Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.
Also called: Broker · Commodities Broker · Equity Trader · Financial Advisor · Financial Consultant · Investment Representative
Median pay (national)
$78,140
$47,080–$215,210 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
472,300
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+3.3%
~38,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
Bachelor's degree
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents shows an unusually wide range: the top 10% earn $215,210 versus $47,080 at the bottom 10% — 4.6x. The median of $78,140 leaves roughly 175% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +3.3% from 2024 to 2034 — about as fast as the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 38,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 51 states with released data, New York pays the most for this role (median $167,040, +114% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $33,190 — a 403% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Keep accurate records of transactions.
- Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
- Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.
- Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.
- Supply the latest price quotes on any security, as well as information on the activities or financial positions of the corporations issuing these securities.
- Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.
- Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.
- Offer advice on the purchase or sale of particular securities.
- Explain stock market terms or trading practices to clients.
- Review all securities transactions to ensure accuracy of information and conformance to governing agency regulations.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- C++
- Linux
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Windows
- Oracle Java
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Python
- R
- Salesforce software
- SAP software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
- ADP/Vantra VOLTS
- AIQ Systems TradingExpert Pro
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Sales and Marketing
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
- Law and Government