Insurance Agent
Help people and businesses protect what matters with the right insurance.
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Sales & Retail career
Financial Services Sales Agent
Also called: Financial Advisor · Stockbroker · Registered Representative · Investment Sales Agent
What financial services sales agents do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a financial services sales agent do?
Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents connect buyers and sellers in financial markets and sell investments and financial products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and retirement accounts. The median pay is $78,660 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years plus licensing, and employment is projected to grow +1.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$78,660$37.82/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+1.4%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year35,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 years plus licensingTypical program length
- U.S. jobs531,000Employment, 2025
What financial services sales agents do
Financial services sales agents help individuals and institutions buy and sell investments and financial products. They build client relationships, explain options, execute trades, recommend portfolios, review accounts and keep up with markets. Some work at brokerage firms and banks; others trade for institutions.
Most agents have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business or economics and must pass FINRA licensing exams, such as the SIE and Series 7, plus state exams. The work can pay very well but involves sales goals and regulation.
Typical duties
- Build and manage client relationships
- Assess clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance
- Recommend investments and products
- Execute trades and transactions
- Monitor accounts and markets
- Prospect for new clients
- Follow securities regulations and document advice
Work environment and schedule
Agents work in offices at banks, brokerages and financial firms, mostly at computers and on the phone.
Schedule: Most work full-time, often more than 40 hours, with early market hours and client meetings.
A day in the life
- Review overnight markets and research notes.
- Call clients about market changes.
- Meet a new client about retirement goals.
- Execute trades for client accounts.
See a full day in the life of a financial services sales agent →
Financial Services Sales Agent salary
Half of financial services sales agents earned more than $78,660 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,040 for the lowest 10% to $212,880 for the top 10%.
Full financial services sales agent pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a financial services sales agent
- Earn a degree
- Pass the SIE
- Get hired by a firm
- Build a client base
- Advance
A bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics or a related field is typical. Agents must pass FINRA exams and state licensing exams.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a financial services sales agent →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Investment products
- Financial markets
- Portfolio basics
- Securities regulations
- Sales and prospecting
People skills
- Trustworthiness
- Communication
- Persistence
- Analytical thinking
All financial services sales agent skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High earning potential
- Fast-paced financial work
- Client relationships
- Path to wealth management
Cons
- Sales pressure
- Licensing exams
- Market stress
- Heavy regulation
Certifications and licenses
- FINRA SIE: Securities Industry Essentials exam.
- FINRA Series 7: General Securities Representative license.
- Series 63, 65 or 66: State securities and advisor licenses.
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Financial planning credential.
Career path
- Financial Services Representative: Serve clients and learn products.
- Financial Advisor: Manage client relationships.
- Senior Advisor or Wealth Manager: Manage larger portfolios.
- Branch Manager or Partner: Lead advisors or own a practice.
Learn the job before day one
Our Financial Services Sales Agent training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as assess a client’s risk tolerance and build a diversified portfolio, safety and how to land your first job.
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Financial Services Sales Agent FAQ
Do financial sales agents need a degree?
Usually, yes.
What licenses are needed?
Typically the SIE, Series 7 and state exams.
Is it a sales job?
Yes. Building clients is central.
How much does a financial services sales agent make?
The median annual wage for financial services sales agents was $78,660 ($37.82 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,040 and the highest 10% earned more than $212,880.
How long does it take to become a financial services sales agent?
Most people need about 4 years plus licensing of training. A bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics or a related field is typical. Agents must pass FINRA exams and state licensing exams.
Do you need a degree to be a financial services sales agent?
Usually. BLS lists a bachelor’s degree as typical, and firms often require one. Some agents enter from bank or insurance roles and pass FINRA licensing exams while working.
More financial services sales agent questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 41-3031 (Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.