A Series 7 license isn’t just a professional credential—it’s a legal requirement for careers like financial advising and stockbroking. Without it, selling securities like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds—key staples of these professions—is simply off the table.
But beyond meeting legal requirements, earning the Series 7 license opens the door to a wide range of permitted activities, including the solicitation, purchase, and sale of corporate securities, mutual funds, ETFs, options, and more. This versatility directly impacts earning potential, with the Series 7 license salary reflecting the broad scope of opportunities it provides.
In this guide, l will explore everything you need to know about Series 7 license salary, from average pay to factors that can influence your earnings. By the end, you’ll have the insight you need to decide if pursuing the Series 7 license is the right move for your career.
Key Takeaways
- Salary Range: Series 7 license salaries vary widely, depending on experience, role, and location, with commission-based roles often offering uncapped earning potential.
- High-Demand Roles: Financial advisors, investment advisors, and mutual fund managers often benefit from holding a Series 7 license.
- Certification Advantage: Obtaining the Series 7 license provides a critical advantage in the securities industry, paving the way for advanced certifications and career growth.
- Diverse Opportunities: The Series 7 license enables professionals to manage client assets, provide investment advice, and sell securities on behalf of corporations or individuals.
- Career Flexibility: A Series 7 license opens doors to diverse careers, including financial advisor, stockbroker, investment consultant, and wealth manager.
What Influences Series 7 License Salary?
The salary you can adjust to after earning a Series 7 license is influenced by a number of factors, including experience, specific job title, and whether their compensation is commission-based or a standard, flat pay. Here are the most common factors that affect Series 7 salaries:
1. Experience Level
Your experience level significantly impacts your salary. Entry-level roles, such as junior financial advisors or stockbrokers, typically start with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $75,000 annually. However, if you’re a seasoned professional with a loyal client base and proven track record, you can look forward to earning $100,000 on average. Keep in mind that commissions and bonuses can dramatically increase these numbers!
Paycheck Power-Up: Be patient initially, as your first few entry-level years won’t be as financially glamorous. In the meantime, learn how to negotiate your salary (and let’s face it, learning how to get your bosses to like you is always a smart strategy!)
“I earned a $50k salary during my first year out of school working for a hybrid RIA. Well, a key employee left suddenly, and I stepped up. I’m at $100k 2 years later and an additional $20-30k in annual bonuses plus benefits and profit sharing. No sales at all, and practically every single client is happy with my service because of the no-pressure recommendations. I’ve been there a total of 7 years as a FA, account servicer, and managing the tech stack. I work for a small RIA with 3 other people.”
r/skyeric875
2. Role and Industry
The specific role you hold in the financial services industry also plays a critical part in your earning potential. The two most common positions include:
- Financial Advisors: Financial advisors often work directly with clients, providing investment advice and managing portfolios. The salaries can range from $75,000 to over $130,000 annually, with many advisors earning additional income through commissions.
- Stockbrokers: Stockbrokers with Series 7 licenses focus on selling stocks and other securities. Salaries can vary widely, with commissions playing a significant role in income. However, the average is around $70,000. Top-performing stockbrokers can earn six-figure or even seven-figure salaries in high-demand markets.
Paycheck Power-Up: Choose the role that best matches your income goals! Stockbrokers and financial advisors both have high earning potential, but financial advisors have more equally distributed salaries. Meanwhile, stockbrokers tend to either make $50,000 (80% of them) or $100,000 or more (20%).
3. Location
Geography is another critical factor influencing salaries. Obviously, you’re going to make more working for a huge firm in New York City than you will in a small town in the middle of nowhere!
Paycheck Power-Up: To better represent your salary, look for salaries specifically in your state or large cities near you. Do you want to earn more than you can in your area? Pack your bags!
4. Commission-Based Roles
Many Series 7 license holders operate in commission-based roles, where earnings are tied to sales. While base salaries may be modest, commissions can significantly increase total compensation. For example, a financial advisor managing $10 million in assets might earn a commission-based salary that far exceeds the base pay of a salaried mutual fund manager.
Paycheck Power-Up: Get good at building relationships with your clients and get good at sales. Sales can feel icky, but remember, clients come to you for advice. They want you to sell to them. Just solve their problems with the perfect solution, and you’ll be invaluable (and your paycheck will reflect that!).
Salary Breakdown for Series 7 License Holders
Let’s dive into the typical salary ranges for professionals with a Series 7 license:
- Entry-Level Roles: Expect a base salary of $50,000 to $75,000, with additional earning potential based on commissions and bonuses.
- Mid-Level Roles: Professionals with 3–7 years of experience can earn between $75,000 and $100,000 annually, often managing larger client portfolios.
- Senior-Level Roles: Senior financial advisors, mutual fund managers, and stockbrokers with over a decade of experience can earn well over $100,000 yearly, especially if they manage significant assets on behalf of corporations or high-net-worth individuals.
“I have 7 and 66, I work in an inbound call center firm. I can build my book and recommend banking and investment accounts. I get a salary plus commission, and I am on track to making $120K between salary ($75K) and commission. This is the middle of the pack for people… I was in retail banking for 10+ years and went over to investing, the best decision ever. I learned about investing and met some really great people.”
-r/acutallylos
The Role of Certification in Salary Growth
Beyond the Series 7 license, additional certifications such as the CFP® or CFA® designation can further increase earning potential. These certifications signal expertise and often lead to advanced career opportunities.
For instance, a Series 7 license holder who also obtains a CFP® designation may see their salary increase by 20–30%, depending on their role and the assets they manage.
Paycheck Power-Up: Earn more certifications, earn more money! However, don’t do this blindly—have a plan for why this certification will fill your wallet. Does your employer specifically say they’ll pay more? Or are you after a job and want a competitive edge?
Maximize Your Series 7 License Salary Summary
Let’s cover all of the money-maximizing tips we’ve covered so far, as well as add in a few more strategies for you to try:
- Negotiate and Network: Develop positive relationships with the people who sign your paycheck! Also, never be afraid to reach out and meet new people who might be perfect clients or employers in the future.
- Choose the Best Position: Series 7 careers have high salaries across the board, but financial advisors tend to see a more even pay distribution, so you’re statistically more likely to make the amount you want.
- Work in High-Demand Locations: Moving to financial hubs can lead to greater salary opportunities. Plus, you’ll have access to greater job opportunities and more people to meet!
- Stellar Selling: Get good at building relationships with your clientele, and selling will be second nature. You can also read finance books and take courses on the subject.
- Smart Certification Strategies: Generally speaking, certifications can boost your pay. Just earn them with a plan in mind so you’re not wasting your time or money.
Final Thoughts
The Series 7 license isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your ticket to a rewarding career with real earning potential. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to level up, this license opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, from managing client portfolios to selling securities like mutual funds, ETFs, and beyond.
Sure, the Series 7 exam takes time and effort to prepare for, but the rewards are worth it. With the right role, strong client relationships, and maybe even a few extra certifications like the CFP®, you can boost your income and build a finance career that’s both fulfilling and financially rewarding.
If you’re passionate about helping people with their finances and want a job where your hard work pays off—literally—the Series 7 license is a solid step toward making that happen.
FAQ
Yes, a Series 7 license allows you to sell securities and earn a competitive salary, often supplemented by commissions.
Salaries after Series 7 range from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location.
Yes, it opens doors to high-paying roles in the financial services industry and increases earning potential.
It qualifies you for roles like stockbroker, financial advisor, and mutual fund manager.
Earnings can exceed $100,000 annually in senior roles, especially with commissions and bonuses.
