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Derivatives Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Derivatives Trader

Charleston, WV · Remote

$83K - $96K/yr

As Trader of OTC Derivatives at Anchorage, you will bring your expertise in trading derivatives (including options, forwards, and structured products) across digital and traditional asset classes to ...

Identifies hedging requirements but is not authorized to trade derivatives Job Role Responsibilities Collaborate with Optimizers to implement commercial strategies that ensure system balance and ...

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Derivatives Trader information

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How much do derivatives trader jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for derivatives trader in the United States is $64,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $72,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Derivatives Trader Do?

A derivatives trader is a financial investment professional who specializes in working with derivatives, which is a type of financial security contract that relies on another asset or group of assets, like stocks or bonds, for its value. Your responsibilities include analyzing the financial needs of a client, building a portfolio of investment options using derivatives, understanding financial trading data and market trends, and assisting clients with making the right derivative trading and investing choices to meet their goals. You typically carry out your duties for a range of clients while working as an employee of an investment firm.

What are some common challenges that derivatives traders face in their daily work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Derivatives traders often contend with rapidly changing market conditions, complex financial products, and the need for swift decision-making under pressure. Managing risk exposure is a daily challenge, as market volatility can quickly impact positions. Effective traders use advanced analytical tools, stay updated on market news, and maintain strong communication with risk management and research teams to make informed decisions. Building resilience and continuously refining strategies through learning and experience are key to thriving in this dynamic environment.

How to get a job as a derivatives trader?

To become a derivatives trader, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, along with strong analytical skills and knowledge of financial markets. Relevant experience through internships or entry-level trading roles, proficiency with trading platforms, and certifications like the Series 7 or Series 63 can improve job prospects. Successful traders often develop a deep understanding of derivatives products, risk management, and market analysis.

What is the difference between Derivatives Trader vs Options Trader?

AspectDerivatives TraderOptions Trader
CredentialsFinance degree, certifications like CFA or FRM often preferredSimilar credentials, with additional focus on options-specific certifications like Options Certification
Work EnvironmentTrading floors, financial firms, hedge fundsTrading desks, investment banks, hedge funds
Industry UsageUsed across financial institutions for various derivativesSpecialized within derivatives, focusing on options contracts
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap, both involve derivatives tradingMore specific focus on options strategies

While both Derivatives Traders and Options Traders operate within the derivatives market, Derivatives Traders have a broader scope, trading various derivatives like futures, swaps, and options. Options Traders specialize specifically in options contracts, employing strategies unique to options trading. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their focus and strategies differ, making the comparison relevant for those exploring careers in derivatives trading.

How much do derivatives traders make?

Derivatives traders' salaries vary based on experience, location, and performance, but they typically earn between $70,000 and $200,000 annually. Senior traders or those working at large financial firms can earn significantly more, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of financial markets are essential for success in this role.

What are derivatives traders?

Derivatives traders are financial professionals who buy and sell derivative contracts such as options, futures, and swaps. Their main goal is to profit from changes in the value of these contracts, which are typically linked to underlying assets like stocks, bonds, commodities, or currencies. Derivatives traders can work for investment banks, hedge funds, or trade independently. They use complex strategies to manage risk and capitalize on price movements in the markets.

What do derivative traders do?

Derivative traders buy and sell financial contracts such as options, futures, and swaps to hedge risk or speculate on price movements. They analyze market data, use trading platforms, and often require strong quantitative skills and knowledge of financial regulations. Their work involves monitoring markets closely and making quick decisions to manage risk and maximize profits.

What is a derivative trader job?

A derivatives trader buys and sells financial contracts such as options and futures based on underlying assets like stocks, commodities, or currencies. They analyze market data, use trading platforms, and often require strong quantitative skills and knowledge of financial regulations. The role involves managing risk and making quick decisions in fast-paced trading environments.

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

To thrive as a Derivatives Trader, you need a strong background in quantitative analysis, financial markets, and risk management, typically supported by a degree in finance, mathematics, or a related field. Familiarity with trading platforms, programming languages like Python or R, and certifications such as CFA or FRM are commonly required. Exceptional decision-making, stress management, and communication skills set top traders apart in fast-moving environments. These competencies are vital for making informed, timely trades and effectively managing risk in volatile markets.
What cities are hiring for Derivatives Trader jobs? Cities with the most Derivatives Trader job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Derivatives Trader jobs? The most popular types of Derivatives Trader jobs are:
What states have the most Derivatives Trader jobs? States with the most job openings for Derivatives Trader jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Derivatives Trader jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Derivatives Trader jobs are:
Infographic showing various Derivatives Trader job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,999 per year, or $31.2 per hour.
Derivatives Trader

Derivatives Trader

Anchorage Digital

Charleston, WV • Remote

$83K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

At Anchorage Digital, we are building the world’s most advanced digital asset platform for institutions to participate in crypto.
 
