Average Loan Officer Salary in California
Loan Officers in California earn an average of $81,618 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.6% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$81,618
per year
Hourly Rate
$39.24
per hour
vs National
+16.6%
$69,990 national
Salary Range
$52,841
to $119,128
About Loan Officer Careers in California
Loan officers evaluate, authorize, and recommend approval of loan applications for individuals and businesses. They work for banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and online lenders, guiding borrowers through the application process and underwriting requirements. The BLS reports a median annual wage of $67,430 for loan officers, with top earners in mortgage banking and commercial lending exceeding $130,000 through commission-based compensation structures. As the primary interface between borrowers and lending institutions, loan officers combine financial analysis skills with sales and relationship-building ability.
In California, loan officers earn an average of $81,618 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $52,841 for entry-level roles to $119,128 for the most experienced professionals — +16.6% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by compensation structure — commission-only originators in high-volume markets earn the most; salaried bank officers earn more predictably, production volume — in mortgage banking, basis-point override structures mean top producers earn multiples of average earners, and the specific metro area within California.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$81,618
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$57,477
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Loan Officer's salary of $81,618 has the purchasing power of $57,477 in an average-cost area.
Loan Officer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $98,920 | $47.56/hr | $65,484 | $141,056 | 352 |
| San Francisco, CA | $94,469 | $45.42/hr | $60,796 | $138,823 | 412 |
| San Diego, CA | $77,693 | $37.35/hr | $51,174 | $113,709 | 280 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $77,503 | $37.26/hr | $51,232 | $110,758 | 393 |
| Sacramento, CA | $70,927 | $34.10/hr | $44,294 | $106,032 | 259 |
| Riverside, CA | $70,198 | $33.75/hr | $44,064 | $104,392 | 240 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Loan Officer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,936 Loan Officers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Loan Officer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$52,841
Starting salary for new Loan Officers
Median (50th Percentile)
$81,618
Mid-career Loan Officer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$119,128
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Loan Officer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Loan Officer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Loan Officer salary in California?
The average Loan Officer salary in California is $81,618 per year ($39.24/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.6% above the national average of $69,990.
What is the highest paying city for Loan Officers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Loan Officers in California, with a median salary of $98,920 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $70,198.
What is the salary range for Loan Officers in California?
Loan Officer salaries in California range from $52,841 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $119,128 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $81,618 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.