Business & Finance Kentucky (KY) Rank #46 of 50

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Kentucky

The median real estate appraiser salary in Kentucky is $53,783 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $61,820.

Median Salary
$53,783
vs National
$-8,037
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Real Estate Appraiser Salary Overview in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for real estate appraiser compensation. Real Estate Appraiser salaries in Kentucky are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $53,783 per year, real estate appraisers in Kentucky earn $8,037 less than the national median of $61,820.

A key advantage of working in Kentucky is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $53,783 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,820 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Kentucky is significant: real estate appraisers at the 10th percentile earn $31,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,740 — a $57,420 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Kentucky for this role is Lexington, where the median reaches $57,493.

Nationally, real estate appraiser employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for real estate appraisers across the country.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Kentucky by Experience

In Kentucky, an entry-level real estate appraiser earns around $33,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,520 per year. The cost of living index in Kentucky is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,060
$-4,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,810
$-8,190 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,520
$-12,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Kentucky

Percentile KY Salary
10th Percentile $31,320
25th Percentile $40,020
Median (50th) $53,783
75th Percentile $69,600
90th Percentile $88,740

Real Estate Appraiser Salary by City in Kentucky

The largest employment areas for real estate appraisers in Kentucky include Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Owensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Kentucky

Education

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

Key Skills

Property ValuationMarket AnalysisReport WritingUSPAP StandardsMLS SystemsAttention to Detail

Job Outlook in Kentucky

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make in Kentucky? ▼
The median real estate appraiser salary in Kentucky is $53,783 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $31,320 (10th percentile) to $88,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make per hour in Kentucky? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,783, a real estate appraiser in Kentucky earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Kentucky a good state for real estate appraisers? ▼
Kentucky ranks #46 out of 50 states for real estate appraiser pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level real estate appraisers earn $33,060, while senior professionals earn $83,520.
How does Kentucky compare to other states for real estate appraiser salary? ▼
The highest paying state for real estate appraisers is Hawaii at $105,094. Kentucky's median of $53,783 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($53,783) and Kansas ($53,783).
What is the entry-level real estate appraiser salary in Kentucky? ▼
An entry-level real estate appraiser in Kentucky earns approximately $33,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,810. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,520.
What city in Kentucky pays real estate appraisers the most? ▼
Lexington is the highest paying city in Kentucky for real estate appraisers, with a median salary of $57,493. Other cities include Louisville and Bowling Green.