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Broker, Financial Advisor, Financial Consultant, Investment Representative, Registered Representative, Wealth Manager
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Investment advisors deal with various financial services. Most advisors deal primarily with mutual funds, exchange traded funds, or pooled funds. Other financial services include:
They may work with individual investors or large institutional accounts. In general, investment advisors:
Investment advisors build their own client base with little help from their firm. Early in their careers, they spend most of their time finding and calling prospective clients. Once they have a base of satisfied clients, they may generate new business through referrals.
Advisors usually work in an office setting. They work long days and may be out of the office often. This is a fiercely competitive business with constant pressure to develop new client relationships.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in identifying potential investments for clients and in preparing investment strategies to help clients achieve their financial goals
Interest in consulting clients by offering advice and information on various investments to guide them in managing their portfolios; and in developing long-term relationships with clients and a network within the financial industry to gather relevant information
Interest in co-ordinating information to monitor clients' investment portfolios and ensure that investment transactions are carried out according to industry regulations
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Investment advisors need:
They should enjoy:
Employers generally require applicants to have related post-secondary education, preferably a university degree.
Post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer commerce, business administration, and related degree and diploma programs.
Certain courses are required for licensing. For details, see Certification Requirements.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Under Alberta’s Securities Act [pdf], you must be registered with the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) to deal in, advise on, and manage funds and securities.
Investment advisors need to complete specific courses depending on the financial products they handle:
Additional courses and training may be required after obtaining certain licences. For details, visit the ASC and Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) websites.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Investment advisors work at:
Some of the larger investment firms offer positions for summer students. This provides excellent experience. Firms also recruit students on campus. New employees generally start in entry-level positions as discount brokers.
Advancement in the investment field depends mostly on the individual’s initiative and ability. Some investment advisors become senior managers in their firms. Others move into senior financial positions in government or business.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Securities agents, investment dealers and brokers
2016 NOC: 1113
93.4% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Some investment advisors receive commissions on transactions. Others charge a flat fee based on the value of the assets they’re managing. Many advisors earn both kinds of income.
New employees may earn a salary during the first year. By the end of their third year, all their income comes from commissions.
Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) website: www.asc.ca
Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) website: www.csi.ca
Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) website: www.iiroc.ca
The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) distance learning website: www.ifse.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
