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.
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
SOC: 41-3031 O*NET: 41-3031.00
Median Salary
$78,660
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 1.4%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
35.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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.
What does a Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$48,040
10th percentile
Early Career
$56,540
25th percentile
Median
$78,660
50th percentile
Experienced
$129,950
75th percentile
Top Earners
$212,880
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$48,040
25th
$56,540
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$78,660
Mean: $109,150
75th
$129,950
90th
$212,880
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $164,840 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $56,540 and $129,950
- •Salary spread is 93.3% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 489,570 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:531,000
Top Industries
Finance and Insurance94.5%
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities57.5%
Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 and 5223 only)52.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1.4%
Annual Openings:35,100
Employment Projections
2025 (Current)531,000
Current
2035 (Projected)538,500
+1.4%
+7,500
Employment Change
+1.4%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
55,860 jobs$79,7300.97x
New York
55,630 jobs$168,3401.82x
Florida
42,600 jobs$62,7701.36x
Texas
41,640 jobs$78,4700.94x
Illinois
27,920 jobs$99,8401.45x
North Carolina
21,890 jobs$74,0401.41x
Pennsylvania
15,510 jobs$71,8400.81x
New Jersey
15,230 jobs$82,4201.13x
Georgia
14,950 jobs$59,9900.97x
Arizona
14,600 jobs$74,8401.43x
Massachusetts
14,510 jobs$100,3101.27x
Ohio
13,520 jobs$73,3000.77x
Colorado
12,360 jobs$67,0101.37x
Tennessee
11,370 jobs$58,0501.10x
Virginia
11,320 jobs$62,9100.87x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Active Listening
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Critical Thinking
94%
#5
Economics and Accounting
92%
#6
Oral Expression
92%
#7
English Language
86%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
86%
#9
Deductive Reasoning
82%
#10
Monitoring
80%
Skills Overview
Active Listening
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Economics and Accounting
advanced4.6
92%
Oral Expression
advanced4.6
92%
English Language
intermediate4.3
86%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Active Listening
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Economics and Accounting
advancedImportance92%
knowledge
4.6/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance78%
knowledge
3.9/5.0
Persuasion
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Marketing Managers100%
5 shared skills
Acupuncturists82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Athletes and Sports Competitors82%
5 shared skills
Audiologists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Economics and Accounting
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Computers and Electronics
- →Administration and Management
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
- ✓Economics and Accounting
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★Economics and Accounting
- ★English Language
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechOracle PeopleSoft
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechOracle Java
🔥 Hot TechPython
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Microsoft Dynamics
Salesforce software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
C++
Oracle Java
Python
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Planning & Development (3)Management & Supervision (1)Analysis & Evaluation (1)
1
Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Monitor markets or positions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Keep accurate records of transactions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Report all positions or trading results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents professionals typically have a ECS Holland code and highly value achievement
EEnterprising
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.72
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.41
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.38
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.32
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.31
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.20
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.7
Dependability
4.4
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Attention to Detail
4.3
Initiative
4.3
Persistence
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Analytical Thinking
4.1
Independence
4.0
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents.
Browse Training Programs →Trade Colleges That Train for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
5.3k program completions/year
Cerritos College
Norwalk, CA
2.6k program completions/year
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OH
2.5k program completions/year
Wake Technical Community College
Raleigh, NC
1.9k program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
1.9k program completions/year
Connecticut State Community College
New Britain, CT
1.4k program completions/year
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Mt San Antonio College
Walnut, CA
1.3k program completions/year
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA
1.1k program completions/year
Los Angeles Valley College
Valley Glen, CA
1.0k program completions/year
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
974 program completions/year
Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GA
844 program completions/year
From the Blog
Career Guidance
How to Pay for Trade School: Real Costs, and What Aid Covers
What trade school actually costs, from 71,190 state-approved program listings — a $4,725 median, two-thirds of programs priced below a single maximum Pell Grant — plus why the new Workforce Pell reaches only about one program in nine, and which funding route fits which program length.
Skilled Trades Outlook
Show Me the Money: How Major Companies Are Bankrolling Your Path to the Trades
Companies and foundations just dropped millions in trade scholarships. From DEWALT's $4M grants to Mike Rowe's work-ethic awards, here's how to catch your piece of the pie.