Loan Officer in Bryan, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Bryan Stands

If you're eyeing a career as a Loan Officer in Bryan, you're looking at a market that's stable, but not booming. The numbers tell a clear story: the median salary for a Loan Officer here is $74,074/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $35.61/hour. That's slightly under the national average of $76,200/year, but don't let that fool you. The cost of living is significantly lower, which is your real advantage.

The local job market is tight but consistent. With only 179 Loan Officer positions in the metro area, competition is manageable. The 10-year job growth is projected at a modest 3%. This isn't a high-growth, explosive market like Austin or Dallas. It's a steady, reliable environment where relationships and local knowledge are your currency. You're not just selling a loan; you're advising neighbors and helping families in a community where word-of-mouth is everything.

Here’s how Bryan stacks up against other Texas cities for Loan Officers:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Vibe
Bryan	$74,074	90.7	Steady, relationship-based
Austin	$82,500+	125.0	High competition, high volume
Dallas-Fort Worth	$79,000+	108.0	Very competitive, corporate
Houston	$77,000+	101.0	Large market, diverse opportunities
San Antonio	$75,000+	94.0	Similar stability, larger military market

Insider Tip: Your earning potential in Bryan is heavily tied to your niche. Specializing in VA loans (for veterans at the nearby RELLIS campus or VA clinic) or USDA loans (for the surrounding rural areas) can set you apart. The national average is a benchmark, but in Bryan, your local network will determine if you're at the median or pushing toward the $90,000+ senior level.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A Loan Officer earning the median salary of $74,074 in Bryan has a distinct financial advantage. After federal, state, and local taxes (estimating a total effective rate of ~22-25%), your take-home pay is roughly $4,600 - $4,800 per month.

Now, let's build a monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,015	Average for Bryan. Can range from $850 (Old Town) to $1,300 (College Station, near A&M)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Texas summers can spike AC costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Bryan is car-dependent. A reliable vehicle is a must.
Groceries & Household	$400	Prices are reasonable at local HEB plus or Kroger.
Health Insurance	$350	Varies widely; this is a conservative estimate for a single person.
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining)	$600	Bryan has a growing food scene, but it's still affordable.
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,015
Remaining for Savings/Investments	$1,585 - $1,785	This is your "wealth-building" buffer.

This calculator shows you can live comfortably and save significantly. The key question: Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Bryan is around $285,000. With a $1,585 monthly surplus, a standard 20% down payment ($57,000) would take about 3 years to save, assuming disciplined budgeting. However, many Loan Officers leverage their own industry knowledge for FHA (3.5% down) or conventional loans with lower down payments, making homeownership attainable much sooner.

Local Insight: The rental market is tight, especially in desirable areas near Texas A&M or downtown Bryan. Start your search early.

Where the Jobs Are: Bryan's Major Employers

Bryan's economy is anchored by education, healthcare, and agriculture. As a Loan Officer, you'll find opportunities at these institutions and the banks that serve them:

1. Texas A&M University: This isn't just a school; it's the economic engine. With over 70,000 students, faculty, and staff, it creates constant demand for mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans. Positions here are often in university-affiliated credit unions (like A&M Credit Union) or as staff for the university's own financial services.
2. St. Joseph Health (Baylor Scott & White): The largest healthcare system in the region. Employees, from doctors to nurses to administrative staff, are a reliable client base for mortgage and personal loans. Banks like First Financial Bank and BancorpSouth often have branches specifically catering to healthcare professionals.
3. Bryan ISD & College Station ISD: School districts are major employers. Loan Officers who understand teacher tenure, school district pay schedules, and public sector benefits have an edge with this stable, credit-worthy demographic.
4. Agri-Industry (Aggie Roots, Aggieland Credit Union): Bryan is in the heart of agricultural Texas. While direct farm lending is a specialty, the supporting businesses—from equipment dealers to processing plants—offer a commercial lending niche. Aggie Roots Credit Union is a key player here, serving the agricultural community.
5. Major Banks & Credit Unions: Beyond the big national names, local and regional institutions are your best bet. First Financial Bank (headquartered in Abilene with a strong Bryan presence), First National Bank of Central Texas, and A&M Credit Union are the major players. They offer training programs and are deeply integrated into the local fabric.
6. The Brazos Valley: The region's growing population fuels new construction. Working with homebuilders in subdivisions like Crestview, Copperfield, or Bridges can be a lucrative volume-based niche.

