Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

O*NET 41-3031.00 · SOC 41-3031

Security is a solid career choice. Median pay is $79k a year with +1.4% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 35,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+1.4%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$79k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
35k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Buy and sell stocks, bonds, or commodities for clients
  • →Monitor market trends and advise clients on investments
  • →Open new brokerage accounts and verify client information
  • →Explain investment risks and potential returns to clients
  • →Execute trade orders accurately and within required timeframes

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Security roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Security? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Udemy
Affordable self-paced courses from $12.99
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Skillshare
Creative and professional skill classes
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LinkedIn Learning
Professional development with certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid

Work Style

Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Security involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningBuy and sell stocks, bonds, or commodities for clients
MiddayMonitor market trends and advise clients on investments
AfternoonOpen new brokerage accounts and verify client information

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Enterprising (Persuaders)6.1
Conventional (Organizers)5.3
Social (Helpers)3.1
Investigative (Thinkers)2.5
Artistic (Creators)1.3
Realistic (Doers)1.3

Who Thrives as Security?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe OrganizerENTJThe CaptainESFJThe ProviderISTJThe Inspector

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Security Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents is projected to grow 1.4% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

40/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Security make?

The median Security earns $79k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Security jobs?

Our model puts Security at 40 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 40% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.

Is Security a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 1.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 35,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Security?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Security roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Security?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Security career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

Take the assessment →

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