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Mortgage loan processor vs loan originator

The differences between mortgage loan processors 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 mortgage loan processor, becoming a loan originator takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a mortgage loan processor has an average salary of $43,594, which is higher than the $41,291 average annual salary of a loan originator.

The top three skills for a mortgage loan processor include customer service, FHA and va. The most important skills for a loan originator are customer service, origination, and FHA.

Mortgage loan processor vs loan originator overview

Mortgage Loan ProcessorLoan Originator
Yearly salary$43,594$41,291
Hourly rate$20.96$19.85
Growth rate-3%4%
Number of jobs16,27610,716
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4245
Years of experience46

What does a mortgage loan processor do?

A mortgage loan processor is a person who is responsible for the preparation of mortgage applications and any other paperwork. Mortgage loan processors interview the loan applicants, assist them in selecting the right mortgage, and approve or reject their applications. They are expected to have excellent communication, extraordinary interpersonal abilities, and strong attention to detail. Their job involves working with the loan officer and the underwriter. Also, they must be equipped with management skills and aptitude in math.

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.

Mortgage loan processor vs loan originator salary

Mortgage loan processors and loan originators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mortgage Loan ProcessorLoan Originator
Average salary$43,594$41,291
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $57,000Between $28,000 And $60,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsSouth Dakota
Best paying companyAmplify Credit UnionCentennial Bank
Best paying industryProfessionalTransportation

Differences between mortgage loan processor and loan originator education

There are a few differences between a mortgage loan processor and a loan originator in terms of educational background:

Mortgage Loan ProcessorLoan Originator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Mortgage loan processor vs loan originator demographics

Here are the differences between mortgage loan processors' and loan originators' demographics:

Mortgage Loan ProcessorLoan Originator
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 21.7% Female, 78.3%Male, 54.0% Female, 46.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.8% White, 61.1% 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 mortgage loan processor and loan originator duties and responsibilities

Mortgage loan processor example responsibilities.

  • Manage individual pipeline using the LPS system.
  • Manage a monthly pipeline averaging 100 files from origination to funding per month as a Jr. processor.
  • Process all types of loan products including FHA, VA, conventional, no income verification, and the self-employed borrower.
  • Assist with executing all loan sales in the secondary market to FNMA, FHLMC and private investors.
  • Verify and validate loan applications for conforming, FHA, VA applications via DU/LP and complex lender software programs.
  • Process USDA and conventional loans.
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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

Mortgage loan processor vs loan originator skills

Common mortgage loan processor skills
  • Customer Service, 22%
  • FHA, 6%
  • Va, 6%
  • Property Appraisals, 5%
  • Excellent Organizational, 5%
  • Investor Guidelines, 5%
Common loan originator skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Origination, 9%
  • FHA, 6%
  • Va, 6%
  • Phone Calls, 6%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 5%

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