As expected, the majority of readers are in loan origination, which was defined as: "Includes loan officers, loan originators, loan reps, loan sales, mortgage brokers and anyone else that earns commissions for originating and closing mortgage loans." Specifically, 60% of registered users said they are in "Loan Origination."

"While we have always speculated that most of our readers were loan originators, the new data provide concrete, detailed evidence," said Sam Garcia, Publisher. "What's surprising is that 40% of our readers say they are in other areas of mortgage lending."

"Loan Production" was the next most selected occupation, with 7% of readers selecting this category. "Loan Production" includes all positions involved in the loan production process from origination to closing, except loan originators. Examples include loan processors, sales managers, underwriters and closers.

Next was "Wholesale Lending," which includes all positions at a wholesale lender except those in loan production, with 6%. Examples include account executives and their sales managers, and quality control personnel.

"Mortgage Loan Executives," which includes vice presidents (or higher) at national lenders with more than 100 employees, was picked by approximately 4% of the registrants.

Other notable job categories, each representing less than five percent of registered users, included: