Occupations41-3031.00

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.

Median annual pay
$78,140

BLS, 2024

Employment
514,500

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+3.3%

2024–34

Annual openings
38,100

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
  2. 02Monitor markets or positions.
  3. 03Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
  4. 04Keep accurate records of transactions.
  5. 05Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities on behalf of investment dealers.
  6. 06Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
  7. 07Report all positions or trading results.
  8. 08Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.
  9. 09Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.
  10. 10Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.
  11. 11Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.
  12. 12Review all securities transactions to ensure accuracy of information and conformance to governing agency regulations.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningCritical ThinkingMonitoringReading ComprehensionSpeakingActive LearningWritingMathematicsLearning StrategiesScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 514,500 in 2024 to 531,600 in 2034, a +3.3% change.

BLS projects an average of 38,100 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.