What Does it Take to Be a Securities and Commodities Sales Agent?
Position Description Buy and sell securities in investment and trading firms and develop and implement financial plans for individuals, businesses, and organizations.
Life As a Securities & Commodities Sales Agent: What Do They Do?
- Relay buy or sell orders to securities exchanges or to firm trading departments.
- Complete sales order tickets and submit for processing of client-requested transactions.
- Prepare financial reports to monitor client or corporate finances.
- Inform and advise concerned parties regarding fluctuations or securities transactions affecting plans or accounts.
- Identify potential clients, using advertising campaigns, mailing lists, or personal contacts.
- Supply the latest price quotes on any security, as well as information on the activities or financial positions of the corporations issuing these securities.
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Securities & Commodities Sales Agent Needed Skills
Securities and Commodities Sales Agents state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Oil Lease Broker
- Account Executive
- Bond Broker
- Mining Speculator
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Securities & Commodities Sales Agent Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 375,700 jobs in the United States for Securities and Commodities Sales Agent. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 23,200 new jobs for Securities and Commodities Sales Agent by 2026. The BLS estimates 38,000 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Securities & Commodities Sales Agent are Arizona, Utah, and Iowa. Watch out if you plan on working in Massachusetts, New Jersey, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Securities & Commodities Sales Agent Make?
Securities and Commodities Sales Agents make between $34,360 and $208,000 a year.

Securities and Commodities Sales Agents who work in New York, South Dakota, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Securities and Commodities Sales Agents make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $82,810 |
Alaska | $101,290 |
Arizona | $72,750 |
Arkansas | $74,490 |
California | $81,610 |
Colorado | $76,160 |
Connecticut | $122,890 |
Delaware | $87,390 |
District of Columbia | $103,380 |
Florida | $82,810 |
Georgia | $77,000 |
Hawaii | $85,660 |
Idaho | $62,690 |
Illinois | $91,640 |
Indiana | $92,400 |
Iowa | $75,380 |
Kansas | $107,500 |
Kentucky | $85,420 |
Louisiana | $89,550 |
Maine | $81,670 |
Maryland | $97,570 |
Massachusetts | $118,310 |
Michigan | $79,320 |
Minnesota | $104,570 |
Mississippi | $78,220 |
Missouri | $80,280 |
Montana | $89,270 |
Nebraska | $86,920 |
Nevada | $70,480 |
New Hampshire | $98,030 |
New Jersey | $98,850 |
New Mexico | $56,380 |
New York | $161,580 |
North Carolina | $88,810 |
North Dakota | $100,060 |
Ohio | $77,960 |
Oklahoma | $78,220 |
Oregon | $66,120 |
Pennsylvania | $86,970 |
Rhode Island | $100,390 |
South Carolina | $75,120 |
South Dakota | $113,460 |
Tennessee | $75,610 |
Texas | $85,720 |
Utah | $71,460 |
Vermont | $105,770 |
Virginia | $90,410 |
Washington | $79,930 |
West Virginia | $83,930 |
Wisconsin | $77,780 |
Wyoming | $70,030 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Securities and Commodities Sales Agents
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Securities and Commodities Sales Agents:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Graphics software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Bloomberg Professional
- C++
- Leading Market Technologies EXPO
- Derivicom FinOptions XL
- AnalyzerXL
Becoming a Securities & Commodities Sales Agent
Are there Securities and Commodities Sales Agents education requirements?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Securities and Commodities Sales Agents Work?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Securities and Commodities Sales Agent might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Dave Dugdale via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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