Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents Salary 2025: $78,660 Median
The median annual salary for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents is $78,660, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The average (mean) is $109,150, or about $38 per hour. That wide gap between median and mean points to a top-heavy field: top earners in the 90th percentile pull in $212,880 while the bottom 10th percentile earn $48,040.
Only about 489,570 people work in this occupation across the U.S. The typical income depends heavily on what you sell and where. Commission-heavy roles can push high earners well into six figures, while salaried positions at smaller firms tend to be lower.
How much Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents earn
The BLS reports a 10th-to-90th-percentile range from $48,040 to $212,880. That means one in ten agents earns below $48,040, and one in ten earns above $212,880.
Compensation structure varies. Many agents work on commission, meaning low base salaries but potential for very high bonuses. Others are salaried with a commission component. The upper end of the pay scale is dominated by securities and commodities sales agents who handle large institutional accounts or high-net-worth individuals.
Experience, licensing, and the financial products sold also drive differences. Stockbrokers and investment bankers typically earn more than agents selling insurance or mutual funds. For exact numbers, the BLS mean wage of $109,150 is the best single figure for typical total compensation.
Pay by state
Geography matters a lot. New York pays highest: average annual wage of $168,340 — more than double the national mean. That reflects Wall Street's concentration of high-end securities trading and investment banking roles.
Other top states include Massachusetts ($100,310), Illinois ($99,840), Connecticut ($98,560), and Vermont ($88,280). These states have strong financial sectors or proximity to major financial hubs.
Lower-paying states are mostly in the South. Alabama averages $49,230, Louisiana $48,040, and Mississippi $46,680. Those states have fewer large financial firms and a cost of living that's far below New York's.
How to become Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent
You need at least a bachelor's degree, typically in finance, business, economics, or accounting. An MBA or a master's in finance can help you land higher-paying positions, but it's not required for entry-level roles.
- Earn a degree: most employers require a bachelor's in a related field.
- Get licensed: the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) administers exams like the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent). For commodities, the Series 3 is needed.
- Register with FINRA and any state securities regulators where you'll operate.
- Start in a trainee role: many large firms offer paid training programs that combine classroom instruction with on-the-job selling.
- Continuing education: licensed agents must complete annual compliance training and pass additional exams to sell more products.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 3.3% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That slower growth reflects the rise of online brokerages and robo-advisors that reduce the need for human agents.
Still, about 38,100 openings per year are expected, mostly from replacing workers who retire or leave the field. Job prospects are better for those with strong sales records, a book of clients, or expertise in specialized products like derivatives or municipal bonds.
Most new jobs will be at full-service brokerages, investment banks, and wealth management firms. The number of agents has been roughly stable for years, so competition is stiff, but high performers can earn very well.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents make an hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $38, according to BLS data. But because many agents work on commission, their actual hourly income can vary tremendously — the top 10% earn over $100 per hour, while the bottom 10% earn less than $23.
What is the job growth for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents?
Employment is projected to grow 3.3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average across all occupations. That works out to roughly 38,100 job openings each year, mostly due to turnover.
Do you need a degree to become a Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent?
Yes, a bachelor's degree is typically required, usually in finance, business, economics, or accounting. You also need to pass FINRA licensing exams (like Series 7 and 63) and register with state regulators.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents data.