A junior mortgage loan officer (MLO) is an entry-level professional who helps clients apply for home loans under the supervision of a senior loan officer or mortgage company. This role is perfect for beginners who want to break into the mortgage industry while learning the skills needed to originate loans independently.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for loan officers is projected to grow steadily, with a median annual salary of $65,740【BLS Loan Officers】. For junior MLOs, starting salaries are lower, but growth potential is significant.

Responsibilities of Junior Mortgage Loan Officers

If you’re looking for junior mortgage loan officer jobs, expect to:

Assist borrowers with completing loan applications.
Collect and organize documents like income, credit, and employment verification.
Pre-screen applicants to ensure they meet basic requirements.
Learn compliance regulations and mortgage program guidelines (FHA, VA, Conventional, etc.).
Support senior loan officers in managing pipelines and closing loans.

This hands-on training helps you build a strong foundation before moving into a full loan officer role.

Requirements for Junior Mortgage Loan Officer Jobs

While requirements vary by employer, most entry-level jobs expect:

High school diploma or equivalent (college degree optional but preferred).
Strong communication and sales skills.
Basic knowledge of mortgages or finance (can be learned on the job).
Licensing requirements (in many states, you must complete NMLS pre-licensing and pass the SAFE exam to originate loans).

Good news: Some companies will hire you first and sponsor your NMLS license, paying for training and education.
→ Read more: How Many Mortgage Loan Officers in the U.S.? 2025 Outlook

How Much Do Junior Mortgage Loan Officers Earn?

Earnings for junior mortgage loan officer jobs usually combine a base salary with commissions or bonuses.

Base salary: typically ranges from $35,000 – $50,000 per year.
With commissions: most juniors earn between $55,000 – $70,000 in their first year.
Top performers: even at the junior level, those who close a high volume of loans can surpass $80,000+ annually before moving into a senior role.

Income depends heavily on production. The more loans you close, the higher your commission. That’s why junior roles are considered performance-driven careers with no real income ceiling.

Many companies promote successful juniors to full loan officer roles within 6–12 months, where six-figure incomes become realistic.

Career Growth Path for Junior Loan Officers

Junior Mortgage Loan Officer – Learn basics, assist seniors, build skills.
Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) – Manage clients, originate loans, earn 100% commission in some brokerages.
Senior Loan Officer / Branch Manager – Lead a team, manage higher loan volume, increase income.

The mortgage industry offers nearly unlimited growth opportunities, especially for motivated professionals.

Best Places to Find Junior Mortgage Loan Officer Jobs

Mortgage brokerages (e.g., Loan Factory, NEXA, Barrett Financial).
Banks and credit unions (more structured, but limited lender options).
FinTech mortgage companies (offer automation and AI-powered tools).
Job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn.

According to NMLS, there are over 180,000 licensed loan officers in the U.S., and new jobs are posted daily【NMLS Resource Center】.

How Junior Loan Officers Can Reach Higher Income Faster

Closing 3–5 loans per month may sound challenging, but at Loan Factory, you don’t have to do it alone.

Here’s how we help junior loan officers ramp up quickly:

Free Borrower Leads – Company-generated leads across 42 states.
AI-Powered MOSO Platform – Automates pricing, CRM, and loan processing so you can focus on closing deals.
Access to 240+ Lenders – Offer the best programs (FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, Non-QM) without limitations.
Mentorship from Thuan Nguyen – Learn directly from America’s #1 Loan Officer.
In-House Support – $500 full-service processing and underwriting assistance.

With MOSO automation and ongoing mentorship, many junior loan officers at Loan Factory close their first deals within weeks—not months.

Apply to Loan Factory today and see how fast you can grow your career and income.