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How to hire a Mortgage Processor

Mortgage processor hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring mortgage processors in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a mortgage processor is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per mortgage processor on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 149,958 mortgage processors in the US, and there are currently 9,057 job openings in this field.
  • Urbandale, IA, has the highest demand for mortgage processors, with 3 job openings.

How to hire a mortgage processor, step by step

To hire a mortgage processor, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a mortgage processor, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step mortgage processor hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a mortgage processor job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new mortgage processor
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a Mortgage Processor do?

A mortgage processor is responsible for reviewing mortgage loan applications, evaluating applicants' documents, and verifying their eligibility for approval. Mortgage processors consider the applicant's financial statements, credit score, and other possible mortgage options. They also interview loan applicants to confirm the accuracy of submitted documents and keep them updated with the progress and final decisions. A mortgage processor works closely with the underwriting department for loan applications subject for further review. The mortgage processor needs to have a broad knowledge of the banking industry and loan procedures to guide the applicants with their application inquiries and concerns.

Learn more about the specifics of what a mortgage processor does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the mortgage processor you need to hire. Certain mortgage processor roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine Employee vs Contractor Status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect mortgage processor also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    This list presents mortgage processor salaries for various positions.

    Type Of Mortgage ProcessorDescriptionHourly Rate
    Mortgage ProcessorFinancial clerks do administrative work for many types of organizations. They keep records, help customers, and carry out financial transactions.$14-25
    Loan CloserA loan closer is primarily in charge of handling and closing loan documentation, ensuring accuracy and smooth transactions. A loan closer's responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to guarantee that they adhere to every term in the contract, preparing necessary reports and documents, monitoring payment progress, and ensuring that they have a deep understanding of the obligations under the contract... Show More$14-24
    Post CloserPost closers require an associate degree or certification in addition to 1-3 years of related experience. Skills in customer support, document review, loan processing, quality assurance processing, and loan software are also necessary for this career... Show More$13-23
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common Skills:
    • Customer Service
    • FHA
    • Va
    • Underwriting Guidelines
    • Property Appraisals
    • Origination
    • Credit Reports
    • USDA
    • Mortgage Processing
    • Automated Underwriting
    • Underwriting Approval
    • Tax Returns
    • Investor Guidelines
    • TRID
    Check All Skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage applicant s mortgage applications from origination to closing, ensuring service excellence and adhering to federal and compliance guidelines
    • Function in processing role for streamline first market mortgage transactions pursuant to Fannie, Freddie, VA and FHA policy guidelines.
    • Support FNMA portfolio loans in default and imminent default loans with a focus on loan modifications.
    • Work directly with FNMA counselors to negotiate mortgage terms for the homeowner that will prevent foreclosure.
    • Comply with bank, investor and regulatory guidelines while having a strong understanding of RESPA, HDMA, and ECOA guidelines.
    • Generate accurate RESPA require disclosures.
    More Mortgage Processor duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your mortgage processor job description helps attract top candidates to the position. A mortgage processor salary can be affected by several factors, such as geography, experience, seniority, certifications, and the prestige of the hiring company.

    For example, the average salary for a mortgage processor in Ohio may be lower than in Arizona, and an entry-level mortgage processor usually earns less than a senior-level mortgage processor. Additionally, a mortgage processor with certifications may command a higher salary, and working for a well-known company or start-up may also impact an employee's pay.

