Most people think the Series 7 is a golden ticket to Wall Street money. But here’s the reality: some advisors never break $45,000, while others use the same license to earn six figures working with high-net-worth clients: same exam, completely different paychecks.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what Series 7 professionals actually earn, why salaries vary so much, and how some turn this license into a high-income finance career.
Key Takeaways
- Average salary: $57,583 per year, or around $28 per hour
- Typical earning range: Most Series 7 professionals make between $40,000 and $70,000; top earners reach $90,000–$100,000+
- Highest-paying states: Washington ($65,219), District of Columbia ($65,071), New York ($62,998)
- Compensation models: Base salary, commissions, bonuses, and profit sharing
- Career flexibility: This license opens doors to roles in brokerage firms, wealth management, investment banking, and portfolio management
What Does a Series 7 Financial Professional Do?
Once you successfully pass both the SIE and Series 7 exams, you are licensed to work as a general securities representative or broker-dealer agent. That means you can legally:
- Sell securities such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, options, and variable contracts
- Give investment advice (if you also hold a Series 65 or Series 66 license)
- Help clients build investment strategies and plan for retirement
- Buy and sell corporate securities, mutual funds, and exchange-traded products (ETPs)
- Work alongside financial advisors, portfolio managers, and wealth managers
Financial professionals with this license typically work for broker-dealer firms, large financial institutions, or wirehouses. Some transition into roles like investment adviser representative, portfolio manager, or even investment banker with experience.
Series 7 Salary Ranges
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th | $40K–$45K |
| 50th (Average Salary) | $57,583 |
| 75th | $70K+ |
| 90th | $90K–$100K+ |
These salaries include base salary, commission-based pay, bonuses, and profit sharing.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Series 7 Salaries
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $65,219 |
| 2 | District of Columbia | $65,071 |
| 3 | New York | $62,998 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $62,888 |
| 5 | Alaska | $62,014 |
| 6 | Vermont | $61,226 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $60,928 |
| 8 | Oregon | $60,882 |
| 9 | Colorado | $60,550 |
| 10 | Hawaii | $59,827 |
These states are home to financial hubs, corporate securities firms, and access to high-net-worth clients.
Series 7 Salary vs Other Finance Careers
| Credential/Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| CFP® | $101,940 |
| Series 7 | $57,583 |
| Series 65 | $78,695 |
| Wealth Manager | $85K–$110K+ |
| Portfolio Manager (CFA®) | $65K–$150K+ |
| Investment Banker | $100K–$150K+ |
Adding credentials like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) dramatically increases earning potential and can lead to senior roles, asset management, or mutual fund manager positions.
What Impacts Series 7 Salary?
| Factor | How It Impacts Salary |
|---|---|
| Client assets | More assets = more commissions or fees |
| Compensation model | Base salary vs. commission-based vs. profit sharing |
| Location | Financial hubs like NYC, Boston, and Chicago pay higher |
| Firm type | Wirehouse firms pay more than small broker-dealers |
| Credentials | CFA®, CFP®, or additional securities licenses increase pay |
| Client type | Serving high-net-worth clients leads to higher income |
Common Career Paths with a Series 7 License
Entry-Level Roles:
- Securities agent or broker-dealer agent
- Client service associate
- Financial services sales representative
Mid-Level Roles:
- Financial advisor or investment adviser representative
- Wealth manager
- Mutual fund representative
- Risk management associate
Advanced/Senior Roles:
- Portfolio manager
- Investment banker
- Wealth management director
- Partner with profit sharing
- Independent registered investment adviser (RIA owner)
How to Increase Your Series 7 Salary
- Work with high-net-worth clients and manage more assets
- Move to larger firms or financial hubs
- Add credentials such as CFP®, CFA®, Series 65, or Series 66
- Offer retirement planning, investment advice, and fee-based services
- Build a proven track record of investment success and strong client relationships
Final Thoughts
A Series 7 license opens doors to finance careers in securities, brokerage, and investment advice. While the average salary is around $57,583, your income can grow significantly depending on your firm, clients, compensation structure, and willingness to pursue additional licenses.
If you enjoy helping clients invest money, selling securities, and providing investment advice in a competitive industry, this license is a strong first step toward six figures and beyond.
FAQ
Yes. It allows you to sell securities, become a financial advisor, and access higher-paying finance roles.
No. You don’t need a degree, but you do need sponsorship from a FINRA firm, and many employers prefer one.
Top financial advisors, stockbrokers, business owners, and real estate investors can reach $400K based on performance, not education.
Senior portfolio managers, wealth management partners, hedge fund managers, and investment bankers serving high-net-worth clients.
Yes. With experience, strong clients, or roles in wealth or portfolio management, six figures is familiar.
