A credit analyst evaluates financial information to assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. You'll analyze data, review applications, and make decisions about lending risk. The role requires a bachelor's degree and strong analytical skills.
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Credit analysts review financial documents, credit histories, and economic data to determine whether applicants qualify for loans or credit. You analyze information from multiple sources, communicate findings to supervisors and colleagues, and help organizations make sound lending decisions. The work is detail-oriented and requires you to spot patterns in data, understand accounting principles, and apply knowledge of lending regulations. You'll spend significant time working with computers and processing information to support your recommendations.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Credit Analysts earn a median of $83,510 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 3,700 openings a year from turnover.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most credit analyst positions require a bachelor's degree. During your studies, focus on coursework in economics, accounting, mathematics, and business. Develop your critical thinking and analytical skills through projects and internships in banking or financial services. You'll also benefit from familiarity with financial software and databases. This is a considerable preparation level, so plan for a four-year degree path and consider internships to build practical experience before entering the field.
Most paths to credit analyst roles start with a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics. If you're exploring whether this career fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the credit analyst path that fits you to map out the steps with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a credit analyst, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Credit analysis appeals to people who are detail-oriented, methodical, and comfortable with numbers and systems. You likely enjoy solving problems through data and prefer structured work environments.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).