Credit Analysts
Credit analysts review financial documents and credit histories to assess the risk of lending money to individuals or businesses. They examine financial statements, payment records, and economic factors to make recommendations about whether to approve loans or extend credit. Credit analysts work in banks, credit unions, financial services firms, and other lending institutions.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against credit analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A credit analyst reviews loan applications by examining tax returns, bank statements, and credit reports. They prepare written analyses documenting their findings and risk assessments for lending committees. Some time is spent comparing applicant financial data against lending criteria, contacting references or applicants for missing information, and updating spreadsheets. Reports and recommendations are completed for review before lending decisions are made.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
People who succeed as credit analysts tend to be detail-oriented and methodical, enjoying analysis of data and financial documents. If you prefer structured work with clear rules and enjoy making business decisions based on evidence, this role suits you. Those with both analytical interests and entrepreneurial instincts—wanting to understand risk and business viability—often thrive in this position.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Analyst II, Credit · Affirm · Remote · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $99,210 | $133,270 | $202,380 | 7,960 |
| District of Columbia | $80,250 | $132,590 | $207,120 | 50 |
| Virginia | $81,330 | $102,430 | $140,490 | 2,460 |
| New Jersey | $80,280 | $100,940 | $131,320 | 1,220 |
| Hawaii | $62,640 | $98,900 | $148,840 | 130 |
| Connecticut | $76,570 | $98,230 | $122,520 | 560 |
| California | $76,380 | $97,860 | $138,710 | 5,260 |
| Massachusetts | $74,110 | $97,080 | $131,030 | 1,400 |
| Delaware | $79,270 | $94,680 | $117,200 | 720 |
| North Carolina | $76,030 | $94,570 | $124,270 | 3,270 |
| Washington | $73,190 | $91,160 | $119,660 | 1,280 |
| Rhode Island | $70,790 | $85,920 | $104,310 | 160 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Community Bank Credit Analyst (CCBCA) — Independent Community Bankers of America
- Certified Credit Examiner (CCE) — Conference of State Bank Supervisors
- Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) — National Association of Home Builders
- Credit Business Associate (CBA) — National Association of Credit Management
- Certified Credit Executive (CCE) — National Association of Credit Management
- Chartered Certified Risk Analyst (CRA) — American Academy of Financial Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against credit analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2041.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.