Career Profile: Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 466,900 people employed as securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents in the United States. The median annual salary is $62,910. Entry level employees earn approximately $37,970 per year and senior employees earn approximately $205,440 (or more) per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• 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.
• Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
• Determine customers' financial services needs and prepare proposals to sell services that address these needs.
• Sell services or equipment, such as trusts, investments, or check processing services.
• Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.
• Develop financial plans, based on analysis of clients' financial status.
• Review all securities transactions to ensure accuracy of information and conformance to governing agency regulations.
• Contact prospective customers to present information and explain available services.
• Devise trading, option, or hedge strategies.
• Track and analyze factors that affect price movement, such as trade policies, weather conditions, political developments, or supply and demand changes.
• Inform other traders, managers, or customers of market conditions, including volume, price, competition, or dynamics.
• Evaluate costs and revenue of agreements to determine continued profitability.
• Explain stock market terms or trading practices to clients.
• Offer advice on the purchase or sale of particular securities.
• Monitor markets or positions.
• Calculate costs for billings or commissions.
• Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.
• Supply the latest price quotes on any security, as well as information on the activities or financial positions of the corporations issuing these securities.
• Supervise support staff and ensure proper execution of contracts.
• Relay buy or sell orders to securities exchanges or to firm trading departments.
• Report all positions or trading results.
• Interview clients to determine clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, or financial objectives.
• Discuss financial options with clients and keep them informed about transactions.

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