Loan Assistance Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level Loan Processors and Assistants typically earn $45,000–$65,000 annually, mid‑level professionals with 3–5 years of experience command $65,000–$90,000, and senior Underwriters or Loan Officers with 7–10 years of experience can command $90,000–$120,000, depending on region and company size.

Core skills include proficiency with loan origination systems (LOS) such as Ellie Mae Encompass or Calyx, understanding of FICO score calculations, strong Excel and SQL knowledge, and customer‑service acumen. Certifications like the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS), Certified Loan Officer (CLO), or Certified Mortgage Consultant (CMC) are highly valued and often required for underwriting or loan officer tracks.

Many Loan Assistance roles are fully remote or hybrid. Companies deploy cloud‑based LOS, secure VPNs, and collaboration tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack) to enable remote document review, underwriting, and client communication while maintaining compliance with data‑privacy regulations.

Typical progression starts as a Loan Processor, moves to Senior Processor or Underwriter, then to Loan Officer or Compliance Analyst, and can advance to Risk Manager, Operations Manager, or Chief Risk Officer. Continuous skill development and certifications accelerate upward mobility.

Key trends include AI‑driven underwriting that reduces manual review time, blockchain‑enabled title and escrow processing, ESG‑focused lending criteria, and a shift toward subscription‑based mortgage services. Automation of routine tasks is increasing, making data‑analytics skills more critical for future Loan Assistance professionals.