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Derivative Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pantera Capital Management LP

Trader

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Pantera is hiring a Trader to help execute trades across spot, derivatives, and structured products while managing risk, P&L, and market relationships. This role will help optimize trading strategies ...

Auros

Trader, OTC

New York, NY · On-site +1

The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of options and other financial derivatives and be knowledgeable about options pricing, greeks and gamma hedging. While OTC trading experience is ...

Auros

Trader, OTC

New York, NY

The ideal candidate will possess a solid understanding of options and other financial derivatives and be knowledgeable about options pricing, greeks and gamma hedging. While OTC trading experience is ...

Societe Generale

Junior Trader

New York, NY

Trading and making markets (or assisting with) on various equity derivatives on ETF and single stocks in all US markets for various client types, including hedge funds, retail, private banks, asset ...

MUFG

Derivatives Middle Office Trade Support

New York, NY · Hybrid

$101K - $122K/yr

The Derivatives Middle Office Trade Support Associate/AVP will be responsible for supporting all the firm's Fixed Income businesses; but especially the Rates Trading and Sales Desks performing trade ...

Societe Generale

Trader

New York, NY

Global Markets is a leading player in derivatives, with unrivaled over the counter and listed ... Trading Analytics & Market Understanding * Experience analyzing trading performance, identifying ...

Societe Generale

QIS Trader

New York, NY

Global Markets is a leading player in derivatives, with unrivaled over the counter and listed ... As a Trader in the Investment Solutions Trading desk, with a focus on QIS and Rates Volatilites ...

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Derivative Trader information

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$53K

$101.5K

$196K

How much do derivative trader jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for derivative trader in the United States is $101,533.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $181,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Derivative Trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Derivative Trader, you need strong quantitative analysis, risk management, and financial market knowledge, often supported by a degree in finance, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms (such as Bloomberg Terminal), programming languages (like Python or R), and certifications such as CFA or FRM are typically required. Exceptional decision-making, stress management, and communication skills help traders stand out in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. These skills are crucial for making informed, timely trades while effectively managing risk and collaborating with colleagues.

What are some common challenges faced by derivative traders in their daily work?

Derivative traders often face the challenge of managing high levels of market volatility and risk, which requires quick decision-making and strong analytical skills. Keeping up with rapidly changing market conditions, regulatory updates, and technological advancements can also be demanding. Additionally, derivative traders must maintain effective communication with other team members, such as risk managers and analysts, to ensure informed trading strategies. Staying disciplined and adhering to risk limits is crucial for long-term success in this fast-paced environment.

What are derivative traders?

Derivative traders are financial professionals who buy and sell derivative contracts, such as options, futures, and swaps, which derive their value from underlying assets like stocks, commodities, or currencies. Their role involves analyzing market trends, assessing risks, and executing trades to profit from price movements or to hedge against potential losses. Derivative traders can work for investment banks, hedge funds, or as independent traders, and they require strong analytical skills, risk management expertise, and knowledge of financial markets.

How much do derivative traders make?

Derivative traders' salaries vary based on experience, location, and performance, but they typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually. Successful traders with strong analytical skills and risk management expertise can earn significantly higher bonuses and commissions. Compensation often includes base salary, performance bonuses, and profit-sharing arrangements.

Is derivative trading a good career?

Derivative trading is a specialized finance role that involves analyzing and executing trades based on financial derivatives such as options and futures. It requires strong analytical skills, understanding of markets, and risk management, often working in fast-paced environments with high stakes. Success in this career can lead to high earning potential but also involves significant risk and stress.

What is the difference between Derivative Trader vs Futures Trader?

AspectDerivative TraderFutures Trader
CertificationsOften requires FINRA licenses, Series 7, 63, or 55Typically holds similar licenses, including Series 7 and 63
Work EnvironmentWorks in trading firms, investment banks, or hedge funds, focusing on various derivativesOperates mainly in futures exchanges or trading desks specializing in futures contracts
Industry UsageCommon in financial services, hedge funds, and proprietary tradingPrimarily in commodities, financial futures, and derivatives markets

Both Derivative Traders and Futures Traders work in financial markets, often holding similar licenses and working in related environments. The main difference lies in their focus: Derivative Traders handle a broad range of derivatives like options and swaps, while Futures Traders specialize in trading futures contracts. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Derivative Trader jobs
What cities are hiring for Derivative Trader jobs? Cities with the most Derivative Trader job openings:
What states have the most Derivative Trader jobs? States with the most job openings for Derivative Trader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Derivative Trader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Derivative Trader jobs are:
Derivative Trader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Derivative Trader job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,533 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Technical Product Manager, Derivative Operations

Athene Holding Ltd.

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$112.09K - $168.13K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

We are driven to do more. More for our customers and the financial professionals who offer our products. If you are driven to do more and love the challenge of pursuing more, Athene is your kind of company. You will find we offer more than the basics to create an inclusive and dynamic work environment at our various locations.
Purpose:
Athene is hiring a Technical Product Manager to support its Derivative Operations team. This role drives the design and delivery of trading and post-trade systems, leading initiatives across process improvement, system enhancements, product onboarding, and regulatory compliance.
Ideal candidates have fintech and/or derivatives technology experience, with strong knowledge of derivatives lifecycle, data flows, and enterprise systems, and can align technology solutions with business goals.
Accountabilities:
  • Partner cross-functionally (trading, operations, risk, finance, compliance, technology) to gather and translate business/system requirements into scalable solutions.
  • Analyze end-to-end derivatives trade lifecycle (trade capture through reporting) to identify gaps, risks, and optimization opportunities.
  • Collaborate with engineering and QA to define, validate, and deliver technical solutions across trading and post-trade platforms.
  • Own data and integration design including source-to-target mappings, APIs, trade feeds, and system interfaces across the ecosystem.
  • Support delivery execution by prioritizing backlog, managing roadmap alignment, and driving process improvements across derivatives operations.

Qualifications and Experience:
  • 4+ years of relevant experience as a Product Manager, Product Owner, or Business Analyst within financial services technology.
  • Strong knowledge of derivatives products (swaps, futures, options, forwards) and end-to-end trade lifecycle.
  • Technical proficiency in SQL, data analysis, and system integrations (APIs, messaging, file-based interfaces).
  • Experience working in Agile/SDLC environments with exposure to roadmap prioritization and cross-functional delivery.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Derivatives post-trade lifecycle experience (IR, credit, FX, or equity).
  • Financial messaging/data standards (e.g., FIX, FpML, SWIFT, JSON/XML).
  • Data controls: lineage, reconciliation, and exception handling.
  • Technical product delivery experience (backlog, roadmap, feature ownership).
  • Exposure to trading/investment platforms (e.g., Aladdin, Calypso, Apex).

$112,088.80 - $168,133.20 USD Annual
Annual Salary for this role is market competitive. Actual salary for all roles will be based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Depending on the role, a discretionary bonus plan or variable sales incentive may be included.
Drive. Discipline. Confidence. Focus. Commitment. Learn more about working at Athene.
Athene is a Military Friendly Employer! Learn more about how we support our Veterans.
Athene is committed to inclusion and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

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