1. Stockbroker Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there is an additional growth rate in the employment of
brokers and traders. This is because of the substantial increase of trading in commodity markets.
Stockbroking is the process of dealing with securities, commodities, and financial services on stock
exchange. Stockbrokers provide sound financial advice to existing clients, attract new clients with
high-return investment options, and buy and sell stock options for their clients in order for them to
gain great financial profits. There are many kinds of stockbrokers. These are mainly classified into
two categories: (i) Full-service Broker and (ii) Discount Broker. The difference between the two is
explained as under.
(i) Full-service brokers provide investment advice on various market opportunities as well as act on
their client's behalf, i.e., perform buying and selling of stocks according to their expert observation.
They usually charge a hefty amount of fees, however, they take full responsibility of the client's
investment and ensure that they get high returns.
(ii) Discount brokers, also known as online brokers, only help carry out the buying and selling of
orders as directed by the client, without giving any investment advice to them. These professionals
do not help you choose any stock, neither do they tell you of the right time to buy or sell. They
charge a significantly lower amount as fees compared to a full-service broker, hence the lack of
services. Some work independently while others are mostly hired employees of a brokerage firm.
The salary range of a stockbroker depends upon varied factors including the work profile, industry,
type of employer, experience, location, education, and so on. Bonuses and commissions should also
be taken into consideration when looking at the salary aspect of this job. To survive in this industry,
a stockbroker must also possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and convincing skills.
2. AVERAGE SALARY OF A STOCKBROKER
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has included this profession under the category of 'Securities,
Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents'. There is a projected growth rate of 11 percent
from the year 2012 to 2022. The 2012 annual median salary of this category was USD 71,720,
according to BLS. The following sections will give you the current figures of the average salary that
can be expected in this field.
Average Salary by Experience
0 to 5 years
USD 45,000
5 to 10 years
USD 55,000
10 to 20 years
USD 81,000
20 years
USD 132,000
Source: PayScale
Average Salary by State
Alabama
$46,000
Alaska
$34,000
Arizona
$38,000
Arkansas
$47,000
California
$49,000
Colorado
6. $40,000
Virginia
$46,000
Washington
$47,000
West Virginia
$43,000
Wisconsin
$41,000
Wyoming
$38,000
Source: Indeed
» Note:
All figures are as of July 2014 and are in US Dollars.
All figures are average annual salaries and may vary based on education, experience, location, type
of employer plus commissions.
According to the website of Stock Broker Career Headquarters, "the lowest earning 10% of
stockbrokers earned less than $31,330 while the highest earning 10% of stockbrokers earned in
excess of $166,400." Alternately, the website PayScale states the median annual income of a
stockbroker to be within the range of USD 35,046 to USD 136,391, including bonus, commission,
and profit sharing. As you can notice, the amounts vary differently based on the varied factors.
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum educational requirements at entry-level is a bachelor's degree in business, finance,
accounting, or economics.
For those looking for high-end positions, better compensation, and bonuses, a master's degree in
business administration (MBA) is mandatory.
Many firms hire interns with a keen analytical mind, numerical ability, logical thinking, excellent
communication and interpersonal skills, and the most successful ones are often offered full-time jobs
after they graduate.
All aspirants must clear the General Securities Registered Representative Examination, also known
as Series 7 exam, to acquire a license.
7. Some states also require you to clear the Uniform Securities Agents State Law Examination and the
Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam to become a licensed stockbroker.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Suggest clients the right time to buy or sell the stock options with an aim to increase the client's
wealth.
Interact with prospective investors and provide information about various profitable services
available.
Monitor the international and local stock markets and inform the clients about any risks, or sudden
changes and fluctuations in the market.
Meet the clients face to face and devise retirement plans, or provide investment and tax-related
advice.
Prepare financial reports, either quarterly or monthly pertaining to the status of the investments
made, and present it to the client or management.
Work for long hours, preferably in the evenings and weekends, as most of the clients work during
the day and are available only in the evening and weekends.
This industry definitely provides ample growth opportunities for a deserving and hardworking
candidate. So, if you think you have good mathematical and analytical skills, decision-making
abilities, and good presence of mind, then who knows ... this could be your dream job after all!
However, you need to understand the fact that the entry in this field requires you to be highly smart,
ambitious, and talented. The competition is extreme and you need to prove your worth to fit into the
world of stock markets. All the best.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/stock-broker-salary.html