Quantitative Analyst vs Loan Officer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Quantitative Analyst
Build mathematical models for pricing, risk management, and algorithmic trading.
Loan Officer
Evaluate and approve loan applications for individuals and businesses.
Quantitative Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $28,960/year (38%) higher than a Loan Officer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Quantitative Analyst vs Loan Officer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Quantitative Analyst | Loan Officer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $155,771 | $112,457 | Quantitative +$43,314 |
| New York, NY | $130,092 | $90,395 | Quantitative +$39,697 |
| Seattle, WA | $151,610 | $110,029 | Quantitative +$41,581 |
| Austin, TX | $116,913 | $83,164 | Quantitative +$33,749 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,324 | $84,407 | Quantitative +$28,917 |
| Boston, MA | $140,826 | $100,682 | Quantitative +$40,144 |
| London, UK | £80,687 | £59,291 | Quantitative +$21,396 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$142,880 | CA$104,403 | Quantitative +$38,477 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quantitative Analyst or Loan Officer earn more?+
A Quantitative Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Quantitative Analyst is $105,650/year, compared to $76,690/year for a Loan Officer — a difference of $28,960 (38%).
Which has better career growth — Quantitative Analyst or Loan Officer?+
Quantitative Analyst roles are growing at 18% YoY while Loan Officer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Quantitative Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Quantitative Analyst 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 — Quantitative Analyst or Loan Officer?+
Quantitative Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 80%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.