Appraiser

Job Summary:
Appraisers gather information about items in order to determine their value. Real property appraisers inspect buildings and the land they are on. They determine the condition of buildings and note if they have special features, such as being built in a particular architectural style. Appraisers take pictures to document what buildings look like. They search public records of sales, leases, and appraisals to determine what properties have been appraised at in the past. They also check the appraisal value of similar properties. Personal property appraisers examine the items they are appraising. Once they have gathered enough information, appraisers analyze it. After they have analyzed all this information, appraisers assign a value to items. They write reports that document how they determined the value. Assessors work for government agencies. They do the same tasks as real property appraisers, but have additional duties. They update maps used by the city government that show the size, shape, and location of properties. They also write descriptions of each building and how the land and buildings are used. Once they have determined the value of properties, assessors use formulas to determine their property taxes. Because property owners sometimes fight their tax assessments, assessors must be prepared to explain their methods and decisions.

Qualification:
Most appraisers and assessors have a bachelor's degree in Appraisal or equivalent. If you are unsure of your exact career goal, a liberal arts education is good preparation. However, if you know your goal, you should select a major related to your interest area. For instance, if your goal is art appraisal, consider at least a bachelor's degree in art history. Regardless of which major you chose, courses in finance and business administration are valuable. Real estate appraisers must take formal course work in real estate.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for appraisers and assessors is $3,240 per month ($18.72 per hour). Half of all appraisers and assessors earn between $2,320 and $4,440 per month ($13.36 and $25.62 per hour).

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's specialty, education, and experience also affect wages.

Prospects:
Some appraisers advance by opening their own businesses. Those who earn a professional certification may have an easier time attracting clients.