Accountant vs Loan Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Accountant
Prepare and examine financial records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Loan Officer
Evaluate and approve loan applications for individuals and businesses.
Accountant earns more on average — the national median is $6,990/year (9%) higher than a Loan Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Accountant vs Loan Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Accountant | Loan Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,756 | $112,457 | Accountant +$10,299 |
| New York, NY | $99,513 | $90,395 | Accountant +$9,118 |
| Seattle, WA | $117,197 | $110,029 | Accountant +$7,168 |
| Austin, TX | $94,568 | $83,164 | Accountant +$11,404 |
| Chicago, IL | $88,290 | $84,407 | Accountant +$3,883 |
| Boston, MA | $106,405 | $100,682 | Accountant +$5,723 |
| London, UK | £62,254 | £59,291 | Accountant +$2,963 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$94,614 | CA$104,403 | Accountant $9,789 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Accountant or Loan Officer earn more?+
A Accountant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Accountant is $83,680/year, compared to $76,690/year for a Loan Officer — a difference of $6,990 (9%).
Which has better career growth — Accountant or Loan Officer?+
Accountant roles are growing at 6% YoY while Loan Officer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Loan Officer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Accountant to Loan Officer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Accountant or Loan Officer?+
Accountant has a lower AI automation risk (78% vs 80%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.