Paralegals and Legal Assistants vs Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
Median annual salary
472,300 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents professionals earn $17,130 more per year than Paralegals and Legal Assistants professionals — that's 28.1% higher. At the 90th percentile, Paralegals and Legal Assistants earns $98,990 compared to $215,210 for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,710 | $47,080 | $-7,370 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,190 | $51,600 | $-3,410 |
| Median (50th) | $61,010 | $78,140 | $-17,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,280 | $129,480 | $-51,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,990 | $215,210 | $-116,220 |
| Mean (Average) | $66,510 | $110,400 | $-43,890 |
Employment Numbers
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
367,220
employed nationwide
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
472,300
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Paralegals and Legal Assistants
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,740 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $85,230 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $84,950 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $80,550 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $79,240 |
Best Cities for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $166,170 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $101,720 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $97,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $95,910 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $84,270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Paralegals and Legal Assistants or Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents?
What is the salary range for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
What is the salary range for Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents?
How many Paralegals and Legal Assistants and Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents to Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS