Business & Finance Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Loan Officer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median loan officer salary in Columbia, SC is $59,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$59,166
vs State Avg
+$657
vs National
$-6,574
Cost of Living
90%

Loan Officer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median loan officer salary of $59,166, which is $657 above the South Carolina state average of $58,509. Compared to the national median of $65,740, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for loan officers in Columbia spans from $31,680 at the 10th percentile to $138,420 at the 90th percentile — a $106,740 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior loan officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $117,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Loan Officer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level loan officer earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $31,680
25th Percentile $40,860
Median (50th) $59,166
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $138,420

Loan Officer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Loan Officer in Columbia

Education

Most loan officer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Credit AnalysisMortgage LendingCustomer ServiceRegulatory ComplianceSalesFinancial Software

Job Outlook

Nationally, loan officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Loan Officer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open loan officer positions in Columbia, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Loan Officer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Loan Officer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median loan officer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $59,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,740. Salaries range from $31,680 (10th percentile) to $138,420 (90th percentile).
How much does a Loan Officer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,166, a loan officer in Columbia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for loan officer pay? ▼
Columbia's median loan officer salary of $59,166 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $58,509. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a loan officer salary of $59,166 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a loan officer in Columbia? ▼
Most loan officer positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Credit Analysis, Mortgage Lending, Customer Service, Regulatory Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.