Career Definition for a Loan Clerk
Loan clerks are responsible for clerical matters related to loan processing, including preparing, auditing, and finalizing forms or contracts. They ensure the creditworthiness of interested parties through reference checking. Loan clerks can work more specifically as loan service clerks, who maintain payment records, or as loan closers, who organize and execute closing procedures.
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Job Skills | Customer service, communication, interpersonal, fluency in English and preferably Spanish, computer, and basic math |
| Median Salary (May 2021)* | $45,940 (loan interviewers and clerks) |
| Job Growth (2021-2021)* | -3% decline (loan interviewers and clerks) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Required Education
While some companies may prefer a bachelor's degree, this requirement is atypical for employment. Most loan clerks need only a high school diploma or a GED to qualify for employment. In addition to a high school diploma or equivalent, the loan clerk applicant will receive specific training once hired. For candidates interested in management positions, an undergraduate degree may be required.
Skills Required
In part, loan clerks assume a customer service role. Consequently, they must have excellent communication and social skills. Speaking both English and Spanish is a plus. Skills in computers and basic math are also helpful.
Career and Economic Outlook
Increased demand for verification of applicants' creditworthiness are expected to contribute to the projected employment decline of 3% from 2021-2031 for loan interviewers and clerk jobs, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov). In 2019, the nationwide median annual salary for loan interviewers and clerks was $45,940, and the hourly median was $21.59. Credit intermediation and related activities account for just over 110,690 jobs. As of 2021, the states with the highest levels of employment for this line of work include Texas, California, Florida, Arizona and Illinois.
Alternate Career Options
You may also want to consider the following occupations:
Bill and Account Collector
A bill and account collector contacts people who have an outstanding debt; the collector works on behalf of the business or company to recover money owed within the limits of state and federal laws. Bill and account collectors may work out mutually agreeable payment arrangements and follow up periodically to make sure the debtor keeps up with the repayment plan to the creditor. Bill and account collectors usually have a high school diploma followed by on-the-job training. According to the BLS, jobs in this field are expected to decrease 8% from 2021-2031; these jobs paid median salary of $37,700 in 2021.
Information Clerk
An information clerk usually handles ordinary clerical tasks. Information clerks answer questions; prepare letters, bills and other documents; and maintain files. This job class includes court clerk, hotel desk clerk, and municipal clerk. Employers usually require at least a high school diploma, although some require a bachelor's degree; on-the-job training is also common. According to the BLS, the number of jobs in this field is expected to show no change by 0% from 2021-2031. The BLS also reports that information clerks earned median pay of $37,450 in 2021, and pay varied widely by area of specialization; hotel desk clerks' median pay was $28,080, while eligibility interviewers for government programs earned $47,420.
