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Verified by WI Board of Business

Mortgage Loan Originator Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Mortgage Loan Originator in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  4. 4

    This license is required of any individual who, for compensation or gain or in the expectation of compensation or gain, takes a residential mortgage loan application or offers or negotiates terms of a residential mortgage loan.

  5. 5

    Pre-requisites for license applications?.

  6. 6

    Education and testing: Pre-licensing education and testing is required for all mortgage loan originators.

  7. 7

    Pre-licensing education courses and tests will be reviewed and approved by the NMLS and only NMLS approved course providers and testers will be accepted.

  8. 8

    An applicant must complete at least 20 hours of approved education, including all of the following:.

  9. 9

    => 3 hours on federal law and regulations.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System • WI Dept of Financial Institutions

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,230 median (7% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #13 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Mortgage Loan Originator licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (An applicant must complete at least 20 hours of approved education, including all of the following:.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; This license is required of any individual who, for compensation or gain or in the expectation of compensation or gain, takes a residenti...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System~WI Dept of Financial Institutions and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $79,230, Mortgage Loan Originators in Wisconsin earn 7% above the national median of $74,180. Wisconsin ranks #13 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$79,230

Hourly estimate

$38.09
7% above national median

Difference: +$5,050

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$50,130
  • P2525th percentile$61,850
  • P50Median$79,230
  • P7575th percentile$104,180
  • P9090th percentile$137,750

State vs National Median

State: $79,230
National: $74,180

Total employment: 5,020 | Annual openings: N/A

Mortgage Loan Originator Salary Ranking

#13 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
Wisconsin$79,230Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Minnesota$84,480Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$80,070Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Illinois$75,960Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Michigan$72,680Varies by state boardState-approved exam1 month

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
Wisconsin62MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
Michigan72MediumBackground check or criminal history review is indicated.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System • WI Dept of Financial Institutions

201 W. Washington Ave, Suite 500, Madison, WI, 53703

Phone: 6082617578

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ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
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Civil Engineer$90,770No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Mortgage Loan Originators in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Mortgage Loan Originators.

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

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

What is the typical Mortgage Loan Originator salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Mortgage Loan Originators in Wisconsin is $79,230. Salaries range from $50,130 (10th percentile) to $137,750 (90th percentile).

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

Mortgage Loan Originators in Wisconsin earn 7% above the national median of $74,180, with a state median of $79,230.

How many Mortgage Loan Originators work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 5,020 Mortgage Loan Originators according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

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

The licensing agency is via Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System / WI Dept of Financial Institutions. Review agency details at http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/slr/Pages/DynamicLicenses.aspx?StateID=WI.

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

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