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Career Profile

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

What they do:

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, Investments Advisor, Investments Specialist, Personal Banker, Trader, Broker, Commodities Broker, Equity Trader, Financial Advisor, Financial Consultant, Investment Representative, Investments Advisor, Investments Specialist, Personal Banker, Trader

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$48,040
Starting Salary (2025)
$78,660
Median Salary (2025)
3.3%
Projected Job Growth
489,570
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.
Monitor markets or positions.
Contact prospective customers to present information and explain available services.
Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.
Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Attention to Detail
Initiative
Persistence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Persuasion
Speaking

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 55%
  • High school diploma 27%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 6%
  • Some college 6%
  • Master's degree 4%
  • Other 2%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Financial and Investment Analysts
Personal Financial Advisors
Investment Fund Managers
Financial Risk Specialists

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.