Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
SOC Code: 23-2093Also known as:
Abstract Clerk, Abstract Searcher, Abstract Writer, Abstractor, Advisory Title Officer
Median Annual Salary
$54,980
+2.0% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
57K
Current Jobs
What Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers Do
Search real estate records, examine titles, or summarize pertinent legal or insurance documents or details for a variety of purposes. May compile lists of mortgages, contracts, and other instruments pertaining to titles by searching public and private records for law firms, real estate agencies, or title insurance companies.
💰 Salary
$54,980
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
57,400
Projected Employment (2034)
58,500
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Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Examine documentation such as mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, plat books, maps, contracts, and agreements to verify factors such as properties' legal descriptions, ownership, or restrictions.
- Examine individual titles to determine if restrictions, such as delinquent taxes, will affect titles and limit property use.
- Prepare reports describing any title encumbrances encountered during searching activities and outlining actions needed to clear titles.
- Copy or summarize recorded documents, such as mortgages, trust deeds, and contracts, that affect property titles.
- Verify accuracy and completeness of land-related documents accepted for registration, preparing rejection notices when documents are not acceptable.
- Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.
- Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties.
- Obtain maps or drawings delineating properties from company title plants, county surveyors, or assessors' offices.
- Confer with realtors, lending institution personnel, buyers, sellers, contractors, surveyors, and courthouse personnel to exchange title-related information or to resolve problems.
- Enter into record-keeping systems appropriate data needed to create new title records or to update existing ones.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a title examiners, abstractors, and searchers:
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
9,493 degrees awarded •
473 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become title examiners, abstractors, and searchers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do title examiners, abstractors, and searchers make?
The median annual salary for title examiners, abstractors, and searchers is $54,980.
What education do title examiners, abstractors, and searchers need?
Most title examiners, abstractors, and searchers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Legal Assistant/Paralegal.
Is becoming title examiners, abstractors, and searchers a good career choice?
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers is projected to see +2.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for title examiners, abstractors, and searchers?
Top colleges for aspiring title examiners, abstractors, and searchers include
University of San Diego, Grand Valley State University, Indiana University-Indianapolis, Eastern Kentucky University, University of West Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to title examiners, abstractors, and searchers?
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers may also be known as: Abstract Clerk, Abstract Searcher, Abstract Writer, Abstractor, Advisory Title Officer, Automotive Title Clerk, Closing Specialist, Commercial Title Examiner, Data Abstractor, DMV Title Clerk (Department of Motor Vehicles Title Clerk), Escrow Officer, Land and Estates Officer, Land Examiner, Land Title Examiner, Lease Examiner, Legal Instruments Examiner, License and Title Clerk, Lien Searcher, Real Estate Transaction Coordinator, Record Searcher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.