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Property Appraiser Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Summary Description This position provides technical and administrative support for the department's property appraisal functions and day-to-day administrative operations. Job Duties/Responsibilities ...

VP, Valuation Management

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Certified General Real Property Appraiser License is a plus * MAI designation is desirable or if you are a candidate for MAI designation * Strong valuation expertise * MS Office Suite including ...

SVP, Valuation Management

West Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Certified General Real Property Appraiser License is a plus * MAI designation is desirable or if you are a candidate for MAI designation * Strong valuation expertise * MS Office Suite including ...

Appraisal Technician

Nevada, IA ยท On-site

$59K - $86K/yr

Files all property record cards with new construction or revaluation changes by parcel number. * Performs related duties. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION * Knowledge of modern office principles ...

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Showing results 1-20

Property Appraiser information

See Iowa salary details

$31K

$51.6K

$82.2K

How much do property appraiser jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for property appraiser in Iowa is $51,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,900.00 and $58,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a property appraiser?

A property appraiser is a person responsible for the evaluation of residential real estate and the determination of its value, based on factors like the size of the home, location, comparable homes in nearby neighborhoods, and projected growth of the area. You often work closely with real estate agents, mortgage lenders, banks, and insurance companies to determine the value of various residences. A good property appraiser must have strong attention to detail and be able to build relationship networks with other real estate professionals.

What does a property appraiser do?

A Property Appraiser is responsible for evaluating the value of real estate properties for purposes such as sales, taxation, insurance, or development. They inspect properties, analyze market trends, and review comparable sales to determine fair market value. Their work is crucial for mortgage lending, property tax assessments, and real estate transactions, ensuring that properties are valued accurately and fairly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a property appraiser, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Property Appraiser, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of real estate markets, and typically a state license or certification. Familiarity with appraisal software, MLS databases, and GIS mapping systems is important for conducting accurate property evaluations. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and integrity help appraisers build trust with clients and provide clear, unbiased assessments. These skills and qualities are essential for producing reliable appraisals that support fair property transactions and comply with legal standards.

What are some common challenges property appraisers face when assessing unique or atypical properties?

Property Appraisers often encounter challenges when valuing properties that have unusual features, limited comparable sales, or are located in rapidly changing neighborhoods. These situations require additional research, creative problem-solving, and sometimes consultation with other experts to ensure an accurate appraisal. Appraisers must also stay current with local market trends and regulations, and may need to justify their valuation approaches in detailed reports or during audits. Collaboration with real estate agents, local government officials, and other appraisers can be essential in overcoming these obstacles.

What is the difference between Property Appraiser vs Tax Assessor?

AspectProperty AppraiserTax Assessor
CredentialsReal estate or appraisal certifications, sometimes state licensingReal estate or appraisal certifications, often state licensing
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, field inspections, appraisal reviewsGovernment offices, field inspections, property assessments
Employer & IndustryLocal government, appraisal firmsLocal government, tax offices
Search & ComparisonOften compared for property valuation rolesRelated but focuses on tax assessment process

Both Property Appraisers and Tax Assessors work in local government settings, often with overlapping credentials. Property Appraisers primarily determine property values for various purposes, while Tax Assessors focus on assessing property values for tax purposes. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job responsibilities in property valuation and taxation.

Is becoming a property appraiser difficult?

Becoming a property appraiser requires completing specific education, passing licensing exams, and gaining experience through supervised work. The process can be challenging due to the technical knowledge and certification requirements involved in the profession.

Is being a property appraiser a good career?

Property appraisers evaluate real estate values for taxation, sales, and financing purposes, often requiring knowledge of appraisal methods and state licensing. The career offers stable employment with opportunities for advancement and typically involves working in an office or on-site at properties. It can be a good choice for individuals interested in real estate, valuation, and analytical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Property Appraiser jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Property Appraiser jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Property Appraiser jobs in IA?

For Property Appraiser jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Property Appraiser job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,565 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Certified Residential Appraiser - Nationwide Opportunities

Nevada, IA โ€ข On-site, Remote

First American
Finance and Insuranceย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Who We AreJoin a team that puts its People First! As member of First American's family of companies, Mortgage Solutions provides lenders with solutions to originate, close and service quality loans. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.What We DoFirst American is hiring appraisers nationwide to support our growing valuation services team. Join us to work on diverse assignments across the U.S. with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
We are currently seeking experienced Appraisers in the following markets:
Chicago, IL
San Francisco/Oakland, CA
Dallas, TX
Washington DC
Houston, TX
Pittsburgh, PA
Indianapolis, IN
San Jose, CA
Boston, MA
Portland, OR
Boise, ID
Philadelphia, PA
Austin, TX
Raleigh, NC
Charlotte, NC
Jacksonville, FL
Las Vegas, NV
Conduct an unbiased and impartial assessment of market areas, statistics, and other pertinent information regarding specific properties; analyze data, and develop an estimate of property value in accordance with government, company, regulatory board, and client specific guidelines.

What You'll Do

  • Conducts an unbiased and impartial assessment of market areas, statistics, and other pertinent information regarding specific properties, analyzes data, and develops an estimate of property value in accordance with government, company, regulatory board, and client specific guidelines.

  • Documents on-site assessments with photographs, measurements, similar sales values, and demographic information.

  • Draws land diagrams and other visual documentation.

  • Considers all factors that could influence property value including land, neighborhoods, trends, future community changes, shopping centers, schools, parks, etc. This also includes the construction, condition, special features and functional design.

  • Generates fee quotes.

  • Presents final evaluations and property value estimates to home buyers, sellers, investors, creditors, leasing and real estate agents.

  • Partners with Lead Appraiser to resolve ongoing requests and make process improvement recommendations to eliminate addendums and quality control rejections.

  • Participates in monthly Appraiser meeting.

  • Meets all department turn time expectations and proactively escalates appropriately if timeframes are unable to be met.


What You'll Bring

  • Minimum of 0-1 years of related experience with a mortgage and/or appraisal company

  • Preferred experience in REO appraisals

  • HUD/FHA experience

  • Bachelor's Degree required

  • Ability to work within varying client-driven deadlines

  • Exceptional analytical and narrative writing skills

  • Ability to analyze data, draw sound conclusions and summarize results

  • Detail oriented and self-motivated

  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, accurate environment

  • Must have good communication skills, both written and verbal, and must be able to deliver a clear and understandable message to a variety of audiences including appraisers, vendors and operational staff

  • Good organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize and follow up

  • Active Appraiser license or certification as required by state's regulatory agency

This position pays a state minimum wage draw against a percentage fee split.This hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.What We OfferBy choice, we don't simply accept individuality - we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First culture is inclusive for all employees - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.