Anchorage Digital is a crypto platform that enables institutions to participate in digital assets through custody, staking, trading, governance, settlement, and the industry's leading security infrastructure. Home to Anchorage Digital Bank N.A., the first federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., Anchorage Digital also serves institutions through Anchorage Digital Singapore, Porto by Anchorage Digital, and other offerings.
 
The company is funded by leading institutions including Andreessen Horowitz, GIC, Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Visa, with its Series D valuation over $3 billion. Founded in 2017 in San Francisco, California, Anchorage Digital has offices in New York, New York; Porto, Portugal; Singapore; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn more at anchorage.com, on X @Anchorage, and on LinkedIn. 

With the evolving landscape of digital threats and an increasing volume of sophisticated attacks by malicious actors, we have a security policy mandating all new hires complete an in-person onboarding process - no exceptions. Security is our foundation and we prioritize physical identity verification and secure IT setup. While our security and IT logistics require physical presence to protect our infrastructure from sophisticated global threats, this move is equally about our Village culture. We believe that a laptop can be shipped, but our culture cannot.


We are seeking a mid-level derivatives trader to help us build and scale our OTC Derivatives Trading business. If you have a strong foundation in derivatives trading, are passionate about crypto and trading, and thrive in a collaborative, high-energy environment, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
  • As Trader of OTC Derivatives at Anchorage, you will bring your expertise in trading derivatives (including options, forwards, and structured products) across digital and traditional asset classes to help build and scale a best-in-class trading platform. You will play a key role in executing client business, managing risk, and developing the derivatives trading franchise.

In this position, you will:

  • Develop, execute, and manage trading strategies for digital asset derivatives.
  • Drive P&L growth while maintaining disciplined risk management practices.
  • Build and refine trading infrastructure, develop new models, and create durable processes to support the growth and success of our derivatives business.
  • Coordinate closely with team members across the globe to deliver seamless market operations
  • Collaborate with engineering and quant teams to build and enhance trading infrastructure and improve execution quality and risk management systems
  • Provide market color and insights to internal stakeholders and help produce client-facing content.
Must Haves:
  • Experience: 3-5 years of experience in trading derivatives including options, forwards, and structured products. Prior sell-side derivatives trading experience at a bank and professional crypto experience are highly valued.
  • Market Knowledge: Possess strong fundamentals in derivatives pricing, risk management, and market structure.
  • Quantitative Skills: Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, coding skills, and excellent attention to detail. Experience with quantitative modeling and data analysis using Python, R or other languages. Experience working with complex financial models, interpreting datasets, and deriving actionable insights to drive trading decisions.
  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Culture: Strong attention to detail and disciplined approach to risk management. Intellectual curiosity and a strong desire to learn crypto markets. Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high feedback trading environment. A collaborative team player who demonstrates high levels of ownership in their responsibilities.
Although not a requirement, bonus points if:
You were emotionally moved by the soundtrack to Hamilton, which chronicles the founding of a new financial system. :)You were emotionally moved by the soundtrack to Hamilton, which chronicles the founding of a new financial system. :)
About Anchorage Digital: Who we are
 
The Anchorage Village, what we call our team, brings together the brightest minds from platform security, financial services, and distributed ledger technology to provide the building blocks that empower institutions to safely participate in  the evolving digital asset ecosystem. As a diverse team of more than 600 members, we are united in one common goal: building the future of finance by providing the foundation upon which value moves safely in the new global economy. 
 
Anchorage Digital is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone, and we are intentional about making sure people feel respected, supported, and connected at work—regardless of who you are or where you come from. We value and celebrate our differences and we believe being open about who we are allows us to do the best work of our lives.
 
Anchorage Digital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or veteran status. Anchorage Digital considers qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with other legal requirements. “Anchorage Digital” refers to services that are offered either through Anchorage Digital Bank National Association, an OCC-chartered national trust bank, or Anchorage Lending CA, LLC a finance lender licensed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, License No. 60DBO-11976, or Anchorage Digital Singapore Pte Ltd, a Singapore private limited company, all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Anchor Labs, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
 
Protecting your privacy rights is important to Anchorage Digital, and we work to maintain the trust and confidence of our clients when handling personal or financial information. Please see our privacy policy notices here.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.