Securities underwriter

About this occupation

Securities underwriters administer the distribution activities of new securities from a business company. They work in close connection with the issuing body of the securities in order to establish the price and buys and sells them to other investors. They receive underwriting fees from their issuing clients.

A specialisation of securities broker.

• Correspond with customers and confer with coworkers to answer inquiries, discuss market fluctuations, or resolve account problems.
• Document security transactions, such as purchases, sales, conversions, redemptions, or payments, using computers, accounting ledgers, or certificate records.
• File, type, or operate standard office machines.
• Perform clerical tasks, such as answering phones or distributing mail.
• Prepare forms, such as receipts, withdrawal orders, transmittal papers, or transfer confirmations, based on transaction requests from stockholders.
• Schedule and coordinate transfer and delivery of security certificates between companies, departments, and customers.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 3 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Enterprising, Social

Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Time Management, Critical Thinking, Writing

US median pay: US$65,750 a year (2025), 35,940 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
• Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.2)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.