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Usda Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc.

Sr. Underwriter

San Diego, CA · On-site

$40.86 - $50.48/hr

Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, 2013k, VA, and USDA based on lending authority levels (underwritten loans ... Underwriters and newly hired Senior Underwriters * Answer and research general underwriting ...

Plaza Home Mortgage, Inc.

Sr. Underwriter

San Diego, CA · Remote

$40.86 - $50.48/hr

Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, 2013k, VA, and USDA based on lending authority levels (underwritten loans ... Underwriters and newly hired Senior Underwriters * Answer and research general underwriting ...

theLender

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Underwriting Team Lead (REMOTE)

Lake Forest, CA · Remote

$57 - $59/hr

Pay: $57.00 - $59.00 per hour Job Overview We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Underwriter ... Knowledgeable of Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA & USDA underwriting guidelines * Demonstrated knowledge ...

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All JobsUsda Underwriter Jobs

Usda Underwriter information

See salary details

$32.5K

$78.9K

$139.5K

How much do usda underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for usda underwriter in the United States is $78,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a USDA Underwriter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a USDA Underwriter, you need a deep understanding of mortgage underwriting guidelines, risk assessment, and government loan programs, typically supported by experience in mortgage lending and a relevant degree. Familiarity with automated underwriting systems (AUS), loan origination software, and regulatory compliance tools is vital. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout underwriters apart. These competencies ensure accurate loan decisions, regulatory adherence, and a smooth approval process for USDA-backed mortgages.

What are some common challenges USDA Underwriters face when assessing rural property eligibility?

USDA Underwriters often encounter challenges verifying that properties meet USDA’s rural and eligibility requirements, especially when boundaries and property types are unclear. They must carefully review appraisals, flood zone maps, and property records to ensure compliance with USDA guidelines. Additionally, navigating unique rural property features, such as outbuildings or mixed-use land, requires careful analysis to confirm they don't disqualify the loan. Strong attention to detail and clear communication with loan officers and appraisers are essential to overcome these challenges.

What is a USDA Underwriter?

A USDA Underwriter is a mortgage professional responsible for reviewing and evaluating loan applications for mortgages backed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Their primary role is to assess an applicant’s financial information, property eligibility, and compliance with USDA Rural Development guidelines to determine if the loan meets all program requirements. They ensure that both the borrower and the property meet the standards set by the USDA before approving or denying the loan. USDA Underwriters play a crucial role in facilitating affordable homeownership in rural areas by safeguarding the integrity and standards of the program.

What is the difference between Usda Underwriter vs FHA Underwriter?

AspectUsda UnderwriterFHA Underwriter
CredentialsTypically requires mortgage underwriting experience, relevant certifications (e.g., MLO license)Similar credentials, often with FHA-specific training or certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily with USDA loan applications, rural property assessmentsHandles FHA loan files, urban and suburban properties
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by USDA-approved lenders, government-backed rural housing programsUsed by FHA-approved lenders, government-backed urban housing programs

Both USDA and FHA underwriters evaluate mortgage applications for government-backed loans, requiring similar skills and certifications. The main difference lies in the loan programs they support and the types of properties they assess, with USDA underwriters focusing on rural areas and FHA underwriters on urban and suburban properties.

More about Usda Underwriter jobs
What job categories do people searching Usda Underwriter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Usda Underwriter jobs are:
Usda Underwriter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Usda Underwriter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,878 per year, or $37.9 per hour.
Senior SBA & USDA Underwriter

Senior SBA & USDA Underwriter

FIRST COMMUNITY BANK (SC)

