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Verified by IA Board of Business

Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing in Iowa

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for mortgage loan originator in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Mortgage Loan Originator in Iowa

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Tied to business.

  6. 6

    License to act as a mortgage banker or mortgage broker.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking • Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $80,070 median (8% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Mortgage Loan Originator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking~Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Iowa

With a median salary of $80,070, Mortgage Loan Originators in Iowa earn 8% above the national median of $74,180. Iowa ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,154

Median annual salary

$80,070

Hourly estimate

$38.50
8% above national median

Difference: +$5,890

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,000
  • P2525th percentile$62,330
  • P50Median$80,070
  • P7575th percentile$109,980
  • P9090th percentile$135,890

State vs National Median

State: $80,070
National: $74,180

Total employment: 3,350 | Annual openings: N/A

Mortgage Loan Originator Salary Ranking

#9 of 50 statesfor Mortgage Loan Originator median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$98,940
#2New Jersey$95,090
#3Massachusetts$93,430
#4Vermont$86,490
#5Minnesota$84,480

Nearby States Comparison

Mortgage Loan Originator licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Iowa$80,070Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$84,480Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$79,230Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Illinois$75,960Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Missouri$72,730Degree requiredState exam required21 years
Nebraska$75,730Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month
South Dakota$78,590Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Missouri62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking • Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking

200 East Grand Avenue, Suite 300, Des Moines, IA, 50309

Phone: 5152814014

Related Careers in Iowa

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$86,990Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$50,720Specific course requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$74,290Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$94,500Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Iowa?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Mortgage Loan Originators in Iowa?

Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Mortgage Loan Originators.

What education do you need to become a Mortgage Loan Originator in Iowa?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Mortgage Loan Originator licensure in Iowa.

What is the typical Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Iowa?

The median annual salary for Mortgage Loan Originators in Iowa is $80,070. Salaries range from $49,000 (10th percentile) to $135,890 (90th percentile).

How does the Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Iowa compare to the national average?

Mortgage Loan Originators in Iowa earn 8% above the national median of $74,180, with a state median of $80,070.

How many Mortgage Loan Originators work in Iowa?

Iowa employs approximately 3,350 Mortgage Loan Originators according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Mortgage Loan Originator license to Iowa from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Mortgage Loan Originators in Iowa?

The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking / Iowa Department of Commerce, Iowa Division of Banking. Review agency details at https://commerce.iowa.gov/division-banking.

How often do you renew a Mortgage Loan Originator license in Iowa?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.