Average salary, compensation, and wages for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents in the United StatesMedian annual earnings of securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents were $60,990 in 2002. The middle half earned between $36,180 and $117,050. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of securities and financial services sales agents in 2002 were as follows:
Stockbrokers, who provide personalized service and more guidance with respect to a client�s investments, usually are paid a commission based on the amount of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, insurance, and other products they sell. Earnings from commissions are likely to be high when there is much buying and selling, low when there is a slump in market activity. Most firms provide sales agents with a steady income by paying a �draw against commission�—a minimum salary based on commissions they can be expected to earn. Securities and commodities sales agents who can provide their clients with the most thorough financial services should enjoy the greatest income stability. Trainee brokers usually are paid a salary until they develop a client base. The salary gradually decreases in favor of commissions as the broker gains clients. A small, but increasing, number of full-service brokers are paid a percentage of the assets they oversee. This fee often covers a certain number of trades done for free. Brokers who work for discount brokerage firms that promote the use of telephone and online trading services usually are paid a salary, sometimes boosted by bonuses that reflect the profitability of the office. Financial services sales agents usually are paid a salary also; however, bonuses or commissions from sales are starting to account for a larger share of their income. More information on Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents occupation Number of Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Working conditions for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Significant points for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Training requirements for Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |