Appraisal Career Satisfaction in Real Estate: Why Appraisers Are Happier Than Ever

Career satisfaction among real estate appraisers is significantly higher than the national average. Why are appraisers generally happy in their careers? Are some appraisers happier than others? Is income satisfaction as high as job satisfaction? Here, we address these questions and give a glimpse into survey data of appraisal career satisfaction.

Appraiser career satisfaction

Collectively, appraisers are reportedly 25% more satisfied in their careers than American workers across all professions.* Career satisfaction survey results show that nearly eight out of ten appraisers are satisfied with their career choice. When broken down into credential levels, licensed appraisers are the happiest with an 83.4% career satisfaction rating.

Top reasons appraisers cite for their career happiness include:

• Flexible schedule
• Healthy work-life balance
• Respectable income
• Challenging work
• Diverse work opportunities

Optimism in the profession

Looking to the future, appraisers have mixed career optimism. Licensed appraisers have the most positive outlook, while certified residential appraisers show more uncertainty.

Those who are most optimistic about their appraisal career cite these main reasons:

• Demand is strong, especially considering the low rate of newcomers to the field.
• Technology will not replace the need for “boots on the ground,” especially with agricultural/rural, commercial and complex appraisals.
• As many appraisers consider retirement, they find a part-time appraisal career could be rewarding.
• Many appraisers are self-employed and enjoy the independence an appraisal career affords them.
• Many appraisers are confident of their expertise in the field and feel little to no threat by competitors or technology.