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Business & Finance · California

How to Become a Property Appraisers and Assessors in California

Property Appraisers and Assessors in California earn a median salary of $88,900/year, which is 31% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~5.0%. After taxes and rent, a property appraisers and assessors takes home approximately $3,614/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$89K
Median salary in California
+31%
vs. national average
5.0%
State income tax
6,380
Employed in California

What a property appraisers and assessors can afford in California

Gross annual salary$88,900
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 5.0% state tax)$5,544/mo
Median 2BR rent (California)-$1,930/mo
Rent as % of take-home34.8% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$88,900/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$3,614/mo

Becoming a property appraisers and assessors in California

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Find positions in California

California employs 6,380 property appraisers and assessors. The highest concentrations are in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont and Vallejo.

Property Appraisers and Assessors salary by metro area in California

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont$106K$50.76/hr650
Vallejo$104K$49.76/hr30
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles$103K$49.44/hr70
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad$100K$48.01/hr440
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom$96K$46.26/hr370
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara$96K$46.02/hr40
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$92K$44.04/hr2,240
Santa Rosa-Petaluma$91K$43.86/hr70
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario$86K$41.47/hr550
Redding$85K$40.98/hr40
Fresno$82K$39.57/hr140
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$82K$39.31/hr,
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura$79K$37.83/hr140
Visalia$77K$37.03/hr70
Modesto$77K$36.78/hr60

Property Appraisers and Assessors salary range in California

10th percentile (entry)
$57K
25th percentile
$70K
Median (50th)
$89K
75th percentile
$122K
90th percentile (senior)
$142K
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Full property appraisers and assessors salary breakdown in California
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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 $88,900 per year ($42.74/hr). This is 31% above the national median of $67,960. Salaries range from $56,750 to $141,610.

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 $88,900, a property appraisers and assessors in California would take home approximately $5,544/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,930/month, that's 34.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds 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 Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($105,580), Vallejo ($103,510), San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles ($102,840). 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 5.0%. On a $88,900 salary, this means roughly $4,405/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.