Summary Report for:
41-3031.03 - Securities and Commodities Traders
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Interests | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
- Agree on buying or selling prices at optimal levels for clients.
- Buy or sell stocks, bonds, commodity futures, foreign currencies, or other securities at stock exchanges on behalf of investment dealers.
- Make bids or offers to buy or sell securities.
- Analyze target companies or investment opportunities to inform investment decisions.
- Develop or maintain supplier or customer relationships.
- Devise trading, option, or hedge strategies.
- Identify opportunities or develop channels for purchase or sale of securities or commodities.
- Inform other traders, managers, or customers of market conditions, including volume, price, competition, or dynamics.
- Monitor markets or positions.
- Process paperwork for special orders, including margin or option purchases.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Facsimile machines — Fax machines |
| Notebook computers — Laptop computers |
| Scanners — Computer data input scanners |
| Special purpose telephones — Multi-line telephone systems |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook |
| Financial analysis software — Bloomberg Professional; BondDesk Group Trader WorkStation; Triple Point Commodity XL; Web-based trading systems |
| Object or component oriented development software — C++; R * |
| Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
* Software developed by a government agency and/or distributed as freeware or shareware.
Interests
Interest code: EC
| Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. |
| Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. |
Work Values
| Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents.
Employment data collected from Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents.
Industry data collected from Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents.
| Median wages (2012) | $34.48 hourly, $71,720 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 312,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Average (10% to 19%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 133,700 |
| Top industries (2010) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
Find Jobs
for Securities and Commodities Traders
State & National Job Banks
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
