Loan Officers
Loan officers evaluate and authorize loans for commercial, real estate, and credit purposes. They assess borrower financial status, recommend approval or denial, and advise on payment methods. Loan officers work in banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and other financial institutions, reviewing applications and meeting with clients.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against loan officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A loan officer's week involves reviewing loan applications, verifying financial documents, and conducting credit analysis. They meet with prospective borrowers to discuss loan terms and assess repayment capacity. Officers prepare recommendations for approval or denial, communicate decisions to applicants, and may handle loan servicing or collection tasks. Administrative work includes documenting files and staying current on lending regulations.
Who this work suits
Holland code CES. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to like this work if you're drawn to structured problem-solving with financial data and enjoy taking charge of decisions that affect others' opportunities. You do well here if you're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable with both numbers and client relationships.
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
- FARM LOAN OFFICER (AGRICULTURAL) · Farm Service Agency · Multiple Locations · $62044–$97593
- Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) · LendingTree · USA · Remote
- Senior Loan Officer · RenoFi · USA · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $79,760 | $101,600 | $136,940 | 4,470 |
| Connecticut | $63,790 | $95,730 | $121,360 | 2,220 |
| New York | $62,670 | $95,710 | $148,890 | 10,840 |
| Minnesota | $73,240 | $95,170 | $125,550 | 6,430 |
| Colorado | $60,730 | $94,520 | $125,430 | 3,230 |
| Oregon | $64,170 | $94,440 | $126,740 | 4,220 |
| New Jersey | $62,740 | $92,920 | $131,870 | 6,200 |
| District of Columbia | $64,940 | $92,890 | $125,720 | 370 |
| Vermont | $64,420 | $88,710 | $125,960 | 350 |
| Kansas | $63,930 | $86,970 | $125,800 | 3,540 |
| North Dakota | $63,320 | $84,650 | $102,540 | 1,370 |
| Iowa | $66,550 | $83,670 | $104,790 | 2,840 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Commercial Loan Officer (CCLO) — Independent Community Bankers of America
- SAFE Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) — Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry
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
and 9 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against loan officers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2072.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.