Financial Services · Financial Strategy & Investments

Brokerage Clerks

Brokerage clerks process trades, manage client accounts, and keep financial records accurate and compliant. You'll work in a fast-paced office environment where attention to detail and communication matter. Most positions require a bachelor's degree.

Median pay
$65,750
per year
Job outlook
-10%
projected to decline
Typical education
Bachelor's degree
four-year degree
Preparation
Medium
Job Zone 3

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What a brokerage clerk does

Brokerage clerks support the buying and selling of securities and investments. You gather and verify information from clients and market sources, process trades through computer systems, and maintain detailed records. You communicate with clients, brokers, and other organizations to confirm details and resolve issues. You also monitor transactions and documents to ensure they meet regulatory standards and company policies. The work is detail-oriented and requires you to stay organized while managing multiple accounts and deadlines.

Core work activities

Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Salary and job outlook

Brokerage Clerks earn a median of $65,750 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.

Lowest 10%$50,260
Median$65,750
Highest 10%$102,010

The outlook is softer here. Employment is projected to fall 10 percent from 2024 to 2034, though there are still about 4,100 openings a year from turnover.

Skills and knowledge you need

Top skills

  • Active listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading comprehension
  • Critical thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Writing

Knowledge areas

  • English language
  • Customer and personal service
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and electronics
  • Economics and accounting
  • Administrative

How to become a brokerage clerk

Most brokerage clerk positions require a bachelor's degree. During your studies, focus on coursework in accounting, economics, mathematics, and business. Develop strong computer skills, as you'll spend significant time entering data and using financial software. Consider internships at financial firms to gain practical experience and make connections. Once hired, employers typically provide on-the-job training specific to their systems and procedures. Strong reading, writing, and communication skills will help you succeed in the role.

Your path typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree while building computer and financial knowledge. Since education timing and program choice shape your entry point, Pathly can map the brokerage clerk path that fits you to map out your steps with a counselor and stay on track.

Certifications and licensing

You do not need a license to work as a brokerage clerk, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.

Common certifications

SPECIALTY
Certified Annuity Specialist
Institute of Business & Finance
Certification and licensing data provided by CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Is this a good fit for you?

You're drawn to organized, rule-based work where accuracy counts. You like working with systems and data, communicating clearly, and following established procedures to support a larger operation.

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Last updated July 1, 2026.

Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).