How Much Does an Independent Appraiser make?

Independent Appraiser made a median salary around $153,019 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $176,634 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $132,184. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $132,184 10% $113,215 90% $198,136 75% $176,634 $153,019 50%(Median)
Check out Independent Appraiser jobs in San Jose, California

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Best-Paying Cities for Independent Appraiser

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Independent Appraiser profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $153,019
Santa Clara, CA $153,019
Saratoga, CA $153,019
Sunnyvale, CA $153,019
Los Gatos, CA $153,019

Best-Paying States for Independent Appraiser

The states and districts that pay Independent Appraiser the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $135,705) , California (around $134,486) , New Jersey (around $133,632) , Alaska (around $132,779) , and Massachusetts (around $132,657) .
District of Columbia $135,705
California $134,486
New Jersey $133,632
Alaska $132,779
Massachusetts $132,657

What is the Career Path of Independent Appraiser?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Independent Appraiser, the upper level is Appraisal Manager , and then progresses to Appraisal Senior Manager
Besides, Independent Appraiser can also turn to other related jobs, including Independent Auto Damage Appraiser , Field Auto Appraiser , Automobile Damage Appraiser and Appraiser III (Commercial Real Estate) .

Frequently Asked Questions for Independent Appraiser

Q: What is the salary range of Independent Appraiser in San Jose, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Independent Appraiser in San Jose, CA earned an average annual salary of $132,184 , while the highest-paid made $176,634.
Q: What is the salary for an Independent Appraiser in California?
A: Independent Appraiser employed in California earned an average salary of $134,486 in 2025.

Average Independent Appraiser Pay vs. Other Jobs

Independent Appraiser earned an average salary of $153,019 in 2025. Other jobs related to Independent Appraiser earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Independent Auto Damage Appraiser made $92,587 , Field Auto Appraiser made $96,909 , Automobile Damage Appraiser and Appraiser III (Commercial Real Estate) made $97,000 and $112,276 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Independent Appraiser

Independent Auto Damage Appraiser - Average Salary $92,587
There is currently no job description for Independent Auto Damage Appraiser, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Independent Auto Damage Appraiser.
Field Auto Appraiser - Average Salary $96,909
Performs field inspection and appraisal of automobiles that have been damaged to determine the extent of damage and the resources needed to restore the vehicle. Documents the parts, labor and materials needed for repairs and produce a detailed estimate of the costs. Advises claims team on specific repair options, cost, and cause of damages. Authorizes to declare vehicles total loss within allowable guidelines. May negotiate with repair shops to agree upon repair costs. May require a bachelor's degree. Depending on state, typically may require an appraiser license. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Automobile Damage Appraiser - Average Salary $97,000
The Automobile Damage Appraiser documents the parts, labor and materials needed for repairs and produce a detailed estimate of the costs. Performs field inspection and appraisal of automobiles that have been damaged to determine the extent of damage and the resources needed to restore the vehicle. Being an Automobile Damage Appraiser authorizes to declare vehicles total loss within allowable guidelines. Advises claims team on specific repair options, cost, and cause of damages. In addition, Automobile Damage Appraiser may negotiate with repair shops to agree upon repair costs. May require a bachelor's degree. Depending on state, typically may require an appraiser license. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Being an Automobile Damage Appraiser work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Working as an Automobile Damage Appraiser typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Appraiser III (Commercial Real Estate) - Average Salary $112,276
Conducts commercial real estate appraisals and property ratings to establish the market value generally used for investment guidance, lending, insurance, or other purposes. Follows standard processes for conducting and documenting on-site property inspections. Performs data collection and research on building permits, prior assessments, and relevant market and economic conditions that impact property value. Reviews building plans and specifications and investigates the quality of the construction, the overall condition of the property, and the surrounding location. Uses generally accepted appraisal practice concepts and practices to perform data analysis, develop valuation estimates, and write comprehensive reports and exhibits. Utilizes appraisal software tools and databases. Ensures that reports comply with required policies, formats, and regulations. May require a bachelor's degree. May require the Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) or similar designation. Requires a State Appraiser License. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Appraiser IV (Commercial Real Estate) - Average Salary $142,489
Conducts commercial real estate appraisals and property ratings to establish the market value generally used for investment guidance, lending, insurance, or other purposes. Follows standard processes for conducting and documenting on-site property inspections. Performs data collection and research on building permits, prior assessments, and relevant market and economic conditions that impact property value. Reviews building plans and specifications and investigates the quality of the construction, the overall condition of the property, and the surrounding location. Uses generally accepted appraisal practice concepts and practices to perform data analysis, develop valuation estimates, and write comprehensive reports and exhibits. Utilizes appraisal software tools and databases. Ensures that reports comply with required policies, formats, and regulations. May require a bachelor's degree. May require the Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI) or similar designation. Requires a State Appraiser License. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience.