Business & Finance Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median real estate appraiser salary in Columbia, MD is $76,039 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$76,039
vs State Avg
+$4,946
vs National
+$14,219
Cost of Living
118%

Real Estate Appraiser Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median real estate appraiser salary of $76,039, which is $4,946 above the Maryland state average of $71,093. Compared to the national median of $61,820, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $76,039 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $64,440. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for real estate appraisers in Columbia spans from $44,280 at the 10th percentile to $125,460 at the 90th percentile — a $81,180 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,740, while senior real estate appraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,080. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level real estate appraiser earns around $46,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,740
+$8,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,490
+$14,490 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,080
+$22,080 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $44,280
25th Percentile $56,580
Median (50th) $76,039
75th Percentile $98,400
90th Percentile $125,460

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$78,511
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$74,184
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$69,857
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$68,002
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Columbia

Education

Most real estate appraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Property ValuationMarket AnalysisReport WritingUSPAP StandardsMLS SystemsAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate appraiser employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Real Estate Appraiser Jobs in Columbia

Browse open real estate appraiser positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median real estate appraiser salary in Columbia, Maryland is $76,039 per year, which is 23.0% above the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $44,280 (10th percentile) to $125,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,039, a real estate appraiser in Columbia earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for real estate appraiser pay? ▼
Columbia's median real estate appraiser salary of $76,039 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $71,093. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a real estate appraiser salary of $76,039 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a real estate appraiser in Columbia? ▼
Most real estate appraiser positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Property Valuation, Market Analysis, Report Writing, USPAP Standards. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.