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Mortgage originator vs credit officer

The differences between mortgage originators and credit officers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a mortgage originator, becoming a credit officer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a credit officer has an average salary of $129,478, which is higher than the $31,380 average annual salary of a mortgage originator.

The top three skills for a mortgage originator include customer service, origination and bank products. The most important skills for a credit officer are risk management, credit risk, and credit analysis.

Mortgage originator vs credit officer overview

Mortgage OriginatorCredit Officer
Yearly salary$31,380$129,478
Hourly rate$15.09$62.25
Growth rate4%17%
Number of jobs11,16460,323
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4539
Years of experience62

What does a mortgage originator do?

A Mortgage Originator is someone who will work with a borrower to process and complete a home loan application. They work closely with loan processors and underwriters to collect the required documentation until it is approved. Mortgage Origniators are responsible for guiding clients through the approval stage by assisting them with the paperwork, determining the loan amount, and taking and verifying documentation. They guide borrowers in deciding which mortgage type is right for them.

What does a credit officer do?

A credit officer is responsible for evaluating financial documents and account statements to determine the eligibility of an applicant for a loan option. Credit officers communicate with the applicant to discuss the loan process, explain the terms of service, and provide them alternative options that would fit their payment ability and loan needs. They create financial reports and recommend the qualified applicant to the manager for approval. A credit officer should have excellent communication and analytical skills, ensuring that the loan policies adhere to the federal and state regulations.

Mortgage originator vs credit officer salary

Mortgage originators and credit officers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Mortgage OriginatorCredit Officer
Average salary$31,380$129,478
Salary rangeBetween $16,000 And $57,000Between $85,000 And $196,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Farm Credit System
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between mortgage originator and credit officer education

There are a few differences between a mortgage originator and a credit officer in terms of educational background:

Mortgage OriginatorCredit Officer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Mortgage originator vs credit officer demographics

Here are the differences between mortgage originators' and credit officers' demographics:

Mortgage OriginatorCredit Officer
Average age4539
Gender ratioMale, 56.2% Female, 43.8%Male, 64.4% Female, 35.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 6.1% White, 63.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.0% Unknown, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 10.7% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between mortgage originator and credit officer duties and responsibilities

Mortgage originator example responsibilities.

  • Coach new Jr. HMC's, lead team Jr. meetings and activities.
  • Handle issues concerning FHA, Fannie, Freddy, VA, and various loan type guidelines, policies and procedures.
  • Promote sales and origination of family residential properties within predetermine guidelines and rates.
  • Foster community relationships between lenders, and clients to ensure a positive outcome for financing requirements.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with outside referral sources such as realtors, builders, CPA's, attorneys, etc.

Credit officer example responsibilities.

  • Manage credit risk and provide independent oversight of the bank portfolio.
  • Manage the global function for an ERP software company that has a niche market in manufacturing companies.
  • Manage SBA construction/tenant improvement projects submit until project is completed.
  • Partner with small and entrepreneurial business to develop business plans and assist business owners with achieving payroll.
  • Review clients file for compliance with: CIP, OFAC, HMDA, CRA and red flag activities.
  • Audit applications for HUD and IHDA compliance.
  • Show more

Mortgage originator vs credit officer skills

Common mortgage originator skills
  • Customer Service, 13%
  • Origination, 12%
  • Bank Products, 11%
  • Loan Applications, 7%
  • Loan Programs, 6%
  • FHA, 5%
Common credit officer skills
  • Risk Management, 10%
  • Credit Risk, 7%
  • Credit Analysis, 5%
  • Real Estate, 4%
  • Credit Approval, 4%
  • Portfolio Management, 4%

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