Finance

How to become a Loan Officer

From bank teller: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$55k–$95k

Starting from

Bank teller

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from bank teller and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–4 months

   Learn lending fundamentals

   Credit, income calculation, debt ratios and the underwriting mindset.

   Course that covers thisAccounting Fundamentals: From Zero to HeroUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   Get NMLS licensed if you do mortgages

   20 hours of pre-licensing plus a national exam and a background check.

   ◆ NMLS licence

3. 3

   1–2 years

   Build a referral network

   Realtors and past clients. Loan officer income is a pipeline business.

4. ✓

   Destination

   Loan Officer

   Browse jobs now →

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