Hiring Trend: Most hiring happens at the local bank branches. They value candidates with local ties or who have already built a network in the Bryan-College Station metro. The 179 jobs are spread across these institutions, with turnover being low. Your best path in is often through an entry-level position (e.g., Loan Coordinator) at one of these local banks, then moving up.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has strict, well-defined requirements for Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs). This process is not optional and must be done before you can originate loans.

Step 1: Pre-Licensing Education

• You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved pre-licensing education. This includes 3 hours on federal law, 3 hours on ethics, 2 hours on non-traditional mortgage lending, and 12 hours of elective courses.
• Cost: $200 - $400 for the course, plus a $195 NMLS application fee.

Step 2: Pass the National and State Exams

• You must pass the National Mortgage Licensure System (NMLS) Nationwide Mortgage Licensure System (NMLS) exam (SAFE MLO exam) and the Texas State Component Exam.
• Cost: $80 for the national exam, $80 for the state exam.
• Timeline: Study for 4-8 weeks after your course. It's a rigorous test.

Step 3: Background Check & Credit Report

• You'll submit fingerprints for an FBI credit report and background check.
• Cost: $36.25 for the fingerprinting service.

Step 4: Apply for Your License

• Once you pass the exams and your background check is clear, you apply for your Texas MLO license through the NMLS.
• Cost: $300 for the Texas state license fee.

Total Estimated Upfront Cost: $750 - $950.
Total Timeline: 3-5 months from start to licensed. You must be hired by a sponsoring broker or bank before your license is finalized. Many employers will sponsor you and cover these costs as part of your employment agreement.

Texas-Specific Note: The Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending (TDSML) is the state regulator. All your paperwork and ongoing compliance will go through them and the NMLS.

Best Neighborhoods for Loan Officers

Your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, networking opportunities, and lifestyle.

1. Downtown Bryan / Historic District:

   • Vibe: Walkable, charming, with a revitalized Main Street full of restaurants and shops. The heart of the community.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most banks and offices in Bryan. Easy access to College Station via Texas 6.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: The community-focused Loan Officer who wants to be in the thick of local events and business.

2. Crestview / Briarcrest:

   • Vibe: Established, middle-class neighborhoods with good schools and tree-lined streets. Very residential.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to major bank branches on Texas 6 or in South Bryan.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR or small 2BR.
   • Best For: Practitioners with families or those who prefer a quiet, suburban home base.

3. South Bryan / RELLIS Campus Area:

   • Vibe: Newer developments, proximity to the Texas A&M University RELLIS campus, and the VA clinic. Growing and modern.
   • Commute: 10 minutes to most Bryan locations, 15 to College Station.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a modern 1BR.
   • Best For: Loan Officers specializing in VA loans or targeting the military/veteran community.

4. College Station (Near Texas A&M):

   • Vibe: Energetic, college-town atmosphere. High density of students, but also young professionals and professors.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Bryan's central business district.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,600 for a 1BR (premium for proximity to campus).
   • Best For: Those who want the social scene and network directly with the university ecosystem.

5. Rock Prairie / Traditions:

   • Vibe: Upscale, master-planned communities with golf courses and luxury homes. More car-centric.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Bryan, 20 to College Station.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400+ for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Senior Loan Officers or those targeting high-net-worth clients and jumbo loans.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Bryan, career progression is less about jumping to competitor firms and more about deepening your expertise and client base.

