Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents: What You Need to Know
If you’re interested in a career in finance, becoming a securities, commodities, or financial services sales agent might be the perfect fit for you. This profession involves connecting clients with investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and mutual funds. As a sales agent, you’ll work for a brokerage firm, investment bank, or financial services company to help individuals and organizations make smart investment decisions.
Examples of this Job
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents come in many different varieties. Here are some examples of specific jobs in this field:
- Stockbroker
- Investment banker
- Commodity trader
- Financial planner
- Portfolio manager
Education and Training
Most financial services sales agents have a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field. However, many people enter this profession with a background in law, accounting, or engineering. In addition, securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents must obtain a license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to work in the field. This requires passing an exam, which covers the standards of conduct for sales agents, industry regulations, and specific financial products.
Progression Through the Field
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents usually start out as trainees or assistants, gaining experience and knowledge under the guidance of senior staff members. As they become more familiar with the products and services they sell, they may take on more responsibility and begin working with clients on their own. Over time, top-performing sales agents may be promoted to management positions, supervising other salespeople and overseeing company operations.
Getting In
If you’re interested in becoming a securities, commodities, or financial services sales agent, the first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field. After graduation, look for entry-level positions at financial services firms. Even if you start in a support role, such as an administrative assistant or junior associate, you’ll gain valuable experience and knowledge that will help you build your career. You can also obtain licenses and certifications that demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field, making you a more desirable candidate for future job opportunities.
Occupation: Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Salary Data
| Geography | Job Level | Union | Pay Type | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US National Average | All workers | N/A | N/A | $103,521.60 |
| US National Average | All levels | Nonunion | N/A | $100,817.60 |
| US National Average | All levels | N/A | Full-time | $102,273.60 |
| US National Average | Level 08 | N/A | Full-time | $103,521.60 |
| US National Average | All levels | N/A | Time-based pay | $81,411.20 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | All levels | N/A | Incentive-based pay | $199,409.60 |
| Arkansas | All levels | N/A | Time-based pay | $51,147.20 |
The occupation of securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents has a national average salary of $103,521.60 for level 08 workers. Those who work full time earn an average of $102,273.60, while those on time-based pay earn an average of $81,411.20. In New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA, securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents who are on incentive-based pay earn the highest average salary at $199,409.60. In Arkansas, those on time-based pay earn the lowest average salary at $51,147.20.
There is no data available on the effects of union on this particular job occupation.
Summary
Overall, if you have a degree in business, finance, economics or a related field, a career as a securities, commodities or financial services sales agent might be the perfect fit for you. Licensing is required, and there are plenty of entry-level opportunities available. The role entails helping individuals and organizations make smart investment decisions, and the salary average is over $100k per year.
