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Property Assessor: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you like to check things out and see what they’re worth? Are you motivated? Can you handle details and make good decisions? Then you may find value in a career as a property assessor.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Property Assessor

Property assessors determine the value of land, buildings, businesses, structures, and certain types of machinery and equipment for property tax purposes.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Appraiser, Assessor, Land Assessor

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 1235.1: Assessors

2006 NOC-S

  • B115: Assessors, Valuators and Appraisers

2011 NOC

  • 1314: Assessors, valuators and appraisers

2016 NOC

  • 1314: Assessors, valuators and appraisers

2021 NOC

  • 12203: Assessors, business valuators and appraisers

2023 OaSIS

  • 12203.01: Assessors
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

In general, property assessors:

  • Inspect properties of all types including single-family dwellings, apartment buildings, shopping centres, recreational facilities, hotels, office buildings, farm land, petroleum sites, and other commercial and industrial sites and facilities
  • Collect and analyze statistics and other information relating to the value of property or businesses, such as sales or rental income, construction methods and costs, and market conditions
  • Determine market value assessments by applying mass appraisal and assessment techniques and principles, in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and other pertinent regulations, legislation, and best practice publications
  • Produce, defend, and maintain the municipal assessment roll
  • Explain assessed values to property owners, municipal officials, and provincial auditors
  • Defend valuations at assessment review boards

Property assessors must understand and keep current with rules, laws, and bylaws affecting property assessment and taxation. These can include:

  • Provincial legislation and regulations
  • Minister’s guidelines
  • Municipal bylaws
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Property assessors work in offices and in the field. They inspect property and improvements to validate data. They may need to travel a lot in urban or rural areas. Occasionally, they work long and irregular hours to meet deadlines and attend meetings.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Assessors

2006 NOC: 1235.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
METHODICAL

Interest in analyzing data such as past sales, title searches, engineering and alignment maps, soil maps, subdivision plans, water and sewer plans, location costs and easements

directive

Interest in advising people on the value of land, buildings, structures, machinery, equipment and property improvements for purposes of sale, purchase, taxation and disposal of assets

social

Interest in speaking with ratepayers to explain assessment process

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Property assessors need:

  • Mature judgment
  • Initiative and motivation
  • Attention to detail
  • Oral and written communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Negotiation skills
  • Stress-management skills
  • To make decisions and accept responsibility for them
  • Skills with statistical and computer analysis

They should enjoy analyzing data, taking a methodical approach to their work, making decisions, and working with people.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Assessors, valuators and appraisers

2016 NOC: 1314

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 11 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between May 13, 2022 and Mar 19, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Client focus
Reliability
Tasks: Appraise value of property and buildings
Team player
Flexibility
Tasks: Prepare appraisal reports for buyers or auctioneers
Tasks: Prepare appraisal reports for lending agencies and insurance companies
Tasks: Prepare appraisal reports for government departments
Security and Safety: Criminal record check
Attention to detail 10
Construction Specialization: Client focus 9
Construction Specialization: Reliability 9
Tasks: Appraise value of property and buildings 9
Construction Specialization: Team player 8
Construction Specialization: Flexibility 8
Tasks: Prepare appraisal reports for buyers or auctioneers 8
Tasks: Prepare appraisal reports for lending agencies and insurance companies 8
Tasks: Prepare appraisal reports for government departments 8
Security and Safety: Criminal record check 7
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

Working as a property assessor in Alberta requires 1 of:

  • The AMAA designation from the Alberta Assessors’ Association (AAA)
  • The AACI designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC)
  • The CAE designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAOO)

The AMAA designation can take 4 to 8 years to earn. It involves completion of at least a diploma in Urban Land Economics (with a specialization in assessment) plus field experience.

However, the AAA has partnered with the University of British Columbia to offer a Fast-Track program to their AMAA designation. It is open to bachelor’s level graduates of Canadian business schools. For more information, see Certification Requirements.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Lakeland College

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Municipal or Provincial Assessor

Municipal and provincial assessors determine the value of land, buildings, businesses, structures, and certain types of machinery and equipment for property tax purposes.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Municipal Government Act [pdf] and Qualifications of Assessor Regulation [pdf], to engage in the practice of assessment, you must be an accredited member of the Alberta Assessors’ Association (AAA) or hold a designation from the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) or the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO).

Under Alberta’s Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act [pdf] and Municipal Assessor Regulation [pdf], you must register as an accredited member of the Alberta Assessors’ Association (AAA) to call yourself an Accredited Municipal Assessor of Alberta (AMAA).

You do not have to register with the AAA if you do not call yourself an Accredited Municipal Assessor of Alberta.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Municipal or Provincial Assessor.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

In Alberta, municipalities are the primary employers and contractors of assessment services. They must appoint an assessor according to the Municipal Government Act. Small towns and municipalities often use the assessment services of private companies. Larger municipal districts, counties, and metropolitan centres may have their own assessment staff.

Property assessors also may work for the Government of Alberta or private industry. They may work in an assessor capacity for the Centralized Assessment of Industrial Property (CIPA) or as an assessment auditor who reviews municipal assessments. They also may become company tax representatives or move into related appraisal fields.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Assessors, valuators and appraisers
2016 NOC: 1314

86.7% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Assessors, business valuators and appraisers
2021 NOC: 12203
Balanced
Job Market
2,500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Assessors, valuators and appraisers
2016 NOC: 1314
1.9%
Annual Growth
(Below average)
14
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Many property assessors work on a contract basis, so their earnings may vary widely.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Assessors, business valuators and appraisers

2021 NOC: 12203
Average Wage
$48.50
Per Hour
Average Salary
$94,402.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 12203 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

A: High Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $20.19 $53.91 $37.99 $37.94
Overall $28.85 $61.10 $48.50 $51.28
Top $36.06 $109.62 $61.65 $55.29

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $94,402
Public Administration $95,776

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
32%
32%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
50%
50%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
2%
2%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Agriculture and Related Technologies
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Alberta Assessors’ Association website: www.assessor.ab.ca

Appraisal Institute of Canada Alberta (AIC-AB) website: www.aicanada.ca/province-alberta/alberta

Canadian National Association of Real Estate Appraisers (CNAREA) website: cnarea.ca

International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO) website: www.iaao.org

Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) website: www.reca.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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