A Local’s Guide to Being a Loan Officer in Round Rock, Texas

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Round Rock sits in a sweet spot. It’s right in the Austin metro, where tech money pushes averages up, but the city itself has a more manageable, suburban vibe that keeps some costs in check. For a Loan Officer, this is a solid market. The median salary here is $75,651/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.37/hour. This is just under the national average of $76,200/year, but remember, Texas has no state income tax, which gives you more purchasing power than in states with high tax burdens.

The job market isn’t massive, with about 263 Loan Officer jobs in the metro area, but the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. That’s slower than the national average, so competition can be real. You’ll need hustle and a strong network.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Annual)	Key Factors
Entry-Level	$50,000 - $65,000	Base-heavy, commission potential limited. Relies on volume of smaller loans (FHA, VA).
Mid-Career	$70,000 - $90,000	Mix of base and commission. Strong referral network from realtors and builders.
Senior-Level	$90,000 - $125,000+	High commission, jumbo loans, commercial portfolio. Works with high-net-worth clients.
Expert/Managerial	$130,000+	Team leadership, portfolio management, complex commercial deals.

How does Round Rock compare to other Texas cities? It’s competitive. You’ll earn more than in San Antonio, but you’re likely to earn less than in the heart of Dallas or Austin. In Austin proper, the median salary might hit $80,000+, but the cost of living is significantly higher. Round Rock offers a balance.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. The best loan officers here build relationships with local builders in neighborhoods like Teravista. A single relationship with a builder can net you a steady stream of new construction loans, which are often higher-value and come with smoother processes.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. Earning the median of $75,651/year means your monthly gross income is about $6,304. After federal taxes (assuming single, standard deduction) and FICA, your take-home pay is closer to $4,800 - $5,000/month.

Round Rock’s average 1BR rent is $1,635/month. The Cost of Living Index is 97.6 (US avg = 100), meaning you’ll find groceries, utilities, and services slightly below the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an entry-to-mid-level Loan Officer:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$4,850	After taxes, based on $75,651/year
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,635	Near I-35 or in newer complexes
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$220	Texas summers will run the AC
Car Payment/Insurance	$600	TX has high car insurance rates; commute is car-dependent
Groceries	$450	H-E-B is your best friend for value
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Reasonable for local spots, not Austin downtown
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer
Retirement/Student Loans	$300	Varies widely
Total Expenses	$3,905
Leftover/Discretionary	$945	Buffer for savings or lifestyle

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Round Rock is around $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), you’d need a loan of $340,000. At current rates, your monthly mortgage payment (PITI) would be roughly $2,200 - $2,400. This is a stretch on a $75,651 salary, especially with the down payment hurdle. It’s more feasible for a senior-level officer earning $100,000+, who could manage the down payment and the higher mortgage. For most mid-career officers, the first step is building savings and potentially buying a starter home further from the core, like in the Manor area (east) or Hutto (north).

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

While many Loan Officers work for banks or credit unions, the local economy in Round Rock drives specific demand. The city is anchored by major employers, and where there are employees, there are mortgages. Here are the key players:

1. Dell Technologies (Headquarters): The city’s biggest employer. Thousands of engineers and corporate staff. They often have robust internal home-buying programs and partnerships with local lenders. Getting on the preferred lender list for Dell is a golden ticket. Hiring trends show a push for commercial loans as Dell expands its campus.

2. Round Rock Medical Center (St. David’s): A major regional hospital. Nurses, doctors, and administrators are stable, high-income earners. They are prime candidates for jumbo loans and physician loans (which often allow 0% down). Network with medical staff at the hospital or through local medical associations.

3. Round Rock ISD (Public Schools): The district employs over 3,000 people. While teacher salaries are modest, they come with stable jobs and excellent benefits. Many teachers use FHA or VA loans. Building relationships with the district’s HR department can be a smart move.

4. Texas State University Round Rock Campus: Growing higher-ed presence. Faculty and staff are often new to the area and looking to buy. They also have international students for unique lending scenarios (if you have those license endorsements).

