Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

SOC code 23-2093 · O*NET-SOC 23-2093.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Legal and protective services

Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$58,650

a year

Hourly

$28.20

per hour

10th$38,170Median$58,65090th$90,830

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$62,350

$29.97 per hour

Middle 50%

$47,420 – $74,810

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$38,170 – $90,830

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

48,580

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $38,170; $18.35/hr
25th percentile: $47,420; $22.80/hr
Median percentile: $58,650; $28.20/hr
75th percentile: $74,810; $35.97/hr
90th percentile: $90,830; $43.67/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Prepare and issue title commitments and title insurance policies, based on information compiled from title searches.
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.
Prepare lists of all legal instruments applying to a specific piece of land and the buildings on it.
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.
Read search requests to ascertain types of title evidence required and to obtain descriptions of properties and names of involved parties.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)55%
Bachelor's Degree14%
Some College Courses13%
Post-Secondary Certificate10%

Common questions

How much does a title examiners, abstractors, and searchers earn?

The national median is $58,650 a year. The full range runs from $38,170 at the 10th percentile to $90,830 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a title examiners, abstractors, and searchers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Writing3.3/5
Monitoring3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service3.8/5
Administrative3.8/5
English Language3.8/5
Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Administration and Management3.1/5
Production and Processing3.1/5
Law and Government2.8/5
Mathematics2.8/5

Transferable strengths: Time Management, Complex Problem Solving, Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making.