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Title examiners perform several duties, which allow them to have variety in their everyday responsibilities.
The work of title examiners requires them to be accurate, detail-oriented, and to have other knowledge related to their job, and to have important personal skills.
States vary in the requirements for title examiners, with some states having very detailed educational and experience requirements.
Some other states are less strict yet still have regulations for who may work as a title examiner.
Certification can go a long way toward better job opportunities and career advancement.
Learning how to become a title examiner can lead to completing the steps to becoming a skilled and successful title examiner.
Job Description
Title examiners review and analyze various records and legal documents to determine the legal status of a property.
They use their skills to determine if there are any restrictions, such as delinquent taxes on a property.
They report any title encumbrances that occurred while performing their search activities.
Many people are likely to associate title examiners with the real estate industry and think that this is their only employment option.
The truth is that title examiners find employment across various industries, in addition to residential and corporate real estate.
Some examples of the job settings where title examiners work include working for insurance companies, law firms, and property development.
The evolving real estate industry and the growth of some other fields where title examiners may work can provide career growth, once people who want to become title examiners follow the steps for working in this industry.
Duties
- Search for and analyze records such as mortgages, contracts, liens, and judgments, to verify the legal description and ownership of properties
- Evaluate if there are existing restrictions on a property, and if the restrictions affect the current title status, or whether the property can be sold
- Compare the legal description of properties with public records for accuracy
- Review construction plans and right-of-way maps
- Update title records by inputting data into the designated record-keeping systems
- Copy and summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages or contracts, that affect a property’s title
- Prepare reports of the findings for each assigned property that highlight any discrepancies or other issues that may affect the sale of a property
- Using technology to compile, categorize, tabulate, and process information
- Work with and alongside various professionals, including real estate agents, lenders, property buyers, and court staff
Salary
Title examiners work in various industries, which is one reason that there can be a difference in their salary across these industries.
When the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed the salaries for title examiners in several industries, those who worked in the utilities industry, legal services, insurance, and real estate had the highest average salaries.
Sources also vary in their statements regarding the salary for title examiners.
Salary.com indicates that the average annual salary for title examiners is $47,588, as of April 1, 2025.
It can go as high as $57,872.
Several states pay an annual average salary that is above the average salary in the U.S.
Title examiners who work in Alaska earn an average of $51,514.
Title examiners who work in California earn an average salary of $52,490.
The average salary can go as high as $63,833.
PayScale indicates that the average salary for title examiners in the U.S. in 2025 is $54,522.
People who want to become title examiners should check the salary for the area where they want to work if they plan to work somewhere other than where they live now.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 450 | $57,290 | $27.54 | $75,560 | $38,060 |
| Alaska | 50 | $72,220 | $34.72 | $96,050 | $41,430 |
| Arizona | 1,810 | $64,020 | $30.78 | $95,620 | $42,260 |
| Arkansas | 580 | $48,430 | $23.29 | $68,460 | $34,850 |
| California | 4,270 | $84,540 | $40.64 | $121,840 | $53,680 |
| Colorado | 1,640 | $72,560 | $34.89 | $101,930 | $46,610 |
| Connecticut | 70 | $64,410 | $30.97 | $102,860 | $43,670 |
| Delaware | 90 | $56,140 | $26.99 | $72,870 | $37,440 |
| Florida | 4,850 | $56,090 | $26.97 | $77,280 | $36,940 |
| Georgia | 610 | $43,410 | $20.87 | $63,550 | $30,720 |
| Hawaii | 160 | $80,490 | $38.70 | $123,140 | $42,400 |
| Idaho | 500 | $57,300 | $27.55 | $76,760 | $38,180 |
| Illinois | 1,220 | $57,140 | $27.47 | $78,560 | $35,450 |
| Indiana | 1,120 | $46,490 | $22.35 | $62,220 | $33,390 |
| Iowa | 450 | $43,600 | $20.96 | $57,620 | $28,240 |
| Kansas | 490 | $53,970 | $25.95 | $76,360 | $37,160 |
| Kentucky | 320 | $51,300 | $24.66 | $77,990 | $38,130 |
| Louisiana | 540 | $50,570 | $24.31 | $74,390 | $31,200 |
| Maine | 90 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| Maryland | 760 | $60,250 | $28.97 | $84,330 | $43,470 |
| Massachusetts | ** | $71,350 | $34.30 | $99,540 | $43,610 |
| Michigan | 2,240 | $52,830 | $25.40 | $71,010 | $39,160 |
| Minnesota | 450 | $60,580 | $29.12 | $74,520 | $41,960 |
| Mississippi | 160 | $49,160 | $23.63 | $70,510 | $29,450 |
