraisers and Assessors salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $105K | $50.62/hr | 220 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $104K | $50.19/hr | 640 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $101K | $48.54/hr | 50 |
| Vallejo | $101K | $48.36/hr | 30 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $100K | $48.17/hr | 70 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $99K | $47.8/hr | 2,010 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $99K | $47.73/hr | 300 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $95K | $45.57/hr | 40 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $82K | $39.47/hr | 30 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $81K | $38.93/hr | 540 |
| Fresno | $81K | $38.82/hr | 150 |
| Modesto | $80K | $38.42/hr | 60 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $80K | $38.24/hr | 60 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $79K | $37.98/hr | 130 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $78K | $37.53/hr | 450 |
Property Appraisers and Assessors salary range in California
Property Appraisers and Assessors careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a property appraisers and assessors make in California?▼
The median property appraisers and assessors salary in California is $91,400 per year ($43.94/hr). This is 40% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $52,150 to $136,150.
What are the requirements to become a property appraisers and assessors in California?▼
Property Appraisers and Assessors positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a property appraisers and assessors afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $91,400, a property appraisers and assessors in California would take home approximately $5,671/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 24.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for property appraisers and assessors in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for property appraisers and assessors in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($105,290), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($104,400), Santa Rosa-Petaluma ($100,970). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for property appraisers and assessors?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.1%. On a $91,400 salary, this means roughly $4,638/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.