What other jobs or industries can I get into with a background in appraising (commercial)?
If I have a certified appraiser's license and years of experience in appraising commercial real estate, what other jobs or fields can I possibly qualify for?   If it matters, I also have a degree in finance.  I feel that the amount of work/hours I'm putting into right now isn't really worth what I'm making in return.  I'm on a fee-split right now making roughly $65K in Los Angeles.  Is this the ceiling for a commercial appraiser? Or are my company's fees just low?  How much should a commercial certified appraiser be making after roughly 7-8 years of experience?
[{"id": "cdysw60", "text": "Have you thought of reviewing for a bank or trying to get a gig as a chief appraiser at a bank?  Some chief appraisers make upwards of $100K.  Also, you can try looking into valuation divisions with some accounting firms.  I have a buddy that got an offer from Deloitte for a valuation type of position.", "replies": [{"id": "cdyxbax", "text": "Was your buddy a commercial real estate appraiser first?", "replies": [{"id": "cdyxdqr", "text": "I believe he did residential appraisals first.", "replies": [{"id": "cdyxeih", "text": "Ah ok, thanks.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cdyw0g9", "text": "To be an internal appraiser for a bank you will most likely need not only an appraiser's license but an MAI designation. You would also need experience as both a commercial and residential appraiser as you will be looking at both types in a small institution {under $1 billion}. My prior employer {$20+/- billion bank in assets} stole the regional appraiser from a national bank and I am pretty sure they had to pay him between $130K to $175K to come over. The guy did have 20+ years of experience and was known to a member of top management. \n\nWith both a finance degree and 7-8 years of commercial appraisal experience you could try commercial real estate lending. The problem is that you would have to find a lending institution willing to \"train\" you and willing to put up with the fact that you are not bringing in the contacts that translate into quick bookings. Commercial lenders {both real estate as C&amp;I} can make a lot of money if they are proven producers. And by a lot of money, I mean over $300K depending on the way that their bonus structure is setup. There are places out there that actually uncap the bonuses and if you book a few multi-million dollar deals you can make that kind of compensation. A more reasonable range would be between $60K and $175K for CRE lenders. \n\nSource: I am a banker\n", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cdywhbe", "text": "I'm a certified general with 6 years experience.  I work in a smaller market and make roughly 130k.  Do you work for a small shop or a national firm?  From the people I've talked to, and in my experience, you can make much more with national firms (I work for one).  The MAI's in our office make 200k+.  I would recommend looking at Cushman or CBRE.", "replies": [{"id": "cdywo28", "text": "What kind of requirements do the national firms have? I'm with a small shop right now but am looking to start applying at a national firm in the next year or two. Have any tips? ", "replies": [{"id": "cdyx87g", "text": "Just experience.  Bringing your own clients is a plus.  Most national firms are hiring right now.  I would start networking with the local managers ASAP.", "replies": [{"id": "cdyxf3t", "text": "Do appraisers at national firms get paid salary or is based on a fee split?  Sorry if I'm bugging you with these questions.  I don't really know anyone at a national firm so I don't have anyone else to reach out to!", "replies": [{"id": "cdzcu4i", "text": "No worries!  I'm here to help!\n\nFee split, there's a base salary draw, but nobody ever hits it.  It's just there for emergencies.\n\nSplits range from 35-50% depending upon who brought the job in, how much you bill over the year, and if you have an MAI. ", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}, {"id": "cdyxcfx", "text": "Jesus, that is a lot for an appraiser. How many reports are you turning out per month and what is your fee split?", "replies": [{"id": "cdyxgrs", "text": "Yeah that's quite a lot.  I feel like I'd have to be pumping out 8 or so per month but I guess that depends on the fees that we're getting from our clients. ", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "cdzcuzl", "text": "Splits range from 35-50%.  Probably 5-8 reports a month.  Average fee between 4-6k.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "cg45src", "text": "Look on INDEED buddy!. Several postings came up this month, for LOS ANGELES area. Try to stay in the FINANCE INSTITUTION realm of appraising. ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]