| Missouri | 1,620 | $43,810 | $21.06 | $59,590 | $29,570 |
| Montana | 280 | $56,470 | $27.15 | $74,540 | $39,200 |
| Nebraska | 440 | $49,440 | $23.77 | $65,620 | $38,810 |
| Nevada | 290 | $62,860 | $30.22 | $83,870 | $46,030 |
| New Hampshire | 40 | $57,940 | $27.85 | $70,650 | $46,680 |
| New Jersey | 640 | $65,350 | $31.42 | $80,460 | $47,350 |
| New Mexico | 730 | $53,440 | $25.69 | $78,310 | $36,770 |
| New York | 2,230 | $77,210 | $37.12 | $148,250 | $45,360 |
| North Carolina | 380 | $56,810 | $27.31 | $71,940 | $41,280 |
| North Dakota | 180 | $62,190 | $29.90 | $89,100 | $40,300 |
| Ohio | 1,370 | $53,780 | $25.86 | $73,530 | $37,820 |
| Oklahoma | 1,340 | $48,120 | $23.14 | $74,510 | $27,500 |
| Oregon | 560 | $78,310 | $37.65 | $106,950 | $49,520 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,780 | $50,850 | $24.45 | $74,870 | $25,730 |
| Rhode Island | 140 | $58,540 | $28.14 | $78,400 | $45,810 |
| South Carolina | ** | $42,510 | $20.44 | $62,310 | $17,900 |
| South Dakota | 260 | $56,170 | $27.01 | $71,030 | $45,540 |
| Tennessee | 1,230 | $48,840 | $23.48 | $63,170 | $35,000 |
| Texas | 6,600 | $58,730 | $28.24 | $89,490 | $35,570 |
| Utah | 1,490 | $61,590 | $29.61 | $95,040 | $38,880 |
| Virginia | 1,630 | $52,220 | $25.11 | $77,480 | $35,380 |
| Washington | 780 | $62,080 | $29.85 | $88,710 | $44,530 |
| West Virginia | 190 | $68,010 | $32.70 | $85,130 | $47,600 |
| Wisconsin | 680 | $63,110 | $30.34 | $99,800 | $38,660 |
| Wyoming | 320 | $51,750 | $24.88 | $70,100 | $36,020 |
| Puerto Rico | 110 | $43,580 | $20.95 | $54,900 | $25,480 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is California, where the average salary is $84,540.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become a Title Examiner: Step-by-Step
Following the steps to becoming a title examiner can help those who are interested in this career to have a smooth path to meeting their career goal.
It may also help with employment opportunities and career advancement.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma
Some sources indicate that title examiners need to have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Those who want to apply to work in the industry with only a high school education need to complete business courses and any courses that their guidance counselor recommends for them.
Most people who want to become title examiners understand that today, most employers are likely to expect applicants to have more education.
Step 2: Earn a College Degree
Earning a college degree is important for future title examiners.
Some students may not be able to find a title examiner program in their area or an online program that aligns with their career goals.
Students who have issues with finding a title examiner program often enroll in a paralegal program or in a business program that offers courses in title examining, and in real estate.
It is probably best for those who want to become title examiners to check the educational requirements where they want to start their career.
Some other jurisdictions may list their educational requirements for title examiners.
The Orange County Government of Florida indicates that title examiners must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
They must also have three years of experience or a combination of education and experience.
Step 3: Gain Entry-Level Experience
Many title examiners start working in the field as title clerks or in other similar jobs.
These entry-level jobs can prepare title examiners for the type of work that they will do when they complete the process of becoming a title examiner.
It also shows employers that title examiners have already gained some experience working in a similar industry.
Step 4: Earn a Certification
Title examiners need to earn a certification if they choose this career path.
Many states have clear regulations and laws about the certification of title examiners.
It is important for anyone who wants to work as a title examiner to check the certification requirements in the state where they want to work.
Ohio requires that applicants receive a minimum grade of 80 percent on the Certified Title Examiner (CTE) test.
The test includes multiple-choice questions, true-false questions, and essay questions.
The Virginia Land Title Association (VLTA) is the only provider of title insurance courses for Virginia residents.
The association’s course, Virginia Certified Title Examiner, is a comprehensive program that covers all aspects of state and federal laws for title examiners.
Step 5: Gain Industry Experience
Start working as a title examiner after completing the other requirements to gain the experience and skills that are needed for this career.
Focusing on the most recent technology, research, and the ability to perform all duties that are required of title examiners likely helps them plan for career advancement and for completing continuing education or training requirements.
Step 6: Stay Up to Date on Industry Trends and Skills
Staying up to date on trends in the industry keeps title examiners informed of any changes in regulations at the state or federal level.
It also helps title examiners to show that they have the latest knowledge and skills to perform their duties, and to excel at their jobs.
