Financial services careers continue to attract professionals looking for stability, growth, and long-term earning potential. From entry-level roles requiring foundational exams like the SIE and Series 7 to advanced positions supported by licenses such as the Series 65, Series 24, and Series 63, compensation trends show a clear pattern:
Licensing, experience, and performance matter.
This overview is based on findings from our 2026 salary guide survey, where we polled hundreds of finance professionals across multiple career stages. It highlights current financial services salary trends shaping the securities industry.
Current Financial Services Salary Trends
While job titles and responsibilities vary widely across financial services, average compensation remains strong across the industry.
$103,878
Average annual compensation reported by respondents
This figure reflects more than just base pay. It includes bonuses, commissions, and incentives that reward performance, production, and client impact.
What’s most telling is how compensation evolves as professionals progress through their careers.
Early Career (0–3 Years)
Most professionals enter the industry focused on education, licensing, and hands-on experience. At this stage, earnings tend to be more modest, but the long-term upside is clear.
61% of entry-level professionals earn below $75,000 annually. While that may feel limited, it reinforces that early licensing and skill-building set the pace for future income growth.
Passing exams like the SIE and Series 7 early can accelerate career momentum and open doors to higher-responsibility roles sooner. For many professionals, these first few years are less about peak earnings and more about positioning for what comes next.
Start Building the Foundation
Learn what the SIE exam covers and how it fits into your securities career path in our complete guide: What Is the SIE Exam? Your Complete Guide
Mid-Level Growth (4–10 Years)
Mid-career professionals tend to experience the most noticeable salary progression. As responsibilities expand and credentials accumulate, compensation follows.
The majority of mid-level professionals advance into the $75,000 to $100,000 range. Certifications and additional licenses often play a critical role here, helping professionals differentiate themselves, increase client trust, and qualify for leadership-track roles.
This is the stage where specialization begins to pay off. Whether through advisory work, sales, trading, or compliance-focused roles, professionals who continue investing in credentials often see faster earnings growth than those who stop after initial licensing.
Senior-Level Earnings (11+ Years)
At the senior level, the income potential of financial services becomes especially clear.
66% of professionals with more than 11 years of experience earn over $100,000 per year, with average compensation reaching $157,271. These earnings are typically driven by experience, advanced licensing, leadership responsibilities, and business impact.
At this stage, compensation reflects not just what professionals do, but the value they bring. Managing teams, driving revenue, mentoring junior staff, and overseeing key client relationships all contribute to higher pay.
Where the Highest Salaries Are Found
Compensation is influenced by more than experience alone. Role type and firm structure matter.
Professionals working in Institutional Sales and Trading report some of the highest average salaries at $118,054. Independent Brokerage firms lead overall with an average salary of $123,439, reflecting performance-based earning opportunities.
Licensing continues to be a strong differentiator. Professionals holding the Series 65, Series 24, or Series 63 report average compensation above $127,000, showing these credentials are a meaningful investment in long-term career growth.
Financial Advisors also remain a strong and well-compensated segment, with an average salary of $102,000. This highlights the ongoing demand for expert financial guidance and wealth management services.
Future Compensation Expectations
Current salary data tells one story. Future expectations tell another, and the outlook is positive.
82% of professionals expect their compensation to increase in 2026 compared to 2025. Optimism is highest among entry-level professionals, with 87% anticipating a raise. Mid-level professionals follow closely at 82%, while 71% of senior-level professionals also expect higher compensation.
What is driving this confidence? Performance remains the top factor.
Producing high-quality work and exceeding performance expectations are the most common reasons professionals expect raises. Many also cite taking on more responsibility, possessing unique skills, and having a clear vision for the future as justification for higher compensation.
Revenue impact continues to matter. 34% of respondents attribute expected raises to driving sales and revenue, reinforcing how closely pay is tied to business results in the securities industry.
Are Finance Jobs Still in Demand?
Salary growth and strong future expectations point to a clear conclusion. Finance jobs remain in demand.
As firms navigate evolving regulations, digital transformation, and rising client expectations, licensed professionals continue to be highly valued. From entry-level roles supported by the SIE to advanced positions requiring the Series 7 and beyond, the industry consistently rewards those who invest in their careers.
Want the Full Picture?
This overview only scratches the surface. The full salary report goes deeper into role-specific compensation, licensing impact, firm types, and long-term career outlooks across financial services.
Download the full salary report to access detailed benchmarks and insights that can help you plan your next career move with confidence.
