Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
What is a loan originator and how to become one
If you've ever tried to get a bank loan or mortgage, the chances are that you've encountered a loan originator. They are the door to getting a loan, and they hold your hand through the process.
The job of a loan originator is two-fold. First, they convince the borrower that their loan schemes are the best. Secondly, they help borrowers choose loans with the most suitable conditions. As a loan originator, you may be paid on commission, which makes you a salesman.
Other responsibilities associated with this career path include evaluating borrowers' financial history, submitting loan applications, and providing continued assistance to the borrowers.
There are no specific educational requirements for this profession. However, you'll need to register with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry (NMLS) and pass the required national exam. You'll also need sales-related skills like persuasion and listening.
Avg. Salary $41,291
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth Rate 4%
Growth Rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%
Asian 6.41%
Black or African American 9.24%
Hispanic or Latino 16.06%
Unknown 4.64%
White 63.17%
Genderfemale 46.02%
male 53.98%
Age - 44American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 44Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is fair
6.4 - fair
Loan Originator career paths
Key steps to become a loan originator
Explore loan originator education requirements
Start to develop specific loan originator skills
Skills 
Percentages Customer Service 18.25% Origination 8.70% FHA 5.91% Va 5.91% Phone Calls 5.55% Complete relevant loan originator training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New loan originators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a loan originator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real loan originator resumes.Research loan originator duties and responsibilities
- Supervise and manage the processing staff and also underwrite conventional loans for correspondent lenders.
- Complete yearly the NMLS continuing education requirements.
- Direct lender with FNMA while maintaining all loan servicing.
- Increase revenues and product awareness by cross-selling service lines and packages.
Prepare your loan originator resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your loan originator resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a loan originator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose From 10+ Customizable Loan Originator Resume templates
Build a professional Loan Originator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Loan Originator resume.
Apply for loan originator jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a loan originator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How Did You Land Your First Loan Originator Job
Are you a Loan Originator?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average loan originator salary
The average Loan Originator salary in the United States is $41,291 per year or $20 per hour. Loan originator salaries range between $28,000 and $60,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
How do loan originators rate their job?
Loan Originator reviews
Helping People, secure a better financial future
Having to Decline applicants
when a person being assisted to obtain a loan to uplift their lives
when more loans are deliquent
This is a challenging position. It is not a one-size-fits-all job. The nature of your work depends heavily on the loan officer you work under. High-volume is no joke. You'll need to be sharp and focused all-day, every day you come to work.
It's lots of sitting in a chair. It requires 100% computer time, so you'll need to schedule breaks and get up and walk around intentionally.
Updated January 8, 2025
