Entry-Level Salaries

• According to the salary data website PayScale.com, entry-level salaries for stock brokers fall between $30,000 and $40,000, sliding into the $35,000 to $50,000 range after a couple years of experience.
  
  

Average

• Another salary tracking website, Salary.com, reports that the national average for stock brokers at all experience levels is $55,000, with most brokers making between $48,000 and $60,000. Base pay changes not only as a function of experience but also location; for example, starting salaries in New York reach almost $50,000.
  
  

Commissions

• Brokers make their money off commissions. Starting brokers make low commissions, as they do not have experience analyzing and pitching investments and more importantly lack the client base that supports senior brokers. PayScale.com reports that on the low end, a year's worth of commissions comes in at about $25,000, whereas very successful brokers can rake in $200,000 in commissions in a single year.
  
  

Training

• Stock brokers need both a salesman's attitude, relevant training and a license before they can practice. Salary.com reports that entry level brokers must have a bachelor's degree and experience in a related professional field. Additionally, brokers must pass a state licensing exam and become a registered member of the National Association of Securities Dealers.