Loan Officer Salary in California
Based on 26K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$81,770
$39.31/hr
vs National Average
$76,354
+7.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $169K
26K employed in California
Loan Officer salary in California averages $81,770 annually, positioning the state 7% above the national average. With approximately 25,790 loan officers employed throughout California, the profession offers competitive compensation in one of the nation's largest financial sectors. Salaries in this field range from $37,460 to $169,040, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and experience levels.
Several factors influence Loan Officer salary in California, including years of experience, employer size, and specialization within mortgage or commercial lending. Geographic location within the state matters as well, with major financial hubs typically offering higher compensation. Educational credentials, professional certifications, and track record of successful loan portfolios also play important roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Loan Officer in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,460 |
| 25th percentile | $53,670 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $81,770 |
| 75th percentile | $122,960 |
| 90th percentile | $169,040 |
Top-Paying Industries for Loan Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Loan Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Loan Officers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $103,260 | 12K |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $84,090 | 3K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $81,330 | 6K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $79,570 | 12K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $77,140 | 560 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Loan Officer in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,250 |
| 2023 | $73,380 |
| 2024 | $79,580 |
| 2025 | $81,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,020 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,250 | $68,453 |
| 2023 | $73,380 | $70,692 |
| 2024 | $79,580 | $73,485 |
| 2025 | $81,770 | $76,354 |
| 2026 (projected) | $84,020 | $78,455 |
Loan Officer Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $53,670 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $81,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $122,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $169,040 |
Loan Officer Salary in Other States
Related Loan Officer Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Loan Officer ($81,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Loan Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in CA | $180,770 | +121.1% | $86.91/hr |
| Actuary in CA | $130,510 | +59.6% | $62.75/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in CA | $130,330 | +59.4% | $62.66/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +46.0% | $57.41/hr |
| Financial Analyst in CA | $109,110 | +33.4% | $52.46/hr |
| Financial Examiner in CA | $106,000 | +29.6% | $50.96/hr |
| Budget Analyst in CA | $99,520 | +21.7% | $47.85/hr |
| Credit Analyst in CA | $97,860 | +19.7% | $47.05/hr |
| Accountant in CA | $97,050 | +18.7% | $46.66/hr |
| Compliance Officer in CA | $96,980 | +18.6% | $46.63/hr |
| Tax Examiner in CA | $80,810 | -1.2% | $38.85/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CA | $79,730 | -2.5% | $38.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do loan officers make in California?
- The median salary for loan officers in California is $81,770 per year, or approximately $39 per hour. This is 7.1% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for loan officers in California?
- Loan officer salaries in California range from $37,460 at the lower end to $169,040 at the upper end, reflecting significant variation based on experience, employer, and performance.
How many loan officers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 25,790 loan officers currently employed in California, providing substantial job opportunities in the state.
Is being a loan officer in California more lucrative than the national average?
- Yes, California loan officers earn 7.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $81,770 compared to lower national figures, making it a relatively competitive market for this profession.