How to become loan officerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Finance Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$76,690

25th–75th pct. $52,730–$104,080

Top pay (est.)

$199,100

Top 10% $153,180

Pay in 5 years

$85,100est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$94,500est.

$81,200–$109,700

Outlook score

39/100

★★☆☆☆ Below average

AI replacement risk

75%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+1.1%

17K openings / yr

How to become loan officers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

Less than 5 years

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Loan Officers

Key skills

Active Listening

4.0

Critical Thinking

4.0

Reading Comprehension

4.0

Speaking

4.0

Judgment and Decision Making

3.9

Writing

3.9

Service Orientation

3.5

Time Management

3.2

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service

5.6

Sales and Marketing

4.4

Mathematics

4.2

Economics and Accounting

4.2

Administration and Management

3.8

English Language

3.8

Law and Government

3.6

Computers and Electronics

3.5

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAnalyzing Data or InformationProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesGetting InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionWritten ExpressionWritten Comprehension

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

69%

Some college

13%

Associate's degree

11%

High school diploma

Post-bachelor's certificate

Training before entry

None / short demo

19%

1–3 months

18%

1–2 years

15%

6–12 months

13%

3–6 months

12%

Up to 1 month

10%

2–4 years

4–10 years

Related work experience

4–6 years

40%

2–4 years

31%

3–6 months

10%

Over 10 years

1–2 years

6–12 months

6–8 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as loan officers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals.	$78,660	39/100	80%
2	Billing and Posting Clerks Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes.	$48,500	29/100	81%
3	Financial and Investment Analysts Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.	$102,740	63/100	60%
4	Tellers Receive and pay out money.	$43,030	20/100	66%
5	Personal Financial Advisors Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate.	$105,070	40/100	82%
6	Bill and Account Collectors Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment.	$47,030	19/100	76%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.