    Average mortgage processor salary

    $40,527yearly

    $19.48 hourly rate

    Entry-level mortgage processor salary
    $31,000 yearly salary
    Updated June 23, 2025

    Average mortgage processor salary by state

    RankStateAvg. SalaryHourly Rate
    1Arizona$53,493$26
    2California$51,006$25
    3New York$47,864$23
    4Maryland$46,962$23
    5Massachusetts$44,564$21
    6Kentucky$44,214$21
    7Oregon$42,769$21
    8Florida$42,551$20
    9South Carolina$42,106$20
    10Virginia$41,673$20
    11Michigan$41,497$20
    12Tennessee$41,369$20
    13Alabama$41,269$20
    14Texas$41,156$20
    15North Carolina$40,219$19
    16Georgia$39,853$19
    17Indiana$38,661$19
    18Minnesota$38,380$18
    19Pennsylvania$38,293$18
    20Ohio$35,817$17

    Average mortgage processor salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage SalaryHourly RateJob Openings
    1CyberCoders$45,957$22.09
    2USAA$45,223$21.74
    3Navy Federal Credit Union$44,806$21.542
    4System One$43,659$20.99
    5United Federal Credit Union$43,654$20.991
    6Jobot$42,755$20.56
    7Johnson Financial Group$42,381$20.381
    8Randstad North America, Inc.$41,697$20.056
    9Kelly Services$40,827$19.637
    10ManpowerGroup$40,638$19.548
    11Robert Half$40,418$19.4317
    12COMMUNITY BANCORP INC$40,144$19.3011
    13Canadian Imperial Holdings, Inc.$40,137$19.301
    14Arrow Financial Services LLC$40,115$19.29
    15Oklahoma's Credit Union$39,992$19.23
    16VARITE$39,711$19.09
    17Aerotek$39,696$19.08
    18Iron Mountain$39,621$19.05
    19Neighbors Credit Union$39,520$19.00
    20Adecco$39,318$18.907
  4. Writing a Mortgage Processor Job Description

    A mortgage processor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a mortgage processor job description:

    Mortgage Processor job description example

    RTN Federal Credit Union is seeking a full-time (40 hour) Mortgage Processor at our Waltham location. This full-time position is responsible for numerous tasks that are vital to the smooth operation of our Mortgage Lending department here at the Credit Union. In addition to the requirements listed below, we are searching for an enthusiastic, customer-service-oriented individual to become part of the RTN Federal Credit Union team.
    Duties include but are not limited to:
    Basic knowledge of mortgage lending Identify, prioritize, develop and maintain a quality pipeline of mortgage files to facilitate Residential Mortgage Loan closings Answer member mortgage inquiries Process initial loan applications and issue disbursements for mortgage closings Set up loan parameters in XP, prepare net funding worksheet and disburse loan proceeds via wire transfer to attorney, payoff RTN loans and fund members account accordingly Review reports from vendors and correct as necessary.

    Qualifications:
    High School Diploma (Associates or Bachelor's Degree preferred) Two years of residential processing experience is required
    We offer a wide arrayof benefits including:

    Health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield (77% employer paid). Free dental, vision, and group life insurance for full-time employees. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows for pre-tax contributions for qualified expenses. Annual employer contribution to the FSA for employees enrolled in our health plan up to $500 based on the plan selected. For those who already have health coverage up to $1,000 paid to you per year. Vacation, sick time, and personal days. Tuition reimbursement up to $4,000 per year. 401(k) match of 50% up to 6% of your 401(k) contribution including Roth 401(k). Monthly Profit Sharing contribution of 3% of employee salary into the 401(k) plan. Voluntary benefits include additional life insurance for self, spouse and dependents.
    RTN Federal Credit Union offers a wide range of banking products and services and our staff is committed to providing excellent customer service. We "give back" through a variety of sponsorships, drives, and community events. Our work environment is fast paced and customer focused.

    If you enjoy helping people and have the experience we seek, we'd love to hear from you.

    RTN Federal Credit Union is an EEO employer - M/F/Vets/Disabled
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right mortgage processor for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your mortgage processor job on Zippia to find and recruit mortgage processor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit mortgage processors, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new mortgage processor

    Once you've selected the best mortgage processor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new mortgage processor. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a mortgage processor?

Before you start to hire mortgage processors, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire mortgage processors pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $40,527 per year for a mortgage processor, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for mortgage processors in the US typically range between $14 and $25 an hour.

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