Business & Finance California (CA) Rank #3 of 50

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in California

The median real estate appraiser salary in California is $85,312 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $61,820.

Median Salary
$85,312
vs National
+$23,492
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level real estate appraiser earns around $52,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,480 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,440
+$14,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,940
+$23,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,480
+$36,480 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $49,680
25th Percentile $63,480
Median (50th) $85,312
75th Percentile $110,400
90th Percentile $140,760

Real Estate Appraiser Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for real estate appraisers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$90,257
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$112,512
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$87,784
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$103,858
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$72,948
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in California

Education

Most real estate appraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Property ValuationMarket AnalysisReport WritingUSPAP StandardsMLS SystemsAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, real estate appraiser employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Real Estate Appraiser Jobs in California

Browse open real estate appraiser positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in California

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make in California? ▼
The median real estate appraiser salary in California is $85,312 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $49,680 (10th percentile) to $140,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,312, a real estate appraiser in California earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for real estate appraisers? ▼
California ranks #3 out of 50 states for real estate appraiser pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level real estate appraisers earn $52,440, while senior professionals earn $132,480.
How does California compare to other states for real estate appraiser salary? ▼
The highest paying state for real estate appraisers is Hawaii at $105,094. California's median of $85,312 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($105,094) and Massachusetts ($87,784).
What is the entry-level real estate appraiser salary in California? ▼
An entry-level real estate appraiser in California earns approximately $52,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,940. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $132,480.
What city in California pays real estate appraisers the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for real estate appraisers, with a median salary of $112,512. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.