Loan Officer in Roswell, GA

The Salary Picture: Where Roswell Stands

For a Loan Officer evaluating a move to Roswell, the salary data presents a clear picture of stability rather than explosive growth. The median salary for a Loan Officer in Roswell is $76,405 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $36.73. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $76,200, but only by a marginal amount. The local job market is relatively small, with 183 jobs currently listed for the entire metro area. The long-term outlook is modest, with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding field.

To understand where you fit, it’s helpful to break down the salary by experience level. Roswell’s market, deeply tied to the broader Atlanta metro economy, follows a predictable progression.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Salary Range (Roswell)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Processing applications, learning compliance, assisting senior officers, familiarizing with loan products (FHA, VA, conventional).
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Managing full loan pipeline, client relationship building, underwriting collaboration, and volume-based bonuses.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$85,000 - $110,000+	Complex loan structuring (jumbo, self-employed), leading teams, developing referral networks with realtors, and potentially branch management.
Expert/Executive	15+ years	$110,000 - $140,000+	Niche specialties (commercial, luxury), executive roles, or owning a brokerage. Income heavily commission-based.

Insider Tip: While the base numbers are solid, the real earning potential in Roswell hinges on commission structure. Top performers at larger regional banks (like those with branches on Holcomb Bridge Road or in Crabapple) or successful local mortgage brokers often exceed the median significantly by building strong referral networks with real estate agents in Alpharetta and Milton.

When compared to other Georgia cities, Roswell’s salary is competitive within the context of its cost of living. Atlanta itself, with a higher density of corporate headquarters, offers a wider range of high-commission roles but also a steeper cost of living. Cities like Augusta or Columbus may offer a lower cost of living, but their job markets for specialized loan officers are less robust. Roswell sits in a sweet spot: close enough to Atlanta’s opportunities without the downtown congestion, yet with its own distinct community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding the net financial reality is crucial. Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Loan Officer earning the Roswell median salary of $76,405.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $76,405 / 12 = $6,367
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, Insurance, Retirement): ~28% (using Georgia’s marginal rates and federal taxes)
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,584

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes for Roswell
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,643	The city-wide average. Expect higher in East Roswell near the Square, lower in some parts of West Roswell.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220 - $280	Summers are hot (A/C costs) and winters are mild. Internet is competitive ($60-$80).
Groceries	$450 - $550	Access to Kroger, Publix, and the popular Roswell Farmers & Artisans Market for local produce.
Transportation	$450 - $600	Highly dependent on commute. If you work in Alpharetta/Crabapple, gas is the main cost. MARTA is limited; a car is essential.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Varies widely by employer plan. Larger banks often have better contributions.
Debt/Student Loans	$300 - $600	A significant variable that can strain the budget.
Discretionary & Savings	$800 - $1,100	For dining, entertainment, and savings. This is the “flex” area.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. With Roswell’s strong community and family-oriented vibe, many professionals aspire to buy. Using the Cost of Living Index of 100.9 (slightly above the U.S. average), let’s assess.

• Median Home Price in Roswell: Approximately $475,000 (as of recent data).
• Down Payment (20%): $95,000.
• Monthly Mortgage Payment (PITI at ~7% interest): ~$3,100.

Analysis: On a $76,405 salary, a $3,100 mortgage payment would represent over 48% of the gross income, which is financially unsustainable and would not be approved by lenders. Affordability is the primary challenge. A Loan Officer would realistically need to be at a Senior-Level salary (over $90,000) or have a dual-income household to comfortably purchase a median-priced home in Roswell without being house-poor. Renting a $1,643 apartment is very manageable, keeping housing costs at a healthy 27% of gross income.

Insider Tip: Many professionals who work in Roswell live in more affordable neighboring towns like Woodstock or Marietta to improve their home-buying prospects, accepting a 20-30 minute commute. This is a common trade-off in this corridor.

Where the Jobs Are: Roswell's Major Employers

The job market for Loan Officers in Roswell is not dominated by a single industry but is a mix of local banks, national lenders, and the surrounding corporate hub of Alpharetta. The 183 jobs in the metro often straddle the line between Roswell and its affluent neighbors.