5. Amazon Distribution Center (IBA): While not the corporate HQ, the large fulfillment centers employ a massive hourly workforce. Many are young families looking for their first home. This is a volume market for FHA and conventional loans.

6. Local Builders (e.g., Lennar, Perry Homes, Highland Homes): The Teravista and Brushy Creek areas are seeing constant new construction. Your best bet is to get on the builder’s preferred lender list. This means marketing directly to the sales offices.

7. Austin FCQ Federal Credit Union: A strong local institution with a focus on community. They are a direct competitor and potential employer. Credit unions often have stricter internal guidelines but loyal members.

Hiring Trends: There’s a slight shift toward digital and hybrid models. Employers want loan officers who are tech-savvy with LOS systems and can do virtual closings. However, the personal touch with local realtors and builders is still king in this market.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a well-defined but strict process for Mortgage Loan Originators (MLOs). It’s regulated by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete 20 hours of NMLS-approved courses. This includes core topics and Texas-specific rules. Cost: $300 - $500.
2. NMLS Exam: After your course, you take the National Mortgage Licensure System (NMLS) exam. The pass rate is tough—study hard. Exam fee: $80.
3. State Background Check: Submit fingerprints and a background check through the Texas DPS. Fee: $38.25.
4. Apply for Your License: Submit your application to the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. Application fee: $400.
5. Sponsorship: You MUST have an NMLS-approved company sponsor you. You can’t get licensed independently; you must be employed by a bank, credit union, or mortgage company. This is your biggest hurdle—get a job offer before you start the process if possible.

Timeline: If you’re focused, you can go from zero to licensed in 3-4 months. If you’re working another job, it might take 6 months. The total cost (education, exam, fees) is around $1,000 - $1,500. Many employers will reimburse this cost after a year of employment.

Insider Tip: The hardest part isn’t the test; it’s the sponsorship. Start networking with local loan officers on LinkedIn before you even take the class. Attend a local Texas Mortgage Bankers Association (TMBA) event. A personal connection can land you an interview and a sponsorship.

Best Neighborhoods for Loan Officers

Where you live affects your commute, your networking, and your lifestyle. Here’s a local’s take:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for LOs
Teravista	Master-planned community. Family-oriented, newer homes. 15-20 min to Dell/Downtown.	$1,800 - $2,200	You live where you work. You’re in the heart of the new construction market. Easy to meet realtors at the community pool.
Brushy Creek	Established, wooded area. Good schools, older homes. 20 min to I-35.	$1,700 - $1,900	Great for stability. Many residents are mid-career professionals. Good for building long-term referral networks.
Downtown Round Rock	Historic charm, walkable. Smaller apartments, older buildings. 10 min to anywhere.	$1,400 - $1,650	Cheapest rent. You’re close to local restaurants (e.g., Salt Lick) for client meetings. A short drive to the major employers.
Hutto (North)	Emerging suburb. More affordable, slightly longer commute (25-30 min).	$1,300 - $1,500	Lower cost of living means more disposable income. You can be the “expert” in Hutto easily as it grows.
Manor (East)	Similar to Hutto. Growing fast, a bit more rural feel. 25-30 min commute.	$1,400 - $1,600	Big family-friendly builds. A great place to specialize in first-time homebuyer programs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% tells you this isn’t a field where you’ll see explosive growth. Growth comes from specialization and moving up the ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: To earn above the $125,000 mark, you need to specialize.

