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Escrow officer vs loan originator

The differences between escrow officers and loan originators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both an escrow officer and a loan originator. Additionally, an escrow officer has an average salary of $50,270, which is higher than the $41,291 average annual salary of a loan originator.

The top three skills for an escrow officer include customer service, HOA and title insurance. The most important skills for a loan originator are customer service, origination, and FHA.

Escrow officer vs loan originator overview

Escrow OfficerLoan Originator
Yearly salary$50,270$41,291
Hourly rate$24.17$19.85
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs62,07710,716
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4545
Years of experience66

What does an escrow officer do?

Escrow officers, commonly known as loan officers, are responsible for real estate processing and finalizing deals. They ensure all documents are authentic and prepared, property titles are clear, and financial obligations have been thoroughly met by the buyer and seller. They verify the document of land ownership, checking property title, and consulting with potential buyers, sellers, and lending firms. It is also their responsibility to handle the deposition of funds and processing of legal documents, including paperwork to finalize the transaction.

What does a loan originator do?

A Loan Originator is a potential liaison between borrowers and lenders. They help borrowers complete loan applications and evaluate which loans are most appropriate for the customers.

Escrow officer vs loan originator salary

Escrow officers and loan originators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Escrow OfficerLoan Originator
Average salary$50,270$41,291
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $70,000Between $28,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityWalnut Creek, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew MexicoSouth Dakota
Best paying companyFidelity National FinancialCentennial Bank
Best paying industryFinanceTransportation

Differences between escrow officer and loan originator education

There are a few differences between an escrow officer and a loan originator in terms of educational background:

Escrow OfficerLoan Originator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Escrow officer vs loan originator demographics

Here are the differences between escrow officers' and loan originators' demographics:

Escrow OfficerLoan Originator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 14.9% Female, 85.1%Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.8% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 6.2% White, 64.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between escrow officer and loan originator duties and responsibilities

Escrow officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage escrow department for title insurance company.
  • Perform closing for a variety of real estate escrows types, including but not limit to REO resale and resale escrows.
  • Operate multi-line phone system and perform basic office procedures.
  • Prepare closing documents, close escrow, TRID CD, clear title.
  • Order conveyance deeds and other pertinent documents from outside vendors.
  • Prepare documents to be record with county and return to mortgage company for conveyance.
  • Show more

Loan originator example 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.
  • Complete a rigorous training program and have obtained 25 NMLS state licensing requirements to be a loan originator.
  • Review FHA case number assignments, mortgage credit rejects and refinances authorizations to determine qualification.
  • Show more

Escrow officer vs loan originator skills

Common escrow officer skills
  • Customer Service, 23%
  • HOA, 6%
  • Title Insurance, 6%
  • Notary, 5%
  • Develop Client Relationships, 5%
  • Real Estate Transactions, 5%
Common loan originator skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Origination, 9%
  • FHA, 6%
  • Va, 6%
  • Phone Calls, 6%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%

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