What Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan this way: "Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Ask questions in accordance with instructions to obtain various specified information, such as person's name, address, age, religious preference, or state of residency"; "Identify and resolve inconsistencies in interviewees' responses by means of appropriate questioning or explanation"; "Compile, record, and code results or data from interview or survey, using computer or specified form"; "Review data obtained from interview for completeness and accuracy"; "Assist individuals in filling out applications or questionnaires".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is high school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 153,600 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 137,600 in 2035, a decrease of 16,000 jobs (-10.4%). That is slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 13,200 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 8.6% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,920, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $54,526 in New Jersey to $56,380 in California, a gap of $1,854 (1.03 times). 3 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $45,920 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 21,150, which is 46.6% of the 45,390 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 12,480.
Highest-paying states
California ($56,380), New York ($54,983) and New Jersey ($54,526) lead the ranking, while New Jersey ($54,526) and New York ($54,983) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Bergen County, NJ (New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ) at $15,248. The smallest margin is $4,760 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 51.2% and 71.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (43-4000) include Brokerage Clerks, Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs, Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping and Court, Municipal, and License Clerks.
Frequently asked questions about Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan
What is the national median wage for Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,920. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $54,526 to $56,380.
Which state pays Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $56,380. New York is next at $54,983.
What is the job outlook for Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan?
BLS projects employment to shrink by 10.4% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 13,200 openings a year.
What education do Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan need?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Bergen County, NJ leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $15,248 on a median wage of $57,330.