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Derivatives Trader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Collaborating with trading desks, Front Office, Legal, Compliance, and Credit teams on derivatives transactions and regulatory initiatives . * Managing legal, risk, and compliance issues for clients ...

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Derivatives Trader information

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$49.5K

$65K

$79K

How much do derivatives trader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 is a derivatives trader?

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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a derivatives trader?

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 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.

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 often 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, especially in financial hubs or large firms.

Is derivatives trader a good career?

A derivatives trader is a finance professional who buys and sells derivatives such as options and futures to manage risk or generate profit. The role requires strong analytical skills, market knowledge, and often involves high stress and long hours, but can offer high earning potential and career advancement in financial firms. Success depends on expertise, risk management, and market conditions.

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:

Who are the top companies hiring for Derivatives Trader jobs?

The top employers for Derivatives Trader jobs are:

What states have the most Derivatives Trader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Derivatives Trader jobs include:

Infographic showing various Derivatives Trader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 56% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,999 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Counsel, Derivatives and Trading Agreements

Balyasny Asset Management

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Counsel, Derivatives And Trading Agreements

In the role of Counsel, Derivatives and Trading Agreements, the employee will be responsible for the following: Reviewing and drafting all trading and finance document requests from various business units, including complex agreements regarding derivative transactions, repurchase agreements, prime brokerage agreements, and futures agreements; Managing onboarding relationships with counterparties Responsible for reviewing and escalating all commercial terms in trading documentation to relevant business teams and facilitating discussions with stakeholders, while properly balancing legal and practical considerations Successfully managing and processing all previous and outstanding document requests, while developing and improving tracking system for meeting business requirements and improving efficiencies Review and handle various legal inquiries by business units and assisting in handling and responding to regulatory requests Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work both independently and in a highly collaborative environment, with good judgment regarding when to elevate issues.

Qualifications & Requirements

In order to effectively represent the Company and communicate with clients, the employee must be someone who has: Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as negotiation and transactional agreement experience. Experience in the derivatives/trading agreement practice in a reputable law firm or in house required Strong desire to work collaboratively with the team Maintains a high standard of professionalism in all dealings with internal staff and any external partners, clients and regulatory agencies Problem solving skills and ability to identify and implement innovative and appropriate solutions Ability to prioritize and manage competing business initiatives and projects concurrently to meet/exceed deadline Consistent work ethic through hard work, confidence and effort Outstanding attention to detail and strong organization skills

Education, Training & Experience

At least 3 years of relevant legal experience required Juris Doctorate Degree Familiarity with sell side institutional derivatives documentation a plus Experience with ISDA, Repurchase Agreement and Prime Brokerage Agreement negotiation required