Loan Interviewers and Clerks

SOC code 43-4131 · O*NET-SOC 43-4131.00 · Medium preparation needed · Office and administration

Loan Interviewers and Clerks pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$50,020

a year

Hourly

$24.05

per hour

10th$37,330Median$50,02090th$69,770

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$52,520

$25.25 per hour

Middle 50%

$45,120 – $60,600

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$37,330 – $69,770

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

164,790

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $37,330; $17.95/hr
25th percentile: $45,120; $21.69/hr
Median percentile: $50,020; $24.05/hr
75th percentile: $60,600; $29.14/hr
90th percentile: $69,770; $33.55/hr

What do loan interviewers and clerks do?

Interview loan applicants to elicit information; investigate applicants' backgrounds and verify references; prepare loan request papers; and forward findings, reports, and documents to appraisal department. Review loan papers to ensure completeness, and complete transactions between loan establishment, borrowers, and sellers upon approval of loan.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Interview loan applicants to obtain personal and financial data and to assist in completing applications.
Answer questions and advise customers regarding loans and transactions.
Submit loan applications with recommendation for underwriting approval.
Verify and examine information and accuracy of loan application and closing documents.
Record applications for loan and credit, loan information, and disbursements of funds, using computers.
Check value of customer collateral to be held as loan security.
Contact customers by mail, telephone, or in person concerning acceptance or rejection of applications.
Prepare and type loan applications, closing documents, legal documents, letters, forms, government notices, and checks, using computers.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 43% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)43%
Bachelor's Degree38%
Post-Secondary Certificate12%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree7%

Common questions

How much does a loan interviewers and clerks earn?

The national median is $50,020 a year. The full range runs from $37,330 at the 10th percentile to $69,770 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a loan interviewers and clerks without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.1/5
Speaking4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Writing3.6/5
Active Learning3.4/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
English Language4.2/5
Administrative3.7/5
Computers and Electronics3.4/5
Law and Government3.4/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Administration and Management2.9/5
Education and Training2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Complex Problem Solving, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.