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Loan servicing specialist vs loan originator

The differences between loan servicing specialists and loan originators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a loan servicing specialist, becoming a loan originator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a loan servicing specialist has an average salary of $65,799, which is higher than the $41,291 average annual salary of a loan originator.

The top three skills for a loan servicing specialist include loan modifications, customer service and foreclosure process. The most important skills for a loan originator are customer service, origination, and FHA.

Loan servicing specialist vs loan originator overview

Loan Servicing SpecialistLoan Originator
Yearly salary$65,799$41,291
Hourly rate$31.63$19.85
Growth rate-3%4%
Number of jobs31,75310,716
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4245
Years of experience46

What does a loan servicing specialist do?

A loan servicing specialist is an individual who reviews, authorizes, and recommends commercial and personal loans for approval. It is the loan officer who meets with their applicants to identify their creditworthiness. Typically, they work at credit unions, commercial banks, mortgage companies, and financial institutions. They ensure operational risk controls, regulatory policies and standards, and compliance. Among the skills necessary for the job include customer service and relations, leadership, analytical skills, and communication skills.

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.

Loan servicing specialist vs loan originator salary

Loan servicing specialists and loan originators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loan Servicing SpecialistLoan Originator
Average salary$65,799$41,291
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $153,000Between $28,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CityCharleston, SCNew York, NY
Highest paying stateMarylandSouth Dakota
Best paying companyGlacier BanCentennial Bank
Best paying industryFinanceTransportation

Differences between loan servicing specialist and loan originator education

There are a few differences between a loan servicing specialist and a loan originator in terms of educational background:

Loan Servicing SpecialistLoan Originator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 55%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Loan servicing specialist vs loan originator demographics

Here are the differences between loan servicing specialists' and loan originators' demographics:

Loan Servicing SpecialistLoan Originator
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 32.2% Female, 67.8%Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.8% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 8.2% White, 60.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%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 Percentage7%8%

Differences between loan servicing specialist and loan originator duties and responsibilities

Loan servicing specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage the non-judicial and judicial FNMA foreclosure portfolio.
  • Time management and organization skills to effectively prioritize multiple objectives and achieve volume goals.
  • Coordinate and schedule settlements upon final loan approval and review HUD-1 for reconciliation of itemize financial data.
  • Train new hires in the MSP system to ensure they understand how to gather data and for escrow analysis.
  • Prepare internally generate commercial loan documentation for all states the organization does business in.
  • Work with LIS, LPS, and ESO program.
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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

Loan servicing specialist vs loan originator skills

Common loan servicing specialist skills
  • Loan Modifications, 17%
  • Customer Service, 12%
  • Foreclosure Process, 5%
  • Real Estate, 4%
  • Loss Mitigation, 4%
  • Escrow Accounts, 4%
Common loan originator skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Origination, 9%
  • FHA, 6%
  • Va, 6%
  • Phone Calls, 6%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%

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