Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia, MO: $54,402 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median real estate appraiser salary of $54,402, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $54,402. Compared to the national median of $61,820, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $54,402 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Columbia an attractive option for real estate appraisers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for real estate appraisers in Columbia spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $58,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior real estate appraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $84,480. With a population of 126,254, 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 $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,480 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,440

$-4,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,440

$-7,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$84,480

$-11,520 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$31,680	$31,680	$36,000
25th Percentile	$40,480	$40,480	$46,000
Median (50th)	$54,402	$54,402	$61,820
75th Percentile	$70,400	$70,400	$80,000
90th Percentile	$89,760	$89,760	$102,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$31,680

25th Percentile

$40,480

Median (50th)

$54,402

75th Percentile

$70,400

90th Percentile

$89,760

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Columbia

Education

Most real estate appraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Missouri 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median real estate appraiser salary in Columbia, Missouri is $54,402 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Real Estate Appraiser make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,402, a real estate appraiser in Columbia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for real estate appraiser pay? ▼

Columbia's median real estate appraiser salary of $54,402 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $54,402. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a real estate appraiser salary of $54,402 in Columbia has more 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.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia, Missouri