Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents buy and sell securities, commodities, and financial products for investment firms, banks, and financial services companies. They advise clients on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and market conditions. Most work in offices, managing client portfolios and executing trades.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with clients to discuss investment goals, analyzing market data and financial products, and executing buy-and-sell transactions. Sales agents spend time prospecting for new clients, reviewing account performance, and staying informed about market movements and economic conditions. Administrative work includes documentation, compliance reporting, and following regulatory requirements. Client communication happens through calls, meetings, and email.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You thrive in fast-paced environments where you can persuade and negotiate with clients while managing detailed financial information. You combine an interest in business strategy with attention to rules and procedures, and you're motivated by building client relationships and closing sales.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $101,860 | $168,340 | $233,800 | 55,630 |
| Massachusetts | $66,020 | $100,310 | $161,030 | 14,510 |
| Illinois | $63,320 | $99,840 | $156,700 | 27,920 |
| Connecticut | $61,470 | $98,560 | $174,180 | 5,730 |
| Vermont | $78,570 | $88,280 | $135,290 | 240 |
| South Dakota | $47,960 | $86,780 | $127,980 | 730 |
| Delaware | $53,290 | $83,750 | $135,010 | 2,300 |
| Minnesota | $58,700 | $83,350 | $133,270 | 8,820 |
| Nebraska | $62,660 | $82,560 | $124,990 | 2,150 |
| New Jersey | $58,880 | $82,420 | $132,270 | 15,230 |
| California | $60,340 | $79,730 | $127,930 | 55,860 |
| New Hampshire | $57,600 | $78,930 | $139,630 | 1,530 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Series 63, Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination (Series) — North American Securities Administrators Association
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) — CFA Institute
- Associate, Customer Service (ACS) — LOMA
- Certified Securities Operations Professional (CSOP) — American Bankers Association
- Master Financial Planner (MFP) — American Academy of Financial Management
- Registered Financial Specialist (RFS) — American Academy of Financial Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 6 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-3031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.