Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
In Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, title examiners, abstractors, and searchers earn $57,500 at the median — $27.64 an hour. The range runs from $43K at the entry level to $92K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $52,810 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 59.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $58K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level title examiners, abstractors, and searchers (10th percentile) start around $43K. Mid-career wages sit at $58K.Top earners bring in $92K or more - a $50K spread from bottom to top.
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $78K | +41% | 4,120 |
| Oregon | $76K | +39% | 700 |
| Massachusetts | $75K | +37% | 140 |
| West Virginia | $66K | +20% | 410 |
| New York | $66K | +19% | 1,530 |
| New Hampshire | $62K | +13% | N/A |
| Washington | $61K | +10% | 860 |
| Nevada | $60K | +10% | 320 |
| Rhode Island | $60K | +9% | 120 |
| Arizona | $60K | +9% | 1,490 |
| Utah | $59K | +8% | 1,330 |
| New Jersey | $59K | +7% | 650 |
| Alaska | $59K | +6% | 60 |
| North Carolina | $58K | +5% | 260 |
| Texas | $56K | +3% | 5,550 |
Track title examiners, abstractors, and searchers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
Related careers in Legal
Frequently asked questions
How much do title examiners, abstractors, and searchers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $57,500 a year - that works out to about $27.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $42,810, and experienced title examiners, abstractors, and searchers can clear $92,340. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $58K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,821/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 58.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a title examiners, abstractors, and searchers salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median title examiners, abstractors, and searchers salary is worth about $52,810 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do title examiners, abstractors, and searchers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.