A growing number of broker trainees has been cited as a possible reason why brokers’ gross pay inched up only 1% last year. According to the Securities Industry Association survey of retail broker compensation, average gross revenue was off 1% in 2005 to $414,000, while the average number of accounts per registered representative tumbled 21% from 526 to 414. Despite the drop in accounts, average customer assets per rep rose to $73.8 million, an increase of 1.5%, while the assets in the average customer’s account climbed 14% to nearly $184,000. Market observers say the large influx of trainees into the industry, still learning the ropes, was a drag on average compensation. No figures based on length of service were reported.