Life As a Loan Counselor
Position Description Provide guidance to prospective loan applicants who have problems qualifying for traditional loans. Guidance may include determining the best type of loan and explaining loan requirements or restrictions.
A Day in the Life of a Loan Counselor
- Advise students on available financial-aid awards.
- Authorize or sign mail collection letters.
- Submit applications to credit analysts for verification and recommendation.
- Review accounts to determine write-offs for collection agencies.
- Approve loans within specified limits.
- Counsel clients on personal and family financial problems, such as excessive spending or borrowing of funds.
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Skills Needed to be a Loan Counselor
These are the skills Loan Counselors say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Other Loan Counselor Job Titles
- Loan Consultant
- Peer Financial Counselor
- Financial Aid Coordinator
- Commercial Lending Vice President
- Financial Aid Advisor
Is There Going to be Demand for Loan Counselors?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 38,300 jobs in the United States for Loan Counselor. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 13.8% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,300 new jobs for Loan Counselor by 2026. There will be an estimated 3,800 positions for Loan Counselor per year.

The states with the most job growth for Loan Counselor are Utah, North Dakota, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Wyoming, Vermont, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Loan Counselor
The typical yearly salary for Loan Counselors is somewhere between $30,440 and $76,690.

Loan Counselors who work in District of Columbia, New Jersey, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Loan Counselors make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $48,260 |
Arizona | $45,880 |
Arkansas | $49,770 |
California | $53,170 |
Connecticut | $57,500 |
Delaware | $52,360 |
District of Columbia | $77,690 |
Florida | $45,530 |
Georgia | $51,720 |
Hawaii | $47,810 |
Idaho | $42,490 |
Illinois | $47,290 |
Indiana | $45,030 |
Iowa | $43,690 |
Kansas | $47,910 |
Kentucky | $44,590 |
Louisiana | $36,840 |
Maine | $40,880 |
Maryland | $47,330 |
Massachusetts | $57,600 |
Michigan | $48,340 |
Minnesota | $51,190 |
Mississippi | $42,660 |
Missouri | $53,250 |
Montana | $44,540 |
Nevada | $56,510 |
New Hampshire | $45,850 |
New Jersey | $68,360 |
New Mexico | $37,870 |
New York | $60,520 |
North Carolina | $54,400 |
North Dakota | $43,330 |
Ohio | $51,200 |
Oklahoma | $42,290 |
Oregon | $48,090 |
Pennsylvania | $55,770 |
Rhode Island | $59,760 |
South Carolina | $45,320 |
South Dakota | $38,900 |
Tennessee | $48,560 |
Texas | $46,160 |
Utah | $38,070 |
Virginia | $50,860 |
Washington | $48,230 |
West Virginia | $38,910 |
Wisconsin | $39,860 |
Wyoming | $50,960 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Loan Counselors
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Loan Counselors may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- SAP
- FileMaker Pro
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Student information systems SIS
Becoming a Loan Counselor
Are there Loan Counselors education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Loan Counselor?

Where do Loan Counselors Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Loan Counselor might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Dave Dugdale via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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