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Career Paths in Financial and Professional Services

The Financial and Professional Services Industry includes finance and insurance, professional, scientific, and technical services, management of companies and enterprises, and administrative services. Careers in this industry frequently involve interactions with the public, so customer service skills and being able to talk about the benefits of a service or accept criticism as a professional company representative is a must. Soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, professionalism, and dependability, are important in all industries and occupations, including the Financial & Professional Services industry. The Financial & Professional Services field has industry-wide technical competencies that represent the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in these industries. Familiarity with relevant regulations, codes, and laws imposed by regulatory agencies is crucial. Knowledge of business operations, financial reporting, and technology applications are some of the skills that are needed for success.

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The Financial & Professional Services industry accounted for 11.6 percent of total private sector employment, employing over 285,600 workers in more than 30,000 businesses in 2023. ​ Wages in this industry averaged $100,610 in 2023, much higher than the state average of $62,563 for private industries.

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A Career Path is a group of occupations within a career field. The pathways use industry-recognized credentials and are examples of how additional training or education can provide advancement opportunities. Learn how you can start and get ahead in Advanced Manufacturing.

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NOW

Require a High School Diploma and/or Short-term on-the-job training

  • Financial Clerks: $42,140

  • Customer Service Representative: $43,280

  • General Office Clerks: $43,330

NEXT

Require Certificate, Credential, Associate Degree

  • First-Line Supervisor, Office and Administrative Support Workers: $65,150

  • Executive Administrative Assistants: $57,690

  • Tax Preparer: $45,750

  • Advertising Sales Agent: $61,840

LATER

Require Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Degree

  • Loan Officers: $77,380

  • Personal Financial Advisors: $136,690

  • Human Resource Specialists: $67,480

  • Market Research Analysts: $73,200

Want to dive deeper with Missouri's figures about the Financial & Professional Services Career Pathway? Visit the MERIC website.

* Data produced by Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). Funding provided by U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration.

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