How much does an auto appraiser make?
a year · about $38 an hour
A typical auto appraiser in the United States makes $78,240 a year, about $38 an hour, about 1.5× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
At a body shop, an auto appraiser checks a damaged car for body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage. Then they use parts-and-labor guides to estimate repairs and review the cost with the shop.
Did you know? An auto appraiser may estimate what a wrecked car is still worth as salvage—even after deciding it is a total loss.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $58,360 and $101,590How do you become one?
In the U.S., people often start after high school, around age 18, by studying collision repair or gaining auto-shop experience. They train with an experienced appraiser for months; some states require a license and exam.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like keeping things organized and building and doing
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill at estimating repair costs, as well as location and employer. BLS data show differences between insurance carriers and agencies, and the BLS publishes state-by-state wage estimates. Most auto appraisers work regular hours, so night or weekend shifts are less usual.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Kentucky ($97,950), lowest in Florida ($61,320).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $58,360 | $78,240 | $101,590 | about 12,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $97,950 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $95,720 | about 310 |
| New Jersey | $94,280 | — |
| Connecticut | $89,740 | about 210 |
| South Carolina | $86,680 | about 220 |
Official definition: Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/claims-adjusters-appraisers-examiners-and
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1032.00
- www.mass.gov/info-details/licensing-steps-motor-vehicle-damage-appraisers
- www.mass.gov/doc/7222025-adalb-meeting-notice/download
- www.bls.gov/oes/2025/may/oessrcst.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY