Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Career Overview

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 Known As

• Broker
• Equity Trader
• Financial Advisor
• Financial Consultant

Alternate Job Titles

• Account Administrator
• Account Manager
• Account Specialist
• Bank and Savings Securities Trader
• Banker
• Banker Associate
• Block Trader
• Bond Broker
• Bond Trader
• Branch Banker
• Branch Relationship Banker
• Branch Sales Representative
• Branch Service Representative
• Broker
• Business Banker

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• 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.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Customer and Personal Service
• Economics and Accounting
• English Language
• Mathematics
• Sales and Marketing

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Active Listening
2. Critical Thinking
3. Monitoring
4. Judgment and Decision Making

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Written Comprehension
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Expression
• Near Vision
• Inductive Reasoning

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Integrity
• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Stress Tolerance
• Social Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Achievement
• Working Conditions
• Independence
• Relationships
• Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

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

Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• C++
• Linux
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Visual Basic
• Microsoft Windows

Tools & Equipment

• 10-key calculators
• Computer data input scanners
• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Laser facsimile machines
• Mobile computing devices
• Multi-line telephone systems
• Notebook computers
• Personal computers
• Photocopying equipment
• Tablet computers

Work Environment

• E-Mail
• Telephone Conversations
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Contact With Others
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$47,080
Median	$78,140
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$215,210

Workers Employed Nationally: 472,300

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

---

---

Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.