A Financial Services Agent is a professional who advises clients on financial matters, including investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings accounts, estate planning, taxes, and retirement. They play a critical role in helping individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.
Education: Bachelor's degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: Moderate-term
Projected Growth: 7.4% (far above average)
Annual job openings: 38,100
Direct AI exposure: 27% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 77% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $79K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $48K per year | $56K per year | $79K per year | $130K per year | $213K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $28K above the national average. | ||||
Financial Services Agents typically work in offices, either for a financial services firm or independently. Their work involves a significant amount of research, client meetings, and networking events. The role may require travel to meet with clients or attend industry conferences.
Financial Services Agents provide essential guidance to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes. They must understand various financial products and markets, analyze financial data, and stay abreast of economic trends and regulatory changes. Their advice can significantly impact clients' financial health, making it crucial to maintain a high level of expertise and integrity.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital, as the role involves explaining complex financial concepts in understandable terms and building trust with clients. Agents must also be adept at risk assessment, helping clients understand potential financial risks and rewards.
The career offers opportunities for continuous learning and specialization in areas like retirement planning, estate planning, or specific types of investments. Financial Services Agents often have the flexibility to set their own schedules, especially if working independently, but this also means they must be self-motivated and effective at time management.
A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field is typically required, which is approximately 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional certifications or licenses may be needed depending on the services provided.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.