Commercial lending officer salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, industry, and level of experience.
In the United States, the average salary for a commercial lending officer is around $115,000 per year, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Experience plays a major role in determining commercial lending officer salaries, with senior officers earning significantly more than entry-level officers.
For example, a commercial lending officer with 5-10 years of experience can earn up to $150,000 per year, while those with 20-30 years of experience can earn upwards of $250,000 per year.
Location also impacts commercial lending officer salaries, with cities like New York and San Francisco offering higher salaries than smaller towns and rural areas.
In New York, for instance, the average salary for a commercial lending officer is around $140,000 per year, while in smaller cities it can be as low as $80,000 per year.
Industry also plays a role in determining commercial lending officer salaries, with banks and financial institutions typically offering higher salaries than non-profit organizations or government agencies.
Commercial lending officers working in the financial industry can earn up to $180,000 per year, compared to $100,000 per year for those working in non-profit organizations.
What Is a Commercial Lending Officer?
A commercial lending officer is a professional who specializes in helping businesses obtain loans for various purposes. They handle extremely large sums of money, which requires understanding complicated financial statements and terms.
Commercial lenders use their analytical and decision-making skills to determine whether a loan should be approved, unlike relying solely on underwriting software. They review loan documentation for accuracy and manage case files as part of their duties.
What Is It?
A commercial lending officer is a professional who plays a crucial role in the financial industry. They're responsible for evaluating loan applications, assessing creditworthiness, and approving or denying loans to businesses and organizations.
Their salary can vary greatly depending on their level of experience and the specific company they work for. For instance, a commercial lending officer in the 90th percentile can earn an annual salary of $100,000.
The average annual salary for a commercial lending officer is $70,876, which translates to a monthly salary of $5,906. This can provide a comfortable income for individuals who have the necessary skills and experience.
Breaking down the salary ranges can give us a better understanding of what to expect. Here's a rough idea of the salary ranges for commercial lending officers:
It's worth noting that these salary ranges can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, and company size.
Job Description
As a commercial lending officer, your job is to help businesses get the loans they need to succeed. You'll be working with extremely large sums of money, which requires a deep understanding of complex financial statements and terms.
Your day-to-day duties will include reviewing loan documentation for accuracy, managing case files, and using various technologies like accounting software and financial analysis software. You may also be required to work with personal digital assistants, scanners, and laptop computers.
Commercial lending officers typically travel to their clients' homes or places of business, rather than working out of an office. This means you'll need to be comfortable working on the road and interacting with clients in different settings.
To succeed in this role, you'll need strong analytical and decision-making skills, as well as excellent communication and customer service skills. You may also be required to resolve conflicts with customers and address complaints.
Here are some key qualifications employers typically look for in a commercial lending officer:
- A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
- Leadership abilities
- Customer service skills
- Communication skills
- Experience in commercial lending (typically 1-10 years, depending on the employer)
Note that the amount of experience required can vary depending on the employer and the specific job posting.
Salary and Pay Ranges
As a Commercial Loan Officer I, your salary can vary depending on your location and experience. The average annual salary for this role is $73,294.
The hourly wage for a Commercial Loan Officer I can range from $27 to $46. On average, you can expect to earn $35 per hour.
In terms of monthly pay, the average salary for a Commercial Loan Officer I is $6,108. However, this can range from $4,672 to $7,929 per month.
Here's a breakdown of the average annual salaries for Commercial Loan Officer I in the top 5 highest paying states:
Keep in mind that these figures are based on national averages and can vary depending on your specific location and employer.
Salary Trends and Variability
Commercial loan officer salaries can vary significantly depending on the state and city. In California, the average yearly salary for a Commercial Loan Officer I is $80,844, while in Massachusetts, it's $79,744.
Salaries also differ greatly between cities. In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Commercial Loan Officer I is $91,618, compared to $82,163 in Boston, MA.
Here are some average yearly salary ranges for Commercial Loan Officers in different cities:
- San Francisco, CA: $91,618
- New York, NY: $85,608
- Boston, MA: $82,163
Keep in mind that salaries can also vary based on the employer and job performance, with some loan officers earning commissions on top of their regular compensation.
City-to-City Variations
Salaries for Commercial Loan Officers can vary significantly depending on the city they work in. In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary is a whopping $91,618.
The city of New York, NY, has an average annual salary of $85,608, which is still a respectable figure. In contrast, the city of Boston, MA, has a lower average annual salary of $82,163.
While these figures may seem high, it's essential to consider the cost of living in each city. San Francisco, in particular, is known for its high cost of living, which may offset the higher salary.
Here's a comparison of average salaries for Commercial Loan Officers in different cities:
These figures illustrate the significant variations in salaries across different cities. It's crucial for Commercial Loan Officers to research and consider the local market when evaluating job opportunities.
What Is the 'I' Trend?
The "I" trend in job titles can be a bit confusing, but let's break it down. The "I" in Commercial Loan Officer I refers to a specific job level or position within a company.
It's worth noting that salary trends can be influenced by various factors, including location, experience, and industry demand. Key factors like these significantly impact salary variations.
The median salary for Commercial Loan Officer I increased from $62,386 in 2023 to approximately $61,568 in 2024.
Average Over Time
The average commercial loan officer salary has been steadily decreasing over the past few years. According to Example 3, the average annual salary for a commercial loan officer in 2025 is $60,930.
The median annual wage for a loan officer in 2020 is $63,960, but wages vary based on the employer and job performance. This is evident in Example 4, which states that some loan officers earn a flat salary or hourly rate, while others earn commission on top of their regular compensation.
The salary range for commercial loan officers is quite broad, spanning from $50,000 to $100,000. As Example 6 notes, a commercial loan officer's salary ranges from $50,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $100,000 at the 90th percentile.
Here's a breakdown of the average annual salary for commercial loan officers over time:
It's worth noting that salaries can vary significantly depending on the location. For example, a commercial loan officer in Seattle, WA can earn as much as $150,000, as seen in Example 5.
Salary by Level and Experience
As you explore the world of commercial lending officer salaries, it's essential to consider the impact of experience on your earning potential. An entry-level Commercial Loan Officer I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $71,446.
The salary increases significantly with experience. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary jumps to $72,514. This may not seem like a lot, but it's a clear indication that your hard work is paying off.
Here's a breakdown of the average salaries for different levels of Commercial Loan Officer I experience:
It's also worth noting that salaries vary by level, with senior-level professionals earning around $76,171, and expert-level professionals earning up to $76,510.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/120214/whats-average-salary-loan-officer.asp
- https://www.besmartee.com/blog/become-a-commercial-loan-officer/
- https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/commercial-loan-officer-i-salary
- https://www.zippia.com/salaries/commercial-loan-officer/
- https://learningpath.org/articles/Commercial_Lender_Career_Info.html
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