Tax assessors determine the amount of property tax to be paid for a particular piece of real estate. They are typically employed by state and local governments and must be knowledgeable of tax laws and the areas in which they work. Certification and other requirements for tax assessors vary by state.

General Education Requirements

Aspiring tax assessors should obtain at least an associate’s degree in a finance related field, though some municipalities require only a high school diploma and relevant professional experience. At any education level, tax assessors can greatly benefit from courses in real estate law, finance and economics. Job applicants should also hone their organizational skills, as they are expected to be familiar with entire communities and tax structure.

Certification and Training

While there are no federal certification standards for tax assessors, some states require certification similar to that of real estate appraisers but with a focus on property tax administration. Those seeking tax assessor jobs can obtain certification from programs like the International Association of Assessing Officers, which offers a designation for tax assessors that requires applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree. New tax assessors can seek employment in an existing assessor’s office, which typically provides training on the job.

Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate salary

• Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $107,090 ($51.49/hour)
• Median Annual Salary: $58,650 ($28.20/hour)
• Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $32,990 ($15.86/hour)