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
The Senior SBA& USDA Underwriter is responsible for the independent underwriting,structuring, analysis, and recommendation of complex government guaranteedcommercial loan requests in accordance with SBA SOP requirements, USDAguidelines, bank credit policy, and prudent commercial lending practices.
This positionplays a critical role in maintaining credit quality, regulatory compliance,portfolio performance, and operational efficiency within a high-performingGovernment Guaranteed Lending ("GGL") platform. The ideal candidate possessesadvanced technical expertise in SBA 7(a), SBA Express, USDA B&I, andrelated government guaranteed lending programs, while also demonstrating strongbusiness judgment, communication skills, and the ability to operate in afast-paced, production-oriented environment consistent with one of the nation'stop SBA lenders.
The SeniorUnderwriter serves as a key resource to lenders, credit administration,closing, servicing, and executive management while helping drive growth,consistency, and credit culture throughout the organization.
The idealcandidate combines elite-level government guaranteed lending expertise withstrong business acumen, sound credit judgment, operational discipline, and acollaborative leadership style. This individual thrives in a high-performancelending environment focused on growth, compliance, credit quality, andexceptional client service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Otherduties may be assigned.)
CreditUnderwriting & Analysis
  • Independently underwrite complex SBA 7(a), SBA Express, USDA B&I, and related government guaranteed loan requests.
  • Analyze borrower financial statements, tax returns, projections, global cash flow, debt service capacity, collateral coverage, liquidity, guarantor support, and repayment ability.
  • Assess business risk, industry trends, management strength, succession considerations, and operational viability.
  • Structure transactions in accordance with SBA SOP, USDA program requirements, bank credit policy, and safe and sound banking practices.
  • Perform detailed collateral analysis including real estate, business assets, special purpose collateral, and construction lending scenarios.
  • Evaluate equity injection requirements, source and seasoning of funds, and eligibility of contributed assets.
  • Analyze franchise eligibility, affiliation, size standards, ownership structures, and organizational documentation.
  • Review environmental, appraisal, insurance, and legal requirements associated with government guaranteed lending.
  • Prepare comprehensive written credit memorandums and recommendation packages for approval authorities and loan committees.
  • Present and defend loan recommendations to senior management and credit committees when necessary.

GovernmentGuaranteed Program Compliance
  • Maintain expert-level knowledge of current SBA SOPs, USDA regulations, policy notices, procedural updates, and program changes.
  • Ensure all loans meet SBA and USDA eligibility, underwriting, documentation, and compliance requirements.
  • Assist in maintaining the bank's Preferred Lender Program ("PLP") standards and USDA lending authority requirements.
  • Identify and mitigate potential guaranty repair or denial risks during underwriting.
  • Work closely with internal audit, quality control, compliance, and loan operations teams to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Assist with responses to SBA, USDA, internal audit, and regulatory examination findings as needed.

Leadership& Collaboration
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior underwriters, analysts, lenders, and support staff.
  • Promote consistency in underwriting standards and credit culture across the organization.
  • Partner closely with business development officers, closers, portfolio managers, and loan operations staff to ensure efficient loan flow and exceptional customer experience.
  • Assist in developing underwriting procedures, templates, workflows, and departmental best practices.
  • Participate in training initiatives related to SBA and USDA lending programs.

Qualifications
Education& Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 7-10 years of commercial credit underwriting experience required.
  • Minimum 5 years of direct SBA underwriting experience required.
  • USDA B&I underwriting experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience within a high-volume SBA lending platform preferred.
  • Prior experience with PLP lending strongly preferred.

Technical Knowledge Requirements
Advancedknowledge of:
• SBA SOP 50 10 andrelated procedural notices
• SBA 7(a), Express,CAPLines, and construction lending
• USDA Business &Industry (B&I) lending
• Commercial cash flowanalysis and global cash flow
• CRE and businessacquisition underwriting
• Construction lendinganalysis
• Environmental andappraisal requirements
• SBA eligibility andaffiliation rules
• Collateral valuationmethodologies
• Loan structuring andrisk assessment
• Regulatory andcompliance expectations
Skills& Competencies
  • Exceptional analytical and credit underwriting skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple transactions under tight deadlines.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to operate independently with minimal supervision.
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
  • High level of professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

PreferredSystems Experience
  • SBA E-Tran
  • CAFS
  • Abrigo / Sageworks / Moody's
  • Microsoft Excel and Word

PerformanceExpectations
  • Maintain high levels of underwriting accuracy and compliance.
  • Deliver timely credit decisions consistent with service-level expectations.
  • Support portfolio growth while maintaining strong credit quality.
  • Contribute to the bank's strategic growth within SBA and USDA lending platforms.
  • Uphold the institution's credit culture and reputation as a top-tier government guaranteed lender.

FIRST COMMUNITY BANK (SC) is an EEO Employer - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

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