Financial Services Brokers

Employers

Financial services brokers and related workers hold approximately 513,800 jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 34 percent work for securities and commodities firms and brokerage companies. Other employers include banks, savings institutions, and credit unions. About 5 percent of financial services brokers are self employed.

Financial services brokers work all around the country. Although many employers are very small, the largest employers of financial services brokers are a few large firms that have their main offices in major cities, especially New York.

Starting Out

Many firms hire beginning sales workers and train and retain them for a probationary period to determine their talents and ability to succeed in the business. The training period lasts about six months and includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Applications for these beginning jobs may be made directly to the personnel offices of the various securities firms. Search the Internet for listings of securities firms. Job-search sites such as LinkedIn.com and EFinancialCareers.com also have listings.