  • Jumbo Loans/Cross-Border: Working with high-net-worth clients from Austin or Lake Travis. Can add a 10-15% premium to your income.
  • Commercial Real Estate (CRE): Financing small retail or office properties. Requires additional licenses (NMLS is mostly residential; CRE can require different credentials). This is where the real big money is in Central Texas.
  • Government Lending Expert: Becoming the go-to for VA (veterans) or USDA (rural) loans. In Round Rock, VA loans are huge with the veteran population from nearby Fort Hood (Killeen). You can dominate a niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Loan Officer → Senior LO: Focus on larger volumes and complex deals.
  2. Senior LO → Branch Manager: Oversee a team, handle P&L, but lower personal volume. Salary is often a higher base with bonuses.
  3. Senior LO → Underwriter Relationship Manager: A back-office role with a bank, working on guidelines. Less stress, no commission, but stable salary.
  4. Move to a Different Sector: Use your experience to move into title insurance, real estate investment, or fintech (plenty of that in nearby Austin).

• 10-Year Outlook: The market will likely consolidate. The digital lenders (Rocket Mortgage, etc.) will continue to take market share for simple, straightforward loans. Your survival depends on handling the complex, relationship-based deals that algorithms can’t. The growth will be in commercial and specialized niches.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Local Economy: Anchored by Dell, healthcare, and Austin spillover.	Moderate Job Growth (3%): Not a boomtown; you have to compete.
No State Income Tax: Your $75,651 goes further than in many states.	Traffic on I-35: The commute to Austin for networking can be brutal.
Manageable Cost of Living: More affordable than Austin proper.	Car-Dependent: You need a car; public transit is limited.
Tight-Knit Business Community: Easier to build a reputation as a local expert.	Specialization Required: You can’t be a generalist long-term.
Balanced Lifestyle: Family-friendly, great schools, but with access to Austin.	Limited High-End Market (vs. Austin): Fewer ultra-wealthy clients.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent choice for a mid-career Loan Officer looking for a balance between earning potential and quality of life. It’s not the place to make a quick fortune, but it’s a place to build a stable, rewarding career. It’s ideal if you have a family and value good schools and a suburban feel, but still want access to the energy of Austin. If you’re an entry-level officer, you’ll face tough competition but can find your footing with the right mentor. If you’re a senior officer looking for a high-end market, you may want to consider Austin or West Lake Hills. For the vast majority in the middle, Round Rock is a smart, data-driven bet.

FAQs

1. Do I need a real estate license to be a Mortgage Loan Officer in Texas?
No. The NMLS license for Mortgage Loan Originators is separate from the real estate license issued by the Texas Real Estate Commission. You must only have the NMLS license to originate loans. However, many LOs choose to get a real estate license to also act as an agent for a broader income stream, but it’s double the work and double the fees.

2. How competitive is the market for a new LO in Round Rock?
Very. With only 263 jobs in the metro and a 3% growth rate, you are not competing nationally, but you are competing with a well-established local network. Your best strategy is to target a specific niche (like new construction in Teravista or VA loans for veterans) and build relationships with 2-3 key realtors or builders, rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

3. What’s the best way to find a sponsor for my NMLS license?
Start with the local banks and credit unions, like Austin FCQ or First National Bank of Central Texas. They are more likely to sponsor a new LO if you show local ties. Also, look for regional mortgage companies that are expanding. The key is to be honest in interviews: you want to learn, you’re willing to grind, and you have a plan for your first 90 days. Insider Tip: Mention you’ve already researched the local neighborhoods and have a plan to network in a specific area (e.g., “I plan to attend the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce mixer to meet realtors”).

4. Can I work remotely as a Loan Officer in Round Rock?
It’s possible, but harder. Many local lenders and credit unions still value in-person meetings with realtors at their offices. However, if you work for a national lender (like Rocket or a large bank), you can work from home, but you’ll miss out on the local networking that drives business here. As a hybrid, you could live in Round Rock but work for a company based in Austin or Dallas.

5. How do I get on builder lists for new construction loans?
This is crucial. First, identify the top 3 builders in the area (use Zillow or Realtor.com to filter by new construction). Then, find the sales managers for their specific communities (Teravista, for example). Don’t just send an email. Go to their model homes, introduce yourself, and ask for a meeting. Have a one-page handout on your company’s loan products for builders. Be prepared to offer a quick, reliable process—builders live and die by their closing timelines. Your reputation for closing on time is worth more than your rate.