Sales
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Also called: Broker, Commodities Broker, Equity Trader, Financial Advisor
US median pay
$78,660
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+1.4%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
35,100
531,000 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
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 they do day to day
- Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
- Monitor markets or positions.
- Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
- Keep accurate records of transactions.
- Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
- Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
- Report all positions or trading results.
- 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.
- Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.6/5
- Persuasion3.5/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Systems Analysis3.2/5
- Service Orientation3.2/5
- Time Management3.1/5
- Systems Evaluation3.1/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
- Economics and Accounting3.9/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Mathematics3.7/5
- Sales and Marketing3.7/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree55%
- High school diploma27%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.