Loan Interviewers and Clerks

People in this career spend their days interviewing applicants to gather personal and financial details, checking backgrounds, and verifying references. They evaluate information to ensure compliance with standards, process paperwork, and forward completed files to appraisal departments. Once a loan is approved, they review all documents for completeness and finalize transactions among borrowers, sellers, and lenders.

Succeeding in this role requires strong conventional interests, meaning a preference for structured, detail-oriented tasks. Clerks must utilize active listening, critical thinking, and clear speaking skills to interact with applicants and supervisors. They rely on knowledge of customer service, administrative procedures, basic mathematics, and computers to organize and document information. Key work styles for this job include dependability, cautiousness, integrity, and close attention to detail.

To enter this field, candidates typically need a high school diploma. However, the occupation generally requires medium preparation, which often includes vocational training, an associate degree, or related work experience. Students interested in this career path frequently choose college majors in finance and financial management services.

While specific credentials are not always mandatory, obtaining professional certifications can help demonstrate expertise to employers. Relevant certifications available in this field include the Accredited Mortgage Professional credential from the Mortgage Bankers Association of America, as well as the General Mortgage Associate designation offered by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers.

The median annual pay for loan interviewers and clerks was $50,020 in 2025. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $37,330, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $69,770.

Between the years 2025 and 2035, employment in this occupation is projected to decline by -2.4 percent. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, there are still about 10,500 job openings expected each year to replace workers who leave the field.