Education
Although some sources indicate that a high school diploma or its equivalent is all that is required of title examiners, most title examiners likely have a minimum of an associate’s degree.
Some people complete a title examiner training course, while others know that they need to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Searching for an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in title examination may prove difficult because many schools do not offer degrees specifically in title examination.
Title examiners usually earn their degree in a similar program, such as real estate, relevant business programs, or paralegal programs.
Some states or counties may require that title examiners earn a bachelor’s degree before they can become licensed or certified to work in the state.
Check the state regulations for education requirements.
Licensing & Certification
Seven states require title examiners to have a license if they operate their title examining business.
North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Minnesota all charge a fee for licensure.
Certification is not a general requirement to work as a title examiner in the U.S.
It is a requirement for many employers, and in some states.
Gaining a certification shows that the title examiner has comprehensive knowledge and skills for the career.
Certification shows that title examiners completed rigorous training.
It enhances their credibility in their field and helps to build positive professional relationships.
Job Outlook
The ever-evolving field of real estate is one reason for the career growth opportunities for title examiners.
Title examiners who hold a degree and a certification will likely have a better job outlook, compared to those who do not have a college degree or a certification.
People who work in a specialty area will likely have a better job outlook than title examiners who do not work in a specialized area.
Examples include that some title examiners specialize in residential properties while others specialize in commercial properties.
There is an expected average job growth outlook for title examiners over the next several years.
Should You Become a Title Examiner? (Data-Driven Review)
Overall Satisfaction – High
Title examiners who have the education and certification have the best career growth opportunities.
They are more likely to stay in their job longer than those who do not have the education or certification to advance in their career as a title examiner.
Most sources list overall job satisfaction on a scale where five stars are the highest rating.
Title examiners usually rate 3.7 to 3.8 overall job satisfaction when using this type of rating.
Some sources use a percentage scale to rate the results of their job satisfaction.
Payscale indicates that 70 percent of title examiners rated their job as providing a high level of satisfaction.
Average Salary – Average
Entry-level title examiners who do not have experience are likely to earn an average salary that is on the lower end of the average salary for title examiners in the U.S.
Title examiners who have more education, training, and experience are likely to earn a better salary.
Working in a specialized niche of title examining, completing continuing education credits, and earning certification are all things that title examiners can do to increase their salary.
Job Growth Outlook – Average
The evolving field of real estate and the need for qualified title examiners help to drive the job growth outlook in this career.
Some sources reveal that title examiners who work in a specialized niche are often in high demand.
Although the general job growth outlook is not as high as in some other industries, people who are able to transition into management, or who easily adapt to new changes in technology may have a better job growth outlook.
Education Duration – 2 to 4 Years
Some sources indicate that a college degree is not required to become a title examiner.
They indicate that starting a career as a title examiner only requires a high school education.
Several states and many employers require that title examiners have a college degree.
They usually need to complete continuing education credits.
Future title examiners usually must complete a college-level program in a similar area, such as real estate, business, or a paralegal program.
Earning a certification does not require completing many years of college, as is the case with some other careers.
Personal Skills Needed
Title examiners need more than the technical skills that are required for the career.
They need to have several personal skills that will help them perform their duties.
The personal skills that title examiners need include:
- Excellent research skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Time management skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Active listening skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Monitoring and assessing oneself and others
- Continuous learning skills
- Excellent reading comprehension skills
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a title examiner?
A minimum of a high school diploma is required to become a title examiner.
Some states, some local jurisdictions, and many employers require title examiners to have a minimum of an associate’s degree.
Some areas and some employers require title examiners to have a Bachelor’s degree.
How much money does a title examiner make a year?
The salary that title examiners earn depends partly on their education, whether they are certified title examiners, the area where they work, and their experience.
The average salary range for title examiners in the U.S., as of April 1, 2025, ranges between $47,588 to $63,833.
Title examiners who work in a specialized area often earn more money compared to those title examiners who do not work in a specialized niche.
What skills do you need to have to be a title examiner?
Title examiners need to have strong knowledge of the legal system.
They need to have technical knowledge that is specific to title examiners.
Some other skills that title examiners need to have are excellent research skills, strong communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, good customer service skills, and time management skills.
Are title examiners in high demand?
The general demand for title examiners is not a high-growth career field.
It is not a declining career field because there will be an increase in jobs over the next few years.
The demand for certified title examiners and those with specialized knowledge will likely be higher than for other title examiners.
What kind of education do you need to be a title examiner?
Most employers require that title examiners have a minimum of an associate’s degree, although many are likely to prefer them to hold a bachelor’s degree.
Earning a certification from the American Land Title Association or the Certified Title Examiner from the Association of Title Examiners can help with getting a job as a title examiner and with career advancement.
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