Specialty Premiums:

• VA Loans: With the VA clinic and RELLIS campus, expertise here is gold. You can command a premium service for veterans.
• USDA/Rural Development Loans: Essential for clients in the surrounding rural areas of Brazos and Burleson counties. Your knowledge here expands your market reach.
• Construction & Lot Loans: With the region's growth, partnering with local builders and developers can be a high-commission specialty.

Advancement Paths:

1. MLO (1-3 years): Learn the ropes, build your book of business.
2. Senior MLO (3-7 years): Focus on high-volume clients, mentor new hires, possibly manage a small team.
3. Branch Manager or Loan Department Manager (7+ years): Move into leadership at a local bank or credit union, overseeing a team and branch operations.
4. Specialist or Consultant (Any Stage): Become the go-to expert for a specific loan type (e.g., first-time homebuyers, small business loans) and build a referral network.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth is deceptive. It doesn't account for retirees leaving the market, creating openings. The stability of A&M and healthcare ensures a steady flow of clients. The key to growth is building a reputation. In 10 years, the most successful Loan Officers in Bryan won't necessarily be the ones with the most ads, but the ones who are known at the Chamber of Commerce, sponsor local sports teams, and have a waiting list for referrals.

The Verdict: Is Bryan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $74,074 salary goes much further than in major metros.	Smaller, Tight-Knit Market: The 179 jobs mean less room for frequent job-hopping. Reputation is everything.
Stable Client Base: A&M and healthcare provide year-round, reliable demand.	Limited Niche Markets: Less diversity in high-commission specialties like commercial real estate or tech IPOs.
Strong Community Ties: Easier to build a personal brand and get referrals.	Slower Salary Growth: The 3% 10-year outlook indicates modest advancement unless you create your own path.
Manageable Competition: You're not fighting hundreds of MLOs in a single zip code.	Car-Dependent: You'll need a reliable vehicle, adding to your expenses.
Path to Homeownership: The math works. You can buy a home here.	Can Feel "Small-Town": If you crave a 24/7 metropolitan vibe, Bryan may feel quiet.

Final Recommendation:
Bryan is an excellent choice for a Loan Officer who values stability over rapid growth, and community over cutthroat competition. If you're willing to invest 3-5 years to build a reputation, the financial and lifestyle benefits are significant. You can live comfortably, save meaningfully, and become a respected local professional. It's not the place for someone looking to make $150,000 in their first two years. It's the place for a long-term career where you can own a home, be part of a community, and build a sustainable business. If that sounds like you, Bryan is a smart, data-backed bet.

FAQs

1. I'm new to Texas. How important is local knowledge?
Extremely important. Knowing which neighborhoods are in which school district, understanding the seasonal cash flow of agricultural clients, or being familiar with Texas homestead exemption laws gives you a massive edge. Your first year should be spent learning the local landscape, not just the loan products.

2. Can a Loan Officer make over $100,000 in Bryan?
Yes, but it's not the norm. The median is $74,074. To exceed $100,000, you need to specialize (VA/USDA), build a high-volume referral network, or move into management. It's achievable, but it's a grind and requires exceptional networking.

3. Is the job market saturated?
With only 179 jobs, it's not saturated, but it's tight. New openings are often filled by internal promotions or referrals. Your best entry point is to apply for support roles (e.g., loan processor) at a local bank and work your way up while building your license and network.

4. How does the proximity to College Station affect business?
It doubles your potential market. You can work with students, faculty, staff, and their families from A&M, but you must be licensed for Texas. The competition is higher in College Station, but the volume of potential clients is much greater. Many Loan Officers choose to live in Bryan for lower rent but work the College Station market.

5. What's the biggest challenge for a Loan Officer in Bryan?
Building a consistent client pipeline without a massive advertising budget. Success here is built on relationships with real estate agents, financial planners, and local business owners. It's a slower start, but the clients you do gain are often loyal for life.