1. Bank of North Georgia (a Synovus Bank): A strong regional player with multiple branches in the Roswell area, including a prominent one on Holcomb Bridge Road. They are known for community involvement and offer personal and commercial loan products. Hiring tends to be steady, focusing on candidates with local market knowledge.
2. Truist Bank: The merger of BB&T and SunTrust created this financial giant. Truist has a significant presence in Roswell and Alpharetta. They offer extensive training programs for new Loan Officers and opportunities to move into specialized roles (e.g., mortgage, small business). Hiring is competitive but frequent due to turnover and growth.
3. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage: While corporate offices are in Atlanta, their retail presence is strong in North Fulton. Wells Fargo often recruits for its correspondent lending channels and retail branches, offering a structured career path and access to a wide array of loan products.
4. Local Mortgage Brokerages (e.g., Atlanta Home Loans, American Pacific Mortgage): Several highly successful local brokerages operate out of Roswell and Alpharetta. These firms offer higher commission splits but less stability. They are ideal for self-starters with a strong personal network. Insider Tip: This is where top earners often land. Attending the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce events is a key strategy to build referral sources.
5. Credit Unions (e.g., Associated Credit Union, Delta Community Credit Union): These institutions are growing their loan portfolios and are often less stringent in some areas. They offer a member-focused, less sales-driven environment, which can be appealing. Salaries may be slightly lower but benefits are typically excellent.
6. Corporate Employers in Alpharetta: The nearby Alpharetta corridor (Avalon, North Point) is home to countless corporate HQs (e.g., Verizon Wireless, UPS, Fiserv). Their pension and 401(k) lenders are a niche for Loan Officers who specialize in working with large corporate relocation packages and employee loan programs.
7. Local Real Estate Firms (as referral partners): While not direct employers, the real estate firms are the lifeblood of a Loan Officer’s pipeline. Top firms like Harry Norman Realtors or Coldwell Banker Realty in North Fulton are essential networking targets. Building a relationship with an agent who does $20M+ in annual sales is a career accelerator.

Hiring Trends: There is consistent demand for Loan Officers who are licensed and have been pre-vetted. The 3% growth means openings are created by retirement or movement to other cities, not new roles. Bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates have a distinct advantage.

Getting Licensed in GA

Georgia requires state licensing for most residential loan originators, managed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (DFB). The process is standardized but requires investment.

1. Pre-Licensing Education (PE): You must complete 20 hours of state-approved education from an approved provider (e.g., PreLicense123, OnCourse Learning). This covers federal and state law, ethics, and non-traditional mortgage products. Cost: $200 - $350.
2. NMLS Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System: You must apply for an NMLS ID and submit your pre-licensing education certificates. This is the federal tracking system. Cost: $30 application fee + $100 license fee (annually).
3. National Exam (SAFE MLO Test): You must pass the national component of the SAFE exam. This is a 125-question test. The pass rate is challenging (often cited below 70%). Cost: $80 per attempt.
4. Georgia State Exam (if required): Some applicants may need to take a separate state law component. Cost: $50 (if applicable).
5. Background Check & Credit Report: Your fingerprints will be taken for a background check. Your credit report is reviewed; significant issues (e.g., recent bankruptcy, foreclosure) can be disqualifying. Cost: ~$30 - $50 for fingerprints.
6. Surety Bond: Employers will typically sponsor your bond. As an individual, you may need to secure one, costing $100 - $500 annually depending on credit.
7. Continuing Education (CE): Once licensed, you must complete 8 hours of CE annually to renew. Cost is included with most providers or paid directly.

Timeline to Get Started: From starting pre-licensing education to being ready to work, expect 3-5 months if studying full-time, and 6-9 months if studying part-time while working another job. The biggest variable is passing the national exam on the first try.

Insider Tip: The GA Department of Banking and Finance website is the definitive source. Use their list of approved education providers. Do NOT use unapproved courses—your NMLS application will be rejected.

Best Neighborhoods for Loan Officers

Where you live in Roswell impacts your commute, lifestyle, and social integration. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Key Features	Typical 1BR Rent	Commute to Major Employers (e.g., Truist in Roswell)
Historic Roswell (Downtown)	Charming, walkable, and social. Near the square, boutique shops, and upscale restaurants. Lively but can be noisy. Excellent for networking with local realtors.	$1,700 - $2,000+	5-10 minutes. Very central.
East Roswell (near City Hall)	Family-oriented, established subdivision feel. Close to top-rated schools (Roswell HS) and parks. Quieter, more residential.	$1,550 - $1,800	10-15 minutes. Easy access to GA-400.
West Roswell (near Holcomb Bridge Rd)	More affordable and diverse. Mix of older apartments and newer complexes. Direct access to shopping (Kroger, Target) and the Chattahoochee River.	$1,400 - $1,650	10-15 minutes. A straight shot to many workplaces.
Crabapple (Milton)	High-end, suburban luxury. Not officially Roswell but adjacent and considered by many professionals. Larger homes, quiet streets.	$1,800 - $2,500+	15-20 minutes. A popular choice for those wanting space.
The Azalea District	A specific, smaller area near the historic district with a mix of renovated cottages and new townhomes. Trendy and close to everything.	$1,650 - $1,900	5-10 minutes. Premium location.

Insider Tip: If you work for a lender with offices in Alpharetta’s Avalon area, living in East Roswell or Crabapple can cut your commute against traffic, as you’re going north on GA-400 instead of south into Atlanta.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth indicates that vertical promotion is a more reliable path than a booming market. Advancement is about specialization and volume.

• Specialty Premiums: Loan Officers who become FHA/VA specialists (serving the military at Dobbins ARB or Marietta) or USDA specialists (for rural properties in North Fulton) can command a premium and build a sustainable niche. Jumbo loan expertise is critical in Roswell’s market where home prices often exceed the conventional conforming limit.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Volume to Management: A top-producing officer (consistently closing $15M+ in volume annually) can be promoted to Branch Manager or Sales Manager, where income shifts from pure commission to a base + team override.
  2. Correspondent to Wholesale: Moving from retail to wholesale banking, acting as a liaison between brokers and the bank.
  3. Brokerage Ownership: The ultimate path for top performers is to open their own brokerage, leveraging their client book and network. This requires a Georgia Mortgage Broker License, which has higher capital and net worth requirements.
• 10-Year Outlook: The field will become more technology-driven. AI for underwriting and digital application platforms will reduce paperwork but increase the need for officers who can provide high-touch, consultative service. The median salary will likely keep pace with inflation, but the top 10% will continue to outperform significantly. Building a personal brand as a local expert (e.g., “Roswell’s First-Time Homebuyer Specialist”) will be more valuable than ever.

The Verdict: Is Roswell Right for You?

Pros of Being a Loan Officer in Roswell	Cons of Being a Loan Officer in Roswell
Stable, Affluent Market: Consistent demand from a strong local economy.	High Cost of Living: Makes home ownership challenging on a single income.
Proximity to Atlanta: Access to a major financial hub without the downtown commute.	Limited Job Density: Only 183 jobs in the metro, making the market competitive.
Strong Professional Networks: Active real estate and business communities (Chamber of Commerce).	Modest Growth (3%): Fewer new roles, slower career progression.
Quality of Life: Excellent schools, parks, and a charming historic downtown.	Car-Dependent: Limited public transit. Commutes can be long if you live further out.
Diverse Client Base: From first-time buyers to luxury homeowners.	Commission Volatility: Market-rate fluctuations can impact income stability.

Final Recommendation:
Roswell is an excellent choice for a mid-career, licensed Loan Officer who values stability and quality of life over the high-risk, high-reward frenzy of a pure startup market. It is not recommended for an entry-level officer seeking rapid growth or for someone hoping to buy a home immediately on a $76,405 salary.

The ideal candidate is someone who has already secured a licensing or is very close to it, has some experience, and is looking to build a long-term book of business in a supportive community. If you are willing to build a network for 2-3 years and potentially live in a rental or a more affordable neighboring town initially, Roswell offers a sustainable and rewarding career path. However, if your primary goal is to maximize income in the shortest time or to purchase a home in the very near future, you may find better opportunities in the higher-density, higher-commission markets of Atlanta itself, or in more affordable regions of Georgia.

FAQs

Q: Is a college degree required to be a Loan Officer in Georgia?
A: No, a college degree is not a state licensing requirement for the NMLS license. However, many employers (especially large banks) strongly prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, often in finance, business, or economics. It can be a significant differentiator in the hiring process.

Q: How important is being bilingual in Roswell?
A: Extremely important. Roswell’s Hispanic/Latino population is over 12%. Being fluent in Spanish will give you a significant competitive advantage, opening up a large, underserved segment of the market. It’s a direct path to building a unique and loyal client base.

Q: Can I work remotely as a Loan Officer in Roswell?
A: Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many roles are hybrid. However, in-person