Certified Public 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.
Certified Public Accountant
Licensed accounting professional who handles complex tax and audit engagements.
Loan Officer
Evaluate and approve loan applications for individuals and businesses.
Certified Public 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.
Certified Public Accountant vs Loan Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Certified Public Accountant | Loan Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $122,052 | $112,457 | Certified +$9,595 |
| New York, NY | $101,470 | $90,395 | Certified +$11,075 |
| Seattle, WA | $115,604 | $110,029 | Certified +$5,575 |
| Austin, TX | $94,883 | $83,164 | Certified +$11,719 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,214 | $84,407 | Certified +$7,807 |
| Boston, MA | $107,079 | $100,682 | Certified +$6,397 |
| London, UK | £67,379 | £59,291 | Certified +$8,088 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$108,659 | CA$104,403 | Certified +$4,256 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Certified Public Accountant or Loan Officer earn more?+
A Certified Public Accountant earns more on average. The national median salary for a Certified Public 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 — Certified Public Accountant or Loan Officer?+
Certified Public Accountant roles are growing at 8% YoY while Loan Officer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Certified Public Accountant has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Certified Public 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 — Certified Public Accountant or Loan Officer?+
Certified Public Accountant has a lower AI automation risk (